The BMW Club JOURNAL £2.00 August 2006 2 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 The Journal CONTENTS Editorial Ramblings...... 4 August 2006 National and Section Officers...... 6 The Official BMW Club President’s Platform...... 7 within the UK and Torque Reaction...... 8 Republic of Ireland The new BMW R1200R...... 22 Affiliated to BMW Club Europa e.V Beaulieu 2006 ...... 24 www.bmwclub.org.uk Tour De Force Revisited ...... 25 General Enquiries: 0800 0854045 Motorad News ...... 36 FREEPOST THE BMW CLUB National Rally Advert...... 41 The BMW Club is the Trading name of The B.M.W. Motorcycle Club Ltd Registered in England, Registration Diary of Events...... 39 number 4261129 whose Registered Office: Charter Court, Around the Compass...... 48 Midland Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 5GE German Jottings...... 49 All Rights Reserved Book Review ...... 53 HONORARY EDITORIAL TEAM EuroRide 2002 ( 1 of 2 ) ...... 54 Please send all letters to Paul Nadin, Where We Meet...... 60 Mutual Aid to Owen Vaughan, features Section News...... 61 Dave Bertram. All other correspondence or queries should be sent to the Editor. Social and Register Secretaries...... 61 EDITOR: CHRIS FLEMING, 58 Janes Lane, Bur- Mutual Aid...... 78 gess Hill, West Sussex. RH15 0QR. Tel/Fax: Small Business Adverts...... 80 01444 245367. e-mail: [email protected] SECTION NEWS & ‘COMPASS’: Please send to the Editor at present. FEATURES EDITOR: DAVE BERTRAM “Kimber- ley”, 4 Southcrest, West Hunsbury, Northamp- ton, NN4 9UD. Tel/fax 01604 479749. e-mail: [email protected] TORQUE REACTION: PAUL NADIN, 49, Berk- shire Drive, Congleton, Cheshire. CW12 1SB. e-mail: [email protected] MARKETING MANAGER: ROB PEARCE 16 Forestfield, Horsham, RH13 6DZ. Tel/fax For problems regarding distribution of the 01403 Journal please first contact your Section 754912 e-mail [email protected] Secretary. Should there still be a problem then MUTUAL AID & SMALL BUSINESS ADS: OWEN contact the membership secretary. Their details VAUGHAN, 16 South Meadows, Pembroke, are listed on page 6. Pembs. SA71 4EW. Tel 01646 683188. e-mail: [email protected] DISCLAIMER SMALL BUSINESS ADS: CHARLES KNIGHT, The BMW Club Journal accepts for publication articles and letters written in good faith; however, the views expressed in articles and letters which are Tel/Fax: 01534 485474 e-mail published are not necessarily those of the editor of the Journal or those of [email protected] the BMW Club or its officers or members. DIARY OF EVENTS: GORDON CATCHPOLE, The information, including advice and suggested modifications published in the The BMW Club Journal has not been approved, tested or otherwise Avenida de las Especias 58, Pinar de checked by The BMW Club Journal or the BMW Club. Before acting on Campoverde, 03190 Pilar de la Horadada, information, advice or suggested modifications published in The BMW Alicante, Spain. Tel/fax: (0034) 966762893. e- Club Journal you should always obtain technical advice, and if appropriate have a professional motor-cycle engineer carry out the work for you. mail: [email protected] The BMW Club Journal and the BMW Club cannot accept liability for any COMMERCIAL DISPLAY ADS: DAVE ENSOR 4 loss, damage or claims occurring as a result of any modifications or work or other action carried out on the advice or based on the suggestions given High Silver, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4EL Tel/Fax in any article or letter published in The BMW Club Journal and (save for death or personal injury arising from The BMW Club Journal’s negligence) 020 8508 3906 [email protected] all such liability is hereby excluded. TECHNICAL OFFICER: MIKE FISHWICK, Sirgon, The BMW Club Journal is published for and on behalf of the B.M.W. Motorcycle Club Ltd. 24250 Daglan, France. e-mail: The BMW Motorcycle Club Ltd, the BMW Club Journal, It’s Editor and [email protected] Officers accept no liability in respect of loss or damage occasioned directly or indirectly as a result of the publication of any advertisement in The BMW 100,000 MILE AWARDS: BOB HARRISON, 251 Club Journal or Web site Preston Road, Coppull. PR7 5DS. Tel: 01257 793209 e-mail:[email protected] The cover : two fine examples of German And grateful thanks to: Tony Wood for as- Engineering ( Jack Weir’s K1200S in pride of sistance with proof reading and sub-editing. place ) BMW Club Journal • August 2006 3 SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND

Editorial We have been fortunate in locating a replacement for Dave Ensor, our commercial display ads manager. He’s Jim Bruce and Freewheeling he’s based on the Isle Of Skye - all being well he’ll be in the hot seat from September onwards.

The editorial team is now truly multinational. Yours truly is based in Mid-Sussex ( as is our marketing manager, Rob : and by pure serendipity so are our printers and mailing house ). Diary Editor Gordon is in Spain, Tech Ed Mike is in France, Mutual Aid Owen says he’s in Darkest Wales while Small Business Ads Chaz lurks on the Channel Islands.

Then there’s Features/Deputy Editor Dave and Torque Reaction Paul who reside Somewhere North Of Watford - with Jim coming on board now we have a team member who lives Even After last month’s hiatus its business-as- Further North. usual this month, especially as we’re back to 84 pages. Whether this happy state of affairs Thank heavens for broadband ... although I can continue is up to you, gentle reader, for still propose holding regular editorial team unless you keep sending in your contributions meetings, if nothing else just to see the look we can’t print them ... of joy on Our Treasurer’s face when I present him with the bill .... As hiatuses go it was rather special. 24 hours before the Journal was due to be despatched CHANGES to the printers, I experienced what’s known as a computer system crash. My backup The proposed revamp of the Journal is taking system - a second hard disk cloned by the longer than I had planned for a variety of ever-so-useful Norton Ghost utility program- reasons, but they are still in the pipeline, so to was called into play, but this also crashed as speak. One of the most significant will be soon as you tried to use it. It seemed I either having a picture of the social secretary had a major hardware/machine fault or more accompanying their Section News report each worryingly I may have contracted a particularly month. Since this idea was announced two nasty PC virus known as a “Trojan” - one that issues back my in-box has been lies dormant for a specified period then when conspicuously silent on the matter. Please waking up causes havoc. In the end, it seemd send in a passport-sized photo either by post it was a Trojan causing the headaches so I or eMail and ( if necessary ) I’ll use the put the clone disk into an old PC ( never throw PhotoShop program to make you look even anything away is my motto... ), re-installed the more attractive .... software programs and managed to resurrect most of the data held on the backup. We also haven’t lost sight of the proposed Consequently last month’s edition was(re)- photos-of-bikes-for-sale concept : once the assembled in a bit of a rush .... it took several details have been discussed and agreed in- hours just to re-install the programs ! As you house we’ll go public ! can see above, the restoration process was carefully supervised by The Management ...

4 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 The Editor’s K5RT Project .... THE BMW CLUB is gradually gaining momentum and I’ve put NEC VOLUNTEERS nearly 10000 miles on the clock since its JOURNAL APPEAL purchase in March. A series of articles about its refurbishment are in-progress ( not helped by the Editor’s faux-pas when he deleted files from the camera rather than transferred them HELP to the much-discussed PC ... ) but already its more than covered its cost compared to using NEC public transport and its proving to be a nice VOLUNTEERS reliable and economical runabout to boot. NEEDED ! Friends of the project include MotoBins ( windscreens ) MotorWorks ( instruments and fixings ), SPC Motorcycles ( don’t mention radio wiring in their earshot : Steve, Dean and Hopefully you have got the message, but just Jody have been known to go a bit pale around in case you haven’t The BMW Club will be the gills when the subject is mentioned, while back to the Motorcycle & Scooter Show again poor old Peter has Aged Prematurely. That’s this year. The dates are Thursday the 26th before the vexed question of brake disks October through to Sunday the 5th of emerged .... ) and Pete Rihoy who helped me November. tackle the intracacies of purchasing a used radio on eBay from Germany. Also a special We need your body to help run the stand and note of thanks to Nippy Norman and Autocom the main qualification is that you are who have provided lots of goodies for testing enthusiastic about our Club. You will be : thank you one and all for your patience and expected to convey this enthusiasm to any courtesy throughout. person who shows a remote interest in BMW motorcycles and if they actually own one then you will be obliged to make them a member.

Joking aside if you have a day or days to give the club some help at this premier motorcycle event please get in touch. You will be briefed on what is involved.

The rewards are astounding, you get in the show free from 8am if you want to, laughs are guaranteed and we even supply the tea and coffee. with the odd biscuit thrown in to keep your sugar levels up.

So you want to know more? Contact me before September 30th, at 32, Fairthorne Way, Shrivenham, SN6 8 EA, or phone 01793 782 428, email [email protected].

If you have helped before and mentioned that you would like to help again still contact me so that I can get your details up to date. Be nice when its finished .... Mike Warrilow

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 5 National Officers & Section Secretaries

HONORARY NATIONAL OFFICERS HONORARY SECTION SECRETARIES PRESIDENT: TONY MOORES, 54 Lingmoor Drive East Anglia: CLIFF BATLEY, 46 Nemans Rd., Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1UA. Tel: 01787 378064 e-mail: Manor Park, Burnley, BB12 8UY. Tel/Fax: 01282 [email protected] 421628. e-mail: [email protected] Irish: JAMES CONNOLLY, Landenstown, Sallins, Kildare, SECRETARY:STEVE SHEPLEY, Tulloch Mor Ireland. Tel: 0035345868638. e-mail: Tullynessle Aberdeenshire AB33 8DD Tel 01975 [email protected] London: NICK FRY, 4 Newbury Close, Chancellors 564199 e-mail: [email protected] Road, Stevenage, Herts. SG1 4TE. Tel: 01438 749 913. TREASURER: DEREK JOHNSON, 32 Eason Drive, e-mail: [email protected] Radley Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 3YD Tel: Mercia: RAY SMITH, 1,Parsons Close, Church Gresley, 01235 532622. Fax: 01235 539689 Derbyshire. DE11 9NQ. Tel: 01283 551915. e-mail: [email protected] ASSISTANT TREASURER: BOB BARKER, 88 Midland: ROB HARVEY, 33 Rochester Court, Bourne, Browns Bay Road. Islandmagee, Larne BT40 3RX Lincs PE10 9EW Tel: 01778 393187 Phone 028 9338 2558Mobile 07770 746627 North East: ANN WRAY, Hoge Veluwe, 19 Greenhills eMail [email protected] Byers Green, Spennymoor, Co. Durham. DL16 7QJ. Tel: 01388 605764 e-mail: [email protected] SOCIAL SECRETARY: GEOFF THOMPSON, 44 Northern: BERNARD J. TAGG, 349 Tag Lane, Ingol, Barnford Road,Heywood, Lancashire OL10 4TA Preston. PR2.3XA. Tel: 01772.466205 Email: Tel 01706 629206 e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Oxford: TIM READ, 15 The Limes, South Cerney, MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: DICK BOYD, Stewart Cirencester, Glos. GL7 5RF. Tel. 01285 869 320. e-mail Place, Garmouth IV32 7LX. Tel: 01343 870389, [email protected] Fax: 01343 870591. e-mail: Scottish: JASON GOODWILL, 3 Upper Burnside Court, [email protected] Thurso, Caithness. KW14 7XT. Tel: 01847893935. e-mail: [email protected] POST/5 TOOL HIRE SECRETARY: MIKE South East: BRIAN SHEARS, 100 Park Avenue, DELACOE, 4 Charwelton Road, Preston Capes, Northfleet DA11 8DL. Tel. & Fax: 01474 566142. e-mail: Daventry. NN11 3TA. 01327 360945.e-mail [email protected] [email protected] Southern: GREG SMITH, 2 Claudius Gardens, Chandlers Ford, Hants. SO53 2NY. 02380 251146. e-mail: PRE/5 TOOL HIRE SEC: PETER DUNN, 101Sta- southern.sec@bmw-club.org.uk tion Road, Thatcham, Berks.RG19 4QH Tel: 07941 South West: LESLIE MADGE Glenthorne, Yeoford Road 075165. e-mail: [email protected] Cheriton Bishop Exeter Devon EX6 6JA Tel 01647 REGALIA SECRETARY: JEAN COX, 22 24523 e-Mail [email protected] Combermere, Thornbury, Bristol. BS35 2ET. 01454 Ulster: BOB BARKER, 88 Browns Bay Rd., Islandmagee, Larne, Co., Antrim. BT40 3RX. Tel: 02890 777490. e- 415358. e-mail: [email protected] mail: [email protected] VINTAGE & CLASSIC REGISTER SECRETARY: Western: RON ELMSLIE, 8 Cleeve Lawns, Downend, MALCOLM McNAIR, 27 Syon Gardens, Newport Bristol. BS16 6HJ. Tel no: 0117 9569209 e-mail: Pagnell, Bucks, MK16 0JU Tel: 01908 216623 e- [email protected] mail: [email protected] Yorkshire: DAVID MILNE 132 Sandgate Drive, Kippax, Leeds LS25 7QR Tel: 0113 2860604 SPORTING REGISTER SECRETARY: ROBERT HQ Register: TONY PAINTER, 101 Gillards, Bishops BENSLEY, Oak Tree Farm, Heath Road, Banham Hull, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5HJ. Tel: 01823253897. NR16 2HS. Tel: 01953 888415 (+fax) e-mail: Fax: 08700514267. e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] SIDECAR REGISTER SECRETARY: VACANT ASS. SEC. FOR AMERICA: BRUCE PRESTON DELEGATES to other ORGANISATIONS WEBMASTER: GREG SMITH, e-mail: [email protected] BMF: TONY CARTMELL, DEREK JOHNSON, JEFF DYMOND, RICHARD POWELL and PETER MAPES VICE-PRESIDENTS: BRUCE PRESTON, 0208 979 1555 e-mail: [email protected]. BMW Club Europa: PETER DUNN FBHVC: M McNAIR TONY CARTMELL, 28 Houseman Place, Black- DVLA: BRIAN PRICE pool. FY4 5AE Tel: 01253 768421. Email: [email protected] PETER DUNN ( as above ! )

Please restrict any calls or enquiries to these Club officials to between the hours of 10 am and 10 pm, and let the Editor know if any of these details need amendment

6 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 Smith and the southern section team once again arranged and managed the club President’s presence and this year some careful planning (cunning perhaps) resulted in the club marquee being an integral part of the large Platform BMW GB on site display. Twelve bikes in a line with the new F800S and newly launched N A CLOUDLESS SUMMER’S DAY the F800ST sitting directly in front of the entrance A683 from Kirkby Lonsdale towards ensured people watching played an OSedbergh and Kirkby Stephen can be interesting part of the day as visitors a joy to ride depending on the volume of traffic. clambered onto the bikes, took photos and In early June the bluebell bedecked made comments. I reckon the 800s will sell hedgerows and hawthorn blossoms in the well and assure BMW of another marketing surrounding fields can compliment the triumph. undulating road as you head north. If you’re This was my first chance to try my GPS lucky the Romany caravans with traditional on unfamiliar roads and I was impressed, horsepower heading for the annual gipsy fair the pre-programmed route ensured I arrived in Appleby are strung along the road with at Lord Montague’s patch as planned with ponies in tow for sale. Prior warning of their time to look around knowing that existence is indicated with the Monica (it’s a long story) would direct deposits on the road and this me to the showground entrance. unique and colourful event is a However, on the journey home for reminder of another world of reasons I have yet to understand she travelling from the not too distant tried her utmost to direct me to past. This was my first chance Banbury instead of Burnley. The to try the magic map on the bike constant appeal to change my route (yes I’ve joined them!) following as I rode north along the M40 a lengthy wait for a Garmin eventually caused me to seek a mounting bracket the old, and service area to sort ‘her’ out. No doubt new technology made me I had caused some programming appreciate our rapidly changing probs when planning the route. Plans world. I must admit to feeling slightly envious are now in place to visit the biker do at of the bygone era and appreciated the Garmish and enjoy the Alps, hopefully commitment of the travellers in keeping their ‘Monica’ will then be up to speed and take traditions and lifestyle alive. some of the hassle out of navigating. June also means club business with Judging by the amount of national flags a NCM, most delegates attended but with the streaming from a high percentage of vehicles holiday season upon us some apologies on the UK roads it would seem a footy were tendered. We managed to get thru the tournament is in progress and the number very full agenda addressing many issues of flags littering the roads makes me thankful and of course began to address many more. I wasn’t in the flight path of one and on the Club business matters always seem to bike at the time. Still, it’s not often the nation preclude motorcycling and a warning from seems motivated by events in the home of Editor Chris that we really do need more the blue and white roundel. journal copy resulted in an appeal to ‘spread I’ve just renewed my bike insurance the word’. If you have always thought of writing and it pays to shop around, phoning a number for the journal but have always found a reason out of the club journal saved me £50 and not to, now is the time to find a reason to do! that’s more than a tank full of petrol (at the The New Forest in June is another time of writing!). area of particular interest, young ponies (again) and the annual Motorcycle World event at Beaulieu always attracts both tourists Safe riding and two wheel enthusiasts. Greg and Eve Tony Moores.

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 7 August 5th is the deadline for the September Torque Journal. Send letters or e- mails to Paul Nadin, Reaction details on page 3.

Motorcycle Museum Near to If you feel it’s worth trying to do something Oudenburg about it, then please read the message below and sign the form on the BMF website at http:/ /campaign.publicaffairsbriefing.co.uk/ Hallo, BMW riders. emailsupport.aspx?cid=3a1ebb13-0d0b- Lots of the motorcycle enthusiasts have been 478a-98e7-01c8725e9407 There is also visiting Ostend,Bruges and Flanders fields much more information at http:// and went to the Motorloft in Oudenburg to www.bmf.co.uk/home-page/index-0401.html sleep. The motorcycle museum that has beenfor 8 years in Bruges moved closer to Tony Cartmell Ostend (Bredene) and only five km from the Motorloft where Yvan de manager can explain you how to find the museum which is on the EDM Tabled on Diesel Danger to main road from Bruges directly to Ostend) Motorcyclists address:Brugse steenweg 39 Bredene. There’s a parking and a guided tour of 1 hour Thought you might like to know that the Early for every visitor in 4 languages and on display Day Motion (EDM) worded for Bill Wiggin MP European and American motorcycles, by the BMF Political Team was tabled on mopeds and scooters between 1914 Monday 5th June as follows:- Triumph type H And 1978 Triumph Bonneville.....But we have also a German Triumph and of course a R35 Bmw 1939 and EDM 2276 a R75 from 1975..... Subject: DIESEL SPILLAGE People interested in visiting the museum Sponsors please call 003250599056 or mobile nr Bill Wiggin MP 0473708078. Limit Öpik MP Email [email protected] our site www.oldtimermotorenmuseum.be Stephen Pound MP where you have all information in English. Peter Bottomley MP Hope to see you soon. Johan Schaeverbeke EDM:-

That this House welcomes the improvements Diesel Spillage to motorcyclists’ safety, but regrets that little has been done to remove the dangers that diesel spills present to motorcycle and I have received the message below from scooter users; calls on the Government to Richard Olliffe, who is the BMF’s Government raise awareness with diesel users, vehicle Relations Executive. As we all know spilt manufacturers, oil companies and retailers diesel can mean disaster for us as of the dangers of diesel spills; and motorcyclists. recognises that diesel users have a duty of care to other road users.

8 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 We now need to get people to contact their MP’s asking them to sign our EDM.

You can contact your MP, via e-mail, directly through BMF Campaigns Live! KillSpills Campaign area.

Regards. Richard Olliffe.

The Club Forum

The club forum isn’t working for me. I can read the posts about problems but I cannot post a reply to help people. I am not the only one; there is a series of posts starting with someone else who also cannot use the forum. I was able to do this before the database crash. When I registered again I was not able to enter my membership number, is this the problem?

It is not acceptable to have no one who is prepared to look at these problems. The only Let me say first of all that I am not a GPS “support” at present is a few FAQ posts and ‘Geek’. I bought a cheap (£230) Median unit these have failed to resolve the problems. from Aldi’s just for fun, and I’m still at the stage Even after a thread was created by people where I’m amazed by the technology. unable to register as members there is still no help. Can we have someone who is prepared to support this site and who will I play in a band and it has proved invaluable either accept emails or monitor a problem in getting me and my gear to venues in far reporting forum? And please let “non- flung places, given an address and a members” post to the problem reporting postcode. But I digress…back to biking. forum. Last October I decided to have an out-of- Ian Cummins. Oxford Section season camping week-end in Wales with Lady Friend Monica on the pillion. My distinctive GS was laden with gear and I was following directions, voiced to my helmet by My Tuppence Worth (or Two Pence?) Alice (the GPS) who (sorry, which!) had been set to ‘motorbike mode’. This means that the GPS sometimes selects small roads which I’m almost frightened to put pen to paper after may be unsuitable for heavier traffic. reading some of the heavy letters about grammar and spelling, but I don’t scare that easy! (I know…’easily’). Also, much as I like We were heading homewards north on the Steve Saunders style, I’ll risk his derision with A487 towards Dolgellau and making fast a little GPS story to lighten things up a little. progress when an R1 caught us up, but because I was pressing on and mainly

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 9 because I got all the overtaking opportunities ‘real’ pistons and rods, it will equal them due it took him a few miles to get past. He was to the greater acceleration imparted to the quite gracious, momentarily removing his left balancing weight by its shorter connecting hand from his hip to give a one-fingered wave rod. as he finally passed. The reciprocating weight will therefore As he disappeared in the distance Alice asked balance the mass of the pistons throughout me to do a sharp right turn on to smaller, their stroke with an accuracy which cannot quieter roads. Some very enjoyable miles be produced by a crankshaft-mounted followed before we finally joined the A494 weight, the effect of which varies with heading for Bala. crankshaft angle.

At Bala lake I decided to stop for a brew and As far as the balance characteristic of the was indicating my turn on to the car park crankshaft is concerned, what BMW has done when…you’ve guessed it…the same R1 is to change a 360 degree twin (as used by came hurtling up behind. I have never seen Triumph etc) into a 180 degree triple, so such a look of amazement on a face. He avoiding the problems which can be almost fell off gawking at us, wondering how presented by a large vertical twin. The we’d managed to pass him. What joy! Thanks opposite motion of the balancing system will Alice! produce a rocking couple, in a similar way to Martin Stimson. Northern Section a flat twin.

It is said that there is nothing new in the engineering world, and this looks to be Nothing New closely related to a project by Triumph during the ‘seventies, in which their 750 twin was I was interested to note that while extolling fitted with an additional crankshaft journal, the virtues of their new F800 engine, BMW driving a balancing device which also refrained from telling their admiring public incorporated the oil pump. how the ‘Mass Balancing’ system works. Perhaps the now-dominant marketing men In the case of the Triumph, various consider such things to be beyond their target considerations prevented the use of a public! balancing system mounted below the crankshaft, the favoured design protruding However, what BMW appear to have done is to add a central big-end journal, 180 degrees out of phase with the other big end bearings, carrying a short but thick connecting rod pivoted on a weight at one end of a lever. This lever is pivoted in the crankcase at its other end, the weighted end therefore moving with the crankshaft, but in the opposite direction to the pistons.

The result is that the reciprocating mass of the pistons will be compensated throughout their stroke by the weight and its rod, which provide an equivalent mass, in terms of weight and ‘piston’ acceleration. Although the mass of the balancing weight and its connecting rod will be lower than that of the 10 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 from the front of the crankcase. Details of the design cannot be ascertained, but in all Yes I know I was taking a chance. But in those probability it converted the balance circumstances I thought it was safe. characteristic of the vertical 360 degree twin Expensive lesson. Hope you all learn from it. (which is virtually identical to that of a single) into the very acceptable compromise of a 90 degree vee-twin, by mounting the Ride safe and keep it yours. reciprocating balance device at 90 degrees Geoff Meade. Herefordshire to the cylinder axis. The Saga Continues.... It was not of course developed beyond the prototype stage before the inevitable bankruptcy took place, and remains another I found writing about the loss helped with the example of ‘What might have been.’ trauma! My fury was also eased by reducing the cost slightly. I was able to replace the Mike Fishwick. Daglan. France Garmin Streetpilot 3 at less than half I paid for the original. It’s now a discontinued Steal or No Steal? model. Also I tracked down a riding suit- worn only twice - half price in last month’s Journal’s small ads. Noel Edmonds’ TV revival shows the appeal of something so basic as a closed box. Does it contain pennies or pounds? If the simplest Interestingly a fellow motorcyclist suggested question can absorb an audience of millions, I might have been picked out because of the then a similar challenge to that set GPS holder, which remains on the machine’s contestants on “Deal or No Deal” must face yoke after you detach the unit. With Satnavs toe rags who make their living ripping off the most nickable item right now that may’ve motorcyclists’ hard luggage. How do they caught the thief’s eye as the bracket know whether that locked top box contains advertises the fact that you have one. gunge, or Gore-Tex? “Steal or no steal?” So what to do to prevent another top box being Which do they decide to prise off and which ‘jemmied’ off? I can’t leave the lid open to to leave? Is it haphazard or can these scum demonstrate there’s nothing to steal as that muster enough brain cells for rational unlocks the base plate. You might as well fix deduction? The classier the bike the better a label: “Free luggage – help yourself”. So it the prospect of a lucrative haul maybe. looks as though I’ll have to haul the box with me whenever I park up. Motor cycling’s not as simple and convenient as it used to be. I only ask because I had the misfortune to Geoff Meade. Herefordshire have the box stolen from my R1200GS yesterday. Parked up in a bike bay, along the Embankment in central London. Monday, mid-morning, fifty yards from a police station Excellent Service and even closer to the CCTV and armed guards of government buildings. And it was only there for a couple of hours. Yet the pond Whilst on the first leg of a planned museum lives have left me a grand lighter in the wallet. tour three friends and myself were travelling south towards York when my K100RT lost power and stopped in the pouring rain. Tot it up. BMW top box, black Aerostitch riding suit with mini i-pod and sunglasses in pocket. BKS gloves and Garmin 3 Streetpilot. A good Fortunately I had breakdown cover from day’s thievery and all uninsured. Ouch. Carole Nash Insurance who promptly arranged uplift. An hour later the bike and I

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 11 were collected and taken to Barrie Robson door! Good job we were family or it could have Motorcycles of Clifton where the bike was been interesting. With over a thousand unloaded from the trailer and left outside the Goldwings attending Narbonne bike week shop for the night. we did not look for an alternative. The promised variety of local restaurants to suit all tastes rang hollow - I for one don’t go to At 9.00 the following morning I was back at France to eat pizza’s and we ended up getting reception, explaining the symptoms to the on the bikes in the evenings to go and find staff who then called a mechanic and my somewhere to eat, which was not the machine was promptly wheeled into the intention. workshop testing area.

Another problem, a broken clutch cable. As I We were made very welcome, being offered was pushing the bike a French lad with an as much tea or coffee as we wanted, and immaculate K100RS stopped, saw the one and half hours later we heard the bike problem and phoned his local garage. Yes being started up. After a short test ride the they would help, took me there, went back mechanic reported that all was well, the fault and collected the wife, made sure the garage apparently being a ‘dodgy’ connection understood our needs then left to continue to underneath the tank. work. Ninety minutes later we are back on the road with a new inner cable made and The bill was very reasonable, only charging fitted for 15, yes, 15 euros. Vive la France. for just over one hour’s labour, and we were Geoff Foxwell. S.E. Section soon back on our way to complete the tour. So my sincere thanks to those involved and, of course, the usual disclaimers apply. Dave Allan. Scotland Insurers Logic?

Vive la France Does anyone understand the logic employed by insurance companies? Recently I made a telephone call to the BMW Motorrad Insurance The lure of a trip across the channel proved scheme, represented by Devitts, to renew the too much so with my brother and our better insurance for my R1150R. The premium was halves, the K1100’s were duly loaded and £134.27, until I reminded the girl that I had we set off. The principle objective was to visit declared a speeding ticket (my first offence Sir Norman Foster’s masterpiece at Millau, in 53 years of riding/driving) that I picked up and it is truly stunning and well worth a visit. for passing a speed camera at 37mph in a With this box ticked we moved on to 30mph limit in Portsmouth last September Narbonne to support one of the club journals when, while driving my car, I was guilty of holiday accommodation advertisers. paying too much attention to where I was going instead of concentrating on the The prebooked”gite”, which I now see is speedometer. Suddenly the premium shot advertised as an apartment, was situated on up to £189.93. a main road 8km from Narbonne and was reached by climbing over 30 steps to the living So not only had I been fined £60 by room, with the second bedroom, complete Hampshire County Council, but the company with 4" foam mattresses and an assortment insuring my motorcycle fined me a further of bedding, by even more steps, a total of 49 £55+, despite my never having made a claim in all! It was furnished with some new, some in relation to motorcycles during those 53 old and some broken furniture covered with years. If I had had an accident in the last old candlewick bedspreads! The bathroom twelve months and cost the insurance came complete with black mould in the company money, that would have made no shower but no soap, or even a lock on the difference to the premium, since I have a 12 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 protected no claim bonus. Where is the logic in that? Ironically, More Than, who insure my Mazda MX5, had thanked me for informing them, but said that they ignored SP30s unless you made a habit of getting them. Devitts cancelled the BMW Motorrad policy for me, and opened one with Equity Red Star instead at a more reasonable price.

Incidentally I have read that Portsmouth City Council, run by the Lib Dems (who else?), are planning to extend the 20mph limit they have in the city centre. That should rake in some money. Be warned, Mr. Ellis can call me irresponsible if he likes keep away from Portsmouth. but he took the picture from a fair distance (by the way, good picture) and did not once George Saunders. Suffolk approach me to explain his concerns. Before the GS I had a Pan European and R100RT and was the subject of much discussion in Those ‘Unknown’ Riders these pages (non BMW bike on BMW runs/ rallies) nobody ever asked if I had a BMW. With my wife we had many a good time - It’s a fair cop guv it was I. Well everyone gets rabbit, mad hatters, hippo and Yorkshire in 15 minutes so here is my defence: December, but self opinionated, ‘better than 1. According to the OS map the track I you’ comments eventually wear you down rode up to the beacon is denoted as a road, hence no more participation. track, drive with access off the main road. 2. No access sign was a painted board If Mr. Ellis wishes me to give up my nailed to log gate, no fence either side of the membership to make way for a responsible gate posts for ½ mile either side new member then all well and good (I won’t). 3. Skylarks nest on the ground in Finally, if we were all the same, what a dull heather or grass, not in the middle of the track world we would exist in. Can Mr. Ellis say hand on heart he has never broken any rules/ 4. Exmoor is full of sheep and lambs laws (speeding, overtaking clear road double so caution has to be observed at all times to white lines)? People in avoid them on the roads in and around that glasshouses……………… area 5. Snakes are long with black diamonds on their backs and none suffered Photograph above….. in the riding of that track. My speed never went above 10mph due to having to avoid ruts Andy and Maria Thomas aka unknown riders caused by tractors (tracks were clearly visible).

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 13 for me when my pillion passenger had the No Tea at Beaulieu same problem on my R60/5.

Sunday the 25th of June arrived. Hmm, I’ve The stuff is small enough to fold up or even got a freebie ticket. Off to Beaulieu and screw up into the smallest of pockets. Motorcycle World. George Compton I arrived at the club tent for the usual free tea and strawberries, but was told that the café was shut. Oh well, I’ll come back later. The only freebies on offer were the gratuitous The Apple Shuffle Job? insults from Greg Smith (he of the flashing name badge – this shrink tells me it will help A quick “thank you” to everyone who has combat his identity crisis!). phoned or e-mailed me with regards to my purchase of an Apple Shuffle 1gb I-pod. Now Numbers were down at the event (What world all I need is a 12 v bike charger, which I can cup? Who’s David Beckham?) and I use directly from my lucas cigarette socket. wandered back to the tent to be told the café was still closed. Thanks for all your help and advice.

Then in walked a face I recognized from a Iain Griffin. Midland Section photo, our very own president Tony Moores (he didn’t recognize me from my photo – he obviously doesn’t watch Police Five). We had a natter (the rumours about him are Report on a Dirty Weekend definitely not true) and we found that we had a few things in common. Before I left (café This years BMW Dirty Weekend event Friday still shut) I told him he could always look to 16th – Sunday 18th June at Pentney Lakes 8 me for support. Miles East of Kings Lynn, although not particularly well advertised had a total of nine Dave Shead. Bournemouth attendees, riding the following machines.

John Adams KTM 950 Adventure A Solution to the Shiny Seat Problem Chris Wrightson Suzuki DR200 David Mullins Honda XR250 In answer to the shiny seat problem (Paul Nigel Rangecroft Honda CRM250 Nadin’s letter, July Journal) there used to be Reg Moule BMW R100GS for sale something that looks like a small Bob Denman BMW R65G/s non-slip mat which is ideal for the job, though where you buy them from I don’t know. Terry Hartshorn BMW R1200GS Colin Young BMW F650 Funduro Your local undertaker has the same problem, Robert Bensley BMW R1100RS trying to prevent floral tributes from sliding around on top of polished coffins. I suggest Okay yes, not all were of BMW origin, we did that you put on your most woeful, tearful face have a few safety bikes for the just in case and visit them, explain your dilemma, and I scenario that were light and nippy, which we am sure that is where you will be able to all know BMW’s aren’t (light that is). This scrounge a piece of this material. It worked years camp site was picked by our very own

14 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 A Dirty Weekend In Thetford.

Mr Bensley’s in there somewhere ...

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 15 Robert “brackets” Bensley, an excellent venue As you’ll see from the photo’s a good time with a small club house catering for food and was had by all. For those that attended we ale, the shower block although a little walk were all grateful to John Adams for leading away was useable and clean. By 21.00hrs & not losing any of the group although we all participants had arrived, tents erected and did try, across the many fields and forestry several pints of cold beer consumed. Our first tracks and Robert Bensley for finding an evening meal was a very nice lasagna chips excellent campsite. I believe next years and salad, and plenty of it I hasten to add. venue is already in the search stage and judging by some of the web requests may become a bi-annual event? But that’ll all Most of us got a reasonable night sleep, depend on adequate numbers signing up although a word of warning if sleeping in the for the next event and of course it be vicinity of Reg Moule - use earplugs. Saturday publicised. morning arrived with a chorus of bird songs and the unbearable heat from the sun that only meant today’s activities would be sun- David Mullins. Midlands Section drenched. John Adams was the leader of today’s off road activities, and before setting off gave everyone a quick brief where, how and why. An Apology and a Suggestion

Because of the recent change in the law many First the apology to those club members who of the original routes had to be cancelled were unable to contact me following the downgrading byways, ruts and whatever. So publication of my adverts with incorrect phone a number of road miles had to be covered to number in the July Journal Mutual Aid column. get us to an area that was lawfully safe to Don’t blame the editor! - the typographical use. Once on location there were numerous error was in my original email submission. stretches of byways, all in a very usable For anyone interested in a 1978 R80/7, a 1971 condition - unlike last years event we only Slippery Sam replica T150 Trident or items had one fully road bike being the R1100RS from my 20+ years personal collection of /7 and I don’t think Robert found the trails too spares, my correct contact number is 01234 demanding for his bike. The recent lack of 741352 (or 07971 048773). the wet stuff meant the majority of trails were very dusty, and the composition of the East And now the suggestion. May I respectfully Anglian terrain is that of sand in most areas, suggest an amendment to the current Mutual unlike the Northamptonshire clay that we Aid ruling which stipulates that only one have. telephone number will be included in private ads. Whilst I fully accept responsibility for the Around 14.00hrs we took a break for lunch publication of the incorrect telephone number, and refreshments at one of the local public had my mobile number also been included, houses, sitting outside with cokes and this would have considerably reduced the burgers may have been a completely different level of inconvenience caused. Furthermore, picture had the weather been different. With given that it is not unusual for individuals to body and machine refuelled we headed back have non-business orientated email along the dusty tracks that had brought us on addresses and websites, contrary to another the four-hour trip to the pub. I think we may Mutual Aid ruling, can we not permit the have missed some of the trails out on the inclusion of these details if so requested by return haul and done more road work as we private advertisers? were back at the campsite for 18.00hrs, and the decision then was cold beer or shower? Prior to reading the plethora of Mutual Aid The cold beer wins it every time for me!! rules, I created a website (www.fastlane99.plus.com) with the sole aim

16 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 of providing further information (it includes signed up for the Saga Mystery Tour. We had the correct phone number!) and photographs a sweepstake to guess the surprise in support of the understandably limited destination. I came close, but the driver won! worded ads. I like to think this would have been of use to anyone contemplating contacting me. Ah well, better luck next time. Dave Shead. Bournemouth My apologies again to any club members that I have inconvenienced. Bob Lane. South East Section Apologies

With regard to the ride to Dolaucothi gold With Reference to Krauser heads mines that I was supposed to lead on the 1st of July from the Brecon mountain centre, I would like to apologise to all for not showing In response to David Porters letter (July up. issue). The Krauser 4 valve heads were imported from Germany in the 1980s by Ultimate Source (now deceased). A figure of This was due to an urgent and last minute 82bhp was claimed though I never saw a family issue that I could not avoid. I do hope published road test which verified this. that this did not cause too much inconvenience to those that made the effort to how. Very few were actually sold in this country so Brian Price. Western Section it may be difficult to locate a pair though it might be worth putting an advert in Mutual Aid. An informative article on the Krausers Slippery Seat Solution – Mark 2 appeared in the March issue of Classic Bike magazine, I will be happy to forward David a Like Paul, I was having trouble staying copy of the article if he emails me ‘planted’ on the slippery seat on my old K100. [email protected].

I found a simple (and cheap!) solution was However a big bore kit is now available for to wrap a piece of Grip Mat, available from airheads which increases capacity to 1070cc most D I Y Stores, around the seat and secure with a claimed output of 80bhp. I will be doing it with a couple of cable ties passed an evaluation over the next few months and underneath the seat, just to stop it blowing will report back in the journal later in the year. away when the bike is parked. Anthony Wood. South East Section

I now accelerate with the bike, and avoid painful contact with the petrol tank when The Saga of Mystery Tours braking sharply.

I have just had read to me the Midland Section If you can’t find Grip Mat locally, try M and P, News in the July Issue of the Journal in which who sell it as Wonder Web, for protecting Martin Ellis refers to the section’s recent sportsbike bodywork from damage by soft mystery tour. panniers and the like. Dave Hawkins. Oxford Section Having (just) become eligible to be a ‘Saga Lout’ and have a discount on my Zimmer I

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 17 ACF50, Rev Limiter Queries, and setting the timing on an R65 Finally, can anyone tell me know how to set the timing using a strobe on an R65? Because the flywheel is so recessed in the I think, as many people do, that ACF50 is spy hole, and the carburettor is in the way, brilliant stuff, however I’m just wondering if I how do you get both the strobe and your eye should have applied it with a little more care looking square into the hole to set the timing? and thought than I have, and if anybody else has found something similar. Many thanks for any help on this, I liberally applied ACF50 to my 1980 R65 a Jonnie Godfrey. London little while ago, and again recently. It makes cleaning the cylinder heads of crud much easier, but I am also wondering if it can lead to what appears to be oil seal failure. Report from the Isle of Man

For example, I fitted some new fork seals As it is now over a year since I last wrote to recently. Not long after I liberally coated the the journal I thought I ought to bring you up to triple clamp with ACF50 ahead of cleaning it. date with life in the Isle of Man. The TT is now I’m pretty certain that some of the ACF50 behind us of course but what a great one this found its way down the forks and onto the oil year, fabulous weather, new lap records and seals (it is, after all, designed to find it’s way a good time had by all! through small gaps), and I now have fork oil seeping through the seals. Not gushing, just Our house renovation is progressing slowly seeping (not dripping onto the brakes or tyre). as I now have a full time job, but we let rooms to a number of people for the TT, some who I don’t think I’ve done anything to blow the stayed last year and came back, others new seals (though you may suspect otherwise for this year but who want to return next year. after you’ve read below), so is it possible that As I am sure you all know, next year is he my overgenerous application of ACF50, in centenary of the TT, so if you haven’t booked inappropriate places has opened enough of by now it is probably too late. We are full a gap that the fork oil has seeped back out by already but if anyone wants to come for the osmosis. I also had the gear change oil seal Manx Grand Prix please get in touch. and the rear bevel pressure release valve start to seep not long after similar generous Although we are not a proper section there is applications. Of course, I may just have been an informal gathering of BM riders once a unlucky and everything wore out at the same month, third Thursday of the month at the time. Creek Inn, Peel, around 8.00 pm. We have a regular five or six people with a few visitors, On the rev limiter front, does anyone know of so if anyone local or visitor wants to come a cheap, reliable, and easy way to limit the along please feel free. revs on my 1980 R65 please? I recently missed a gear and it revved to about 8,500 As the house renovation is moving along I (working through my Isle of Man TT fantasies), can now hopefully spend a bit of time getting a thousand over the maximum. It doesn’t my workshop sorted, as the old R100 is in sound so good now, and I think it needs need of a little TLC. Four months of daily another timing chain. I believe a Boyer commuting plus several trips back to Leeds electronic ignition includes a rev limiter, but in quick succession have taken their toll. the points are still working fine, so is there Nothing that can’t be fixed but you know how anything else I could do instead of replacing it is, if it keeps going you tend to leave well the ignition? alone. I have an electronic ignition system to

18 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 fit, but don’t want to do it until I can replace equipped with their dreaded speed cameras. the timing chain first. Maybe next winter, You will not find them very sympathetic as although I said that two years ago! there is a general feeling that foreigners are still speeding, knowing that flash photos of their number plates will not (yet!) be followed In the meantime, thanks for the Journal every up. month, always a good read, and if anyone wants to get in touch you can ring me on 01624 629299 or email me on If you see cars coming towards you with lights [email protected] for a chat or if you flashing ...look out and check your speed. - are local call for a coffee. We are in Douglas, 30 mph in ANY village or town. and 56 mph just off the promenade. on ‘ordinary’ roads. Autoroutes are generally John and Karen Julian 80 mph (130 kph) but around the towns may be reduced to 68 mph (110 kph) Credit Cards in France On the positive side you will find the roads far less congested than in the UK - but you It was a pleasant surprise to receive my must avoid certain days. On Friday nights and Journal before the deadline for letters, albeit some weekends you can encounter by only one day! ‘bouchons’ of enormous length. For instance we are 20 minutes South of Lyon BUT on a Saturday morning it can sometimes take an I noted the letters about the occasional hour or more in a car. Filtering on a bike is difficulty of using a UK credit card to buy petrol not generally frowned on and motorists are in France and the comment from K.Smith that generally helpful, often pulling over to let you ‘most hypermarkets are still steam powered.’ through. However, to be fair, it is rather that the British banks have been steam powered and have only just caught up with the use of a PIN However there are unwritten rules here too. number, something that we have had in Don’t allow your speed to be much higher France for many many years enabling credit than the cars you are passing, try and stay cards to be used much more widely. Keith between the same lanes and don’t overtake Hackett may have found a solution by other motorcyclists who are doing the same ‘unlocking’ his credit card but of course it thing. All pretty obvious - unless you are a needs to be tried out before it becomes child on a scooter or 50cc bike - DO NOT essential! TRY AND COMPETE with them. They are looking for an accident and don’t require your encouragement. If I may give a little general advice to those travelling in France it is simply ‘beware.’ You will find that traffic everywhere is travelling I generally park as close as possible to more slowly and, dare I say it, drivers are wherever I am going -often the pavement in generally less competitive or aggressive. front of a restaurant or in fact in almost any There has been a massive effort to reduce place that doesn’t look too unreasonable and speeds, not only by fixed radar cameras is unlikely to hinder anyone else. I have a which are easy to locate, but by teams of prominent Union Jack sticker on my bike police scattered around the smaller roads although it is French registered but I don’t

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 19 think it makes any difference. I ALWAYS use a in the year - March 31st/April 1st, which in U -lock otherwise I am not insured. 2007 is the weekend before Easter. Ideally we would like a mention in “The Journal” & Other ‘motards’ will give you a wave or a the Diary of Events- if any pictures or details shake of the right leg when they pass. Your are required, again don’t hesitate, just ask pillion passenger can deal with such matters. We also intend, by the time of the NEC show, Yes, it is still a great country for motorcycling! to have the first 2007 flyer available, which Brian Rosen. France we will be hoping to distribute via the “BikeSafe” stand at the NEC & also via various traders. Would you be able to help Good Service us distribute a few of those, assuming the Club have a stand as usual ? I recently had my seat (R1100RS) reprofiled and re-covered by Motorcycle Seat Works, a Regards, company advertising in the Journal. P.c. 520 Martyn HILLIER, The result was first class with a prompt Bikesafe Co-ordinator, turnaround time. It’s good to see that quality and customer service can still be found, and Gloucestershire Constabulary, at a reasonable price. ANPR Unit, Operations Centre, Needless to say, I have no connection with Bamfurlong Lane, this company other than as a satisfied Cheltenham, customer. GL51 6ST John Riley, Canvey Island

Tel 0845 090 1234, or Direct Dial 01242 BikeSafe 2007 276443

You may recall we spoke late last Home phone/fax 01452 712706 year, or perhaps it was early this year, re the [email protected] BikeSafe show that took place at Cheltenham Racecourse on April 2nd/3rd. Home e-mail [email protected] I am pleased to say that we are repeating this show in 2007, the third such show, at the same venue over the same weekend “slot” 20 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 During the FIM International Motocamp at Vorden in Holland May 31 to June 3rd a ‘tug of war’ event was held and the British Team had two BMW club members in it. The picture shows Magie the FIM Official in No 1 position: 2nd is Jim Wade from the Midland section and 3rd is Keith Freak from the South West section. Although we lost overall: we did pull the Germans off their feet.... Jim Wade Midland Section

Buying an MZ Its That Man Again ... and his Dog

I sent in a slightly tongue in cheek e mail Having got me into so much trouble last time letter to you a couple of weeks back around, Mr Dulk sent me this on the explaining that I’d bought an MZ instead of a assumption that I wouldn’t be so silly as to BMW as BMW had closed their last dealer in publish it but daring me to do it anyway. Quite Kent. clearly, he was wrong on both counts - some dares simply cannot be refused. Couple of corrections, if it’s not too late. The dealer was of course “Prestige”, I think I got Oh well. There goes my peace and quiet ... that wrong. Prestige have decided to keep going as an Chris independent BMW dealer but that doesn’t change the silly decision by BMW to close their only franchised dealership in Kent. Derek Nash, Chislehurst UNLESS IN THE NEAR FUTURE YOU WANT BLANK PAGES IN YOUR JOURNAL PLEASE SEND US YOUR TOURING, TECHNICAL OR OTHER STORY. WE REALLY NEED TO BUILD UP OUR STOCKS !

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 21 The New BMW R1200 R motorcycling, the new R is designed to provide a responsive, dynamic and agile ride. Unlike report from the BMW Press Office its competitors, BMW’s new ‘classic’ is bristling with modern technology and doesn’t suffer from any of the cost-cutting measures The new R1200 R received its world premier often associated with this class, such as on 7 July at the BMW Motorrad Biker Meeting unwieldy chassis design, poor performing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and is a naked brakes (with no ABS option), no real touring roadster of immense versatility, designed for capability, lower level technology and relatively pure riding pleasure. Although clearly more high weight. sporty than the predecessor model, the new R1200 R has no pretensions to compete with The uniqueness of the Boxer engine in terms the 163 hp K1200 R – although it is the most of design and engine characteristics, powerful Boxer roadster of all time. combined with the tried and tested Telelever and Paralever suspension system offers While the 1150cc version sported an ample riders impeccable handling and road-holding 85 hp, the new 1200 outputs 109 hp – a 28 qualities – even on the bumpiest of surfaces. per cent increase in power. The torque figure Furthermore, a comprehensive range of is equally impressive: 115 Nm at 6,000 rpm modern and innovative safety equipment will is 17 per cent more than the 1150 offered. be available for the R, such as ABS, a new Combine this with a weight reduction of 20 ASC automatic stability control system, tyre kilos over the predecessor and it’s clear to pressure monitoring and ESA (electronic see what a huge leap this 198 kg roadster suspension adjustment). has made in performance terms alone. Combine this with a wide range of options Although it will appeal to riders who like to and accessories that include two sizes of experience the pleasures of ‘classic’ windshield, a pannier system, top-box,

22 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 Key features of the new R1200 R: baggage rack, and lower or higher dual seat, and prospective customers will have the best a.. Excellent all-round qualities. of all worlds – a classic BMW equipped for b.. Air-cooled flat-twin 1,170cc power unit with any challenge, including touring. balance shaft. c.. Maximum output up almost 28 per cent over the Available in a choice of Night Black non- former model to 109 hp at 7,500 rpm. metallic, Crystal Grey metallic and Granite d.. Maximum torque up almost 17 per cent over the Grey metallic colours, the new R1200 R will R1150 R to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft) at 6,000 rpm. be available from BMW Motorrad dealers in e.. BMS-K electronic engine management with dual ignition, anti-knock control, oxygen sensor, and fully mid-September, priced at just £8,295 on the controlled three-way catalytic converter. road. f.. Light and stable, two-piece tubular steel frame. g.. Stiff Telelever with sensitive response and a high standard of steering precision. h.. Excellent handling, supreme directional stability. i.. EVO Paralever with light driveshaft. j.. ESA Electronic Suspension Adjustment as an option. k.. Dry weight 198 kg, overall weight with full tank in road trim 223 kg. l.. High-performance brake system. m.. New BMW Motorrad Integral ABS with automatic stability control (ASC) available as an option. n.. Dynamic, modern but timeless design. o.. Particularly wide range of accessories.

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 23 Motorcycle World Beaulieu 2006

This annual event attracted large crowds to the picturesque grounds of Lord Montague’s home. Hot weather, stalls, celebrities and classic race bikes being ridden for the sounds they make proved a magnate for bike enthusiasts. Once again Greg and Eve Smith and the Southern Section arranged for the club to be represented, and the well-sited pitch ensured BMW banter attracted new members and promoted the club.

The new F800s displayed at the marquee entrance indicated that BMW have another well selling string to their bow and hopefully this will be reflected with future owners joining the club.

Tony Moores.

24 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 Tour De Force ( Take 2 ) Five years ago, Tom Phillips wrote about his first big tour on a nearly new K1200LT. Five years on, on a brand new model, he muses further.

FTER FIVE YEARS and 60,000 miles, planned trip itself was seven days/1500 the old bike had to go. It was a miles from Kent to Albi, St Etienne and home Acombination of £695 a year for an “the pretty way”. One gets to do a lot of thinking extended warranty and a better than expected about bikes in that time. This is like it was. trade in offer and a dealer wanting to shift a new, late 2004 spec bike in mid 2005 that Day 1 – It gets dirty. eventually made the decision a no-brainer. Especially when you think of the two year They say you make your own luck, but who guarantee on a new bike as the equivalent of are “they”? After weeks of sun at home, £1400 off the price. I also saved the cost of hosepipe bans, and drought in southern an up-coming major service, and new tyres. France, it began to rain as I drove up the ramp from the Shuttle.

I’ve noticed that BMW seem to have stopped To Orleans. I’m bored of the drag via Rouen, updating their bikes. Strategic replacement Dreux and Chartres. I’m also petrified at the or radical change seem to be the order of the thought of the Paris Peripherique – it was a day, instead. The K1200LT appears to be the cross between a Brands Hatch track day and last model to have had a basic make-over, by the M25 at rush hour last time I was there. which I mean some general stylistic changes GPS Jane plotted a compromise, via St and tweaks, rather than significant surgery. Germain en Laye and Versailles. This may be a case of not wanting to spoil an already good thing, but as owners of many BMW models over the years will testify, Munich The K1200LT’s weather protection remains seldom worries too much about that. unchanged, though I’m glad the 2004-spec Lux has the tall screen. It’s just an option again on the 2005 model. For the record, my I was already committed to a trip to follow the bike doesn’t have central locking, or the last week of the 2005 Tour de France. I just esoteric “ground lighting”. It does have the squeezed in the 600 miles to the first service six CD changer, but it’ll have to come out on (602 miles to be exact!) with a couple of days longer trips - it steals just too much pannier spare before the Tunnel beckoned. The space.

Extras? Well, what else do you want? An R90s mud-flap on the back, and a sheepskin seat cover do it for me. Oh, and anodised valve caps.

I pull in to motorway services for coffee just as a big thunderstorm bursts. “They” might be right after all. The bike’s sufficiently new that the water just beads off everything. It’s almost dry when I return. La Chaise-Dieu means “The Seat Of God” Arrive at the Campanile with BMW Club Journal • August 2006 25 What most of Mauritania looks like

265 new miles on the clock today. Two 6.7% After lingering grey early on, there’s a mistrale beers with supper and I’m ready for bed. blowing all day, at up to 50 kph from the west. No fun while heading south. Several degrees off vertical become the new “normal”. I like Day 2 – Music while you work travelling in France on a Tuesday in summer. I am addicted to music on long journeys. On The French are already at work or play, and the CD player today: even the slowest Dutch caravans are away south. Yesterday, I was contemplating a July · A compilation of stuff by the trip to Holland, though. Given the numbers of incomparable Martin Simpson; Dutch in France, their homeland must be car- free by now. Watch out for Europe’s most · Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers unpredictable drivers, though. The Belgians, Greatest Hits; I mean. · A Richard & Linda Thompson CD; · “North Star Grassman” by Sandy The A75 motorway south of Clermont Ferrand Denny; is one hell of a road. Even motorway haters · An old Joan Armatrading album; would love it. It doesn’t go round anything, · Neil Young’s “Harvest”, and and with one tiny tunnel in 150 miles, it doesn’t go under much either. It goes up and · Stevie Nicks “Timespace”. over, topping 1,000 metres many times, as it crests the Massif Centrale. Oh, and it’s toll- Rock on. free, with good views. I cut off for Rodez before reaching the new Millau viaduct. (“Britischer Architekt”, as the advert used to say.) Stevie sings “Sometimes it’s a bitch, sometimes it’s a breeze.” Today it’s both. 26 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 Aside from some neat re-styling of the front You know you’re on holiday when GPS Jane mudguard, and the vents on the fairing, first tells you to drive “248 kilometres then keep glance might suggest that’s where the left”. First thing today it was more like 50 changes to the new bike stop. BMW went the metres from roundabout to roundabout extra mile, however. The slightly narrower leaving Rodez, and she still got me lost. Oh rider’s seat necessitates changes to the well, neither of us had been there before. unseen parts of the fairing underneath it. And there’s the re-styled headlamp. Lovely, though invisible from where I sit. And I had to The owner’s booklet says to “try to ride the explain to the bloke on the Shuttle yesterday bike on hilly, twisting roads when running in”. why I couldn’t turn them off, like his sign Buy second hand if you live in East Anglia, asked. then. By now, I’d already doubled the mileage that was showing when I left home. Here in the Arveyron area, I found the roads BMW had Rodez is a disappointment. I sit near a French been hinting at. family in the Ibis hotel restaurant. Aged from about twelve to fifty, all five spend the whole meal on their mobile phones (presumably) Today was a rest day. No luggage, no talking to others, rather than each other. deadlines. I’ve not run in a totally new bike They’re loud too, and annoy the hell out of since I had a H***a in 1979. As a result, I’m me. fearfully listening for every clunk and rattle. Did 600 miles of mostly motorway harm it? How much oil should it use at this stage? Day 3 – A turn on the Tarn The ‘phone family are at it at breakfast too. On this point, I expect there are a few riders who have upgraded from the old model who

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 27 compensation is superb views from several hundred metres above the valley. That’s followed by gritty rides back down, with cheeks firmly clenched, listening to the shrapnel.

I didn’t think I would, but I quite like the slightly narrower seat on the new bike. I’m sure the idea is to allow those with a 29 or 30 inch inside leg to ride more safely. Mine’s adorned by a sheepskin cover, the first for a K1200LT from a company who advertise in the Journal. They had to go and find a bike to get the measurements. It was a very close fit on the old seat. They must have measured a new bike, because it’s perfect now.

The restaurant bar’s playing a Dubliners concert on the stereo. A bizarre combination hereabouts. Hot sun, French food and “Johnny on the Railway”.

Unbroken blue sky and a warm breeze all day. 150 miles today, most of it in third gear are riding around with too much oil on board. On the former bike, you checked the oil with the bike on the side stand. This new girl does it standing upright. Being the sort who devours every page of the manuals, I’d spotted this in the very small print. Still took nearly a pint at 400 miles, though. Have you tried to buy mineral oil these days? Can someone who knows please write us an article about what happens when you mix it with synthetic or semi synthetic etc. Sooner or later, we’ll probably all have to do it “in extremis”. Not me on this trip though. The oil bottle’s the heaviest thing in the luggage apart from a big lens, and stays unopened throughout.

I sit eating under-cooked veal on an over- cooked restaurant terrace by the Tarn river, fretting about the previous twenty miles of riding on the world’s supply of fresh, tarry road chippings. Nasty. Like the veal. This end of the Tarn is far less crowded than the Gorge further east, and harder to drive too. The road only follows the river in places but the

28 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 or below. The bike seems to have a flat spot either side of 3,000 rpm. Normal, or something else to fret about? The gear ratios on the new bike are all different to the old one, but when warm, the gearbox still sounds like a reconditioned dumper truck unit. No, that’s slightly unfair. Not reconditioned.

Day 4 – Seriously big. There’s a very dangerous stretch of road just outside Peyre, on the River Tarn, just west of Millau. It’s the point at which Sir Norman Foster’s beautiful Millau viaduct comes into view. Skid marks on the road and everything. The viaduct is seriously big. 2.4 kilometres long, and the largest of its piers is 340 metres high. That is taller than the Eiffel Tower! It’s like the biggest man-made thing you ever saw, only bigger. For only the second time I can recall (the first was on the north coast of the Dingle Peninsula), I am impressed to a standstill.

Today I notice the little rubber bumpers that the bike’s screen rests on when fully lowered.

The old bike didn’t have these. Nice detail, though I never noticed it needed them.

Continuing the subject of differences, let’s tackle the vexed topic (for some), of the new bike’s electro-hydraulic centre stand. I never noticed I needed that either, but it’s one hell of a gadget. There’s no manual option, so you feel a bit like you did when you bought your first bike that had no kick-start. Seems to me that the side stand has been shortened a fraction too. The angle of lean has been alarming at times for a bike of this size. The Wunderlich “surgical boot” I’d ordered for it hadn’t arrived by the time I left home. Like the first time you use the K1200LT cruise control, the centre stand is a weird sensation. Then you forget about it, and accept it as progress. Unless you’re the Club’s “put the clock back” campaigner. Need it? Of course you don’t. You can manage with a wooden plank for a seat, and acetylene lights too.

Actually, I’m a bit ambivalent to some technology. Central locking on a bike, and BMW Club Journal • August 2006 29 Bigger than anything you’ve ever seen – the Millau Viaduct dwarfs even a K1200LT “ground illumination” when parked both Perhaps not of Biblical proportions, but they seem a bit over the top to me. But someone make a nasty mess. I’m using an open face will find them indispensable. I was never an helmet and keep the bike’s screen well up. owner who left the light switched on in his top-box and melted a hole in the lid. Enough owners of the old model seem to have done Actually, I lied about the extras I fitted to the this for BMW to justify fitting a discreet switch bike. I forgot the best of all. Five years ago, I on the new bike, to turn the light off when the bought a pair of foot-peg lowerers for the old lid is closed. These small changes won’t of bike, from Suburban Machinery in the USA. I themselves make anyone rush out and trade transferred these to the new one. Fit and forget in an older K1200LT, but they show that BMW in 20 minutes (setting aside the two days has been listening and thinking. polishing the alloy to match the chrome nether parts of the Lux). No other adjustment needed to brake or gear-lever. The small I bought a bottle of 100% DEET insect difference to seating geometry has a repellent before I left home, expecting to have remarkable effect on rider comfort. to sleep with the window open most nights. The girl in the outdoor shop said “Don’t use it on your skin, sir”. As it was sold as a skin Lest we forget why I was here, today is my protector, I assured her she was mistaken. first encounter with the 2005 Tour de France. Today, the cap leaked and the stuff melted To get me there (“there” being a steep road the leatherette cover to my mobile phone. north out of the Tarn Gorge), GPS Jane Now I think the shop girl may have had had a shows me the D29 from Rodez through point. This isn’t a repellent, it probably Segur. Up and down, through endless liquidises the bugs on contact! I need sweeping curves, and scarcely another something like this for the bike’s screen. vehicle. She’s learning. There is a plague of crickets in this area. 30 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 last re-set, and approximate tank range based on recent sped, revs etc). It also houses the LCD milometer, and the two trip meters. Useful addition, that second one. I also like the fact that the computer starts up indicating the option it was switched to when last turned off. I normally keep mine with mpg showing. The old bike always started up with ambient temperature showing, regardless. Little things, but better.

The computer display is now part of the main dashboard array. The trip computer used to sit off to the left of the cockpit, and was The neat Suburban Machinery footrest kit obscured by my GPS mount. Strangely, BMW didn’t re-model this part of the cockpit, and Watching pedal bike racing like the Tour is just stuck a blanking plate over the old trip akin to so many of life’s pleasures - hours of computer aperture. Some imaginative soul preparation for a few moments’ thrills. The will doubtless come up with a use for this police close the roads several hours before space before long. I’m all ears. They are the race comes through, so preparation is burned red and sore today. the key if you want to watch on a good stretch of road. My afternoon was spent with A couple of times round the Martin Simpson hundreds of (mostly) Dutch fans, waiting for CD, and I’m north up the A75 motorway at the the action under a hot sun, and collecting Formula 1 motel by the motorway, near freebies from the publicity caravan that roars through an hour before the riders. Despite my preparation, I left my sun cream on the bike seat after slapping on the first coating, and paid the inevitable price later for wearing T-shirt and shorts. In the valley, Hertz van Rental and hundreds of his countrymen, had monopolised almost every stretch of flat ground to park their motor-homes. I’m glad I missed the chaos later.

The bike’s trip computer showed 42 degrees C when I returned at the end of the afternoon. This was despite finding a shaded spot to park, and covering the bike with my lightweight Geza cover, which is great for stashing things like riding gear underneath, all duly locked to the bike. When it’s this warm, the bike sounds like a box of bolts. The old one did as well. I think I saw 47 degrees on its trip computer once, in Carcasonne.

The new trip computer combines clock, gear indicator, radio/CD display and the four trip computer functions (ambient temperature, mpg since last re-set, average mph since BMW Club Journal • August 2006 31 removing a post next to where I park, and leaning it on the bike. Not much of a scuff, but I know it’s there.

Stage starts are usually good for seeing the Tour’s personalities at close quarters, but there are literally thousands of fans here (the paper next day says 20,000) and I head out of town as quickly as possible after the start. GPS Jane hasn’t been here before, and it shows. To be fair, some roads did look very new.

If you ever need to go from Issoire in the direction of Le Puy en Velay, you’ll thank me for recommending the D999/D906 via La Chaise Dieu. Brilliant new tarmac, superb white lining to help you judge the twists and turns, and terrific scenery. I make for Belleville, to see the Tour riders come through (they went by a more circuitous route, and my way was deserted). Belleville must have been named after the wonderful cartoon from a couple of years ago in which the Tour de France features, though its buildings look

Issoire. The Tour de France leaves Issoire tomorrow morning. This F1 suffers from not being near anywhere one can eat. I’m knackered and burned, and make do with machine coffee and some biscuits I bought this morning. I realised on the ride up the motorway that it actually tops 1,100 metres altitude several times. The weather forecast tells of a 60 kph mistrale blowing from the north. That probably made it harder going too. I thought the breeze was because I’d folded back the deflectors below the mirror pods.

I notice the tail-pipe has become a bit sooty. With over 1,500 miles on the clock now, I gave the bike its head this afternoon, and it still showed 50 mpg on the display. Fret, fret.

Day 5 – Belleville Rendezvous I spend the morning in Issoire, awaiting the start of today’s Tour de France stage. The town is hard to walk round as so much is closed off for the race. Someone scuffs the locking lever on one side pannier by

32 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 older than that. The couple standing on the I’ve not used them before, and was pleased street beside me turn out to come from about with Metzler Marathons on the old bike. The a mile from where I live. Bridgestones give a slight shudder below 10 mph, which my dealers say others have reported too, and is “normal”. Why normal? Today’s Tour stage ends in Le Puy, but I make for St Etienne. The thought of the traffic in Le Puy on a Friday evening, with the Tour de I’m still coming to terms with the Evo brakes. France in town is too much to contemplate. They seem a bit sharp, even for the weight of Le Puy’s bad at the best of times - like its the K1200LT. The brakes need more practice twin town, Tonbridge. The two have nothing than I’ve had so far in traffic to maintain in common except religion. Le Puy is a smooth progress, but it’s good to have a back pilgrimage centre and Tonbridge isn’t. brake that does something useful. What’s the fuss about the servo system, though? The residual braking isn’t great, but why assume St Etienne turns out to be further than I the servo’s going to fail? Bikes would still expected. GPS Jane finds some lightly have kick starts, inner tubes, owner service- tarmac-ed cattle tracks for some of the way. able engines and be painted black if we took The rest is behind a big Mack truck towing that line too far. Oh, er, I’ve just realised why another one. French Friday evening exodus this is a big deal for some.... too.

Day 6 – Marking time. I decide that I can’t make my mind up about the slightly altered steering angle on the new A day walking round part of the individual time bike. Either that or the Bridgestone 020s are trial course on roads just outside St Etienne, sluggish at the recommended pressures. so not a biking day.

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 33 third side of the triangle, despite initial Preparing for home, I decide I have far too complaints from GPS Jane. Going via much luggage, as usual. I tend to pack for Chatillon sur Seine was a complete delight. the worst reasonable eventuality. Does The Bourgogne is an area to visit properly anyone else lug around with them a weighty another time. The crumbly stone villages lump of luggage containing things one might through which the infant Seine is borne were need “just in case” - additional tools, and so ghost towns. I don’t suppose I saw ten other on? With a first aid kit, spare bulbs and a vehicles in 50 miles. fluorescent vest all now required when travelling in France, the bag of bits is getting This had been a gamble on a Sunday, as I’d rather large. A big bottle of after-sun lotion need food and fuel some time. A petrol station has added to the poundage as well. It’s a with a shop appears right on cue, and feeds good job that the photographs one takes don’t all fuel needs. I’d been told I’d find the new add to the luggage. I took scores today. bike thirsty compared to the old. Well, that hadn’t been my experience to date, with my Day 7 – Begin the Bourgogne own fill-to-fill records showing around 53 mpg since I’d left home. The 50 miles Away early after a good night’s sleep and the towards Troyes are on the sort of roads one meagre breakfast one gets at an F1. could cruise in 5th at about 55 mph (and it’s Beautifully warm, and the main roads north raining by now). Before long, I have 71 mpg from St Etienne were very quiet. I caught up showing on the trip computer, and hold this with the Dutch caravans just north of Lyon. for many miles. The computer showed it to This was a drag, because I wanted to make be the equivalent of 355 miles from the tankful, some early miles. Rain was forecast for had these great roads gone on for ever. northern France later.

My final diversion for the day was to Chalons The overcrowded motorway takes a big dog- sur Champagne, to see whether I could find leg north and then west, I decide to take the

34 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 If you go through here, give Epernay itself a miss. Apart from being host to crocodiles of slightly tipsy Japanese coach parties, it’s also the place the GPS programmers evidently had their Christmas party. My old GPS got me lost here once, and GPS Jane was having a laugh today, too. Left and right seemed completely interchangeable, and there was no route recalculation the twice I made a wrong move. Beware. Possibly Europe’s “Bermuda Triangle”.

Apart from getting wet and grubby today, the bike performed flawlessly. I was sure I heard what we used to call a “pinking” sound a few days ago, riding in the heat, but there was none today, though I did remember to put my earplugs in for this leg of the journey. 2,000 miles came up on the clock today, 365 of them since breakfast.

My trip was nearly at an end. I’d be hard pressed to invent another new route back to the Tunnel tomorrow, though I had a few ideas. My verdict on the new bike? There were honestly times I forgot I was on the new one, the grave of a French friend killed in a bike so familiar it had all become. Subtlety is not accident more than ten years ago, in the UK. something BMW has shown in its upgrading All I knew was that Pascale was buried in of, say, the RS to the ST. A gentler hand has Chalons, alongside her grandma. I found the been at work on the current flagship, town cemetery easily enough, but it was big. intelligently improving what was already pretty The higgledy-piggledy layout of graves large, good, and discretely adding refinement to the small, ancient and modern gave me no already highly polished specification of the chance. I stayed an hour, in the pouring rain, original model. From my point of view, much and gave the search my best shot, but in vain. further research remains to be done, of course. The Campanile motel at Epernay (actually Dizy, in the next village along) is one of their best, as befits its proximity to Epernay’s champaneries. Watch out for the sump- protector grinding speed-hump on the way in. I’m sure the new bike has slightly less ground clearance, courtesy of the centre- stand mechanism, and its protective bash- plate. The motel is a day’s drive from the Channel ports and gets its fill of Brits evidently on their first trip abroad - all M&S beachwear, white socks and sandals, and the deathly pale complexion that comes from an warm English summer.

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 35 Let BMW Motorrad’s ‘all-day machine, the 167 hp K1200 S is BMW Motorrad’s most powerful production test ride’ decide ... motorcycle to date, yet is surprisingly usable for everyday riding, whether it be commuting or continent crossing. Purchasing a new motorcycle is a significant investment yet often riders are expected to All three models include features that make their buying decision after just a short are unique to BMW. For example, the K1200 test ride – if the dealer in question offers one S and the R1200 RT feature Electronic at all. In contrast, BMW Motorrad has always Suspension Adjustment (ESA) – a world-first taken pride in the availability of its in motorcycle production that enables the demonstrator machines and believes that the rider to adjust the suspension at the touch of benefits of riding BMW motorcycles become a button. BMW Motorrad secured another more apparent with every mile spent in the world-first with its revolutionary Duolever front saddle. suspension, which features on the K1200 S. It delivers agile handling, precise steering Consequently, prospective customers response and a high degree of stability can now experience an entire day evaluating compared to conventional telescopic forks. one of BMW Motorrad’s ‘new generation’ machines, courtesy of a unique ‘all-day test To test ride the R1200 RT, R1200 GS or the ride’ promotion. Dealerships across the UK K1200 S and qualify for the opportunity to win will be offering customers the chance to test a comprehensive range of BMW Rider three MCN Award-winning motorcycles for a Equipment, enthusiasts can visit any BMW day. The offer includes the R1200 RT (MCN Motorrad dealership for more details and to Tourer of the Year 2005); the R1200 GS (MCN register. To locate their nearest BMW Best All-Rounder 2005), and the K1200 S dealership, riders should call 0800 777 155 (MCN Sports Tourer of the Year 2005). The or visit www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk all-day test ride will provide the opportunity for riders to accurately assess and fully Note: The promotion will run from 26 June appreciate the benefits of BMW motorcycle until 31 August 2006. All-day test rides are ownership. available on weekdays only. Furthermore, participants of the ‘all- day test ride’ will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a complete rider clothing outfit from the 2006 BMW Motorrad Rider Equipment range. The lucky winner will BMW Motorrad at the be kitted out in a System 5 helmet, the best Goodwood Festival of Speed selling Streetguard 2 suit, ProTouring boots and SummerRain gloves – worth £1340 in total and all courtesy of BMW Motorrad UK. For the first time in 14 years, the legendary Each model offers a unique riding Goodwood Festival of Speed did not clash with experience and can of course be tailored to any other major motorcycle races, which suit specific motorcycling needs. The R1200 meant that one of the best turnouts from the RT is a light, yet powerful long-distance tourer biking world took place on 7,8 and 9 July at that offers superior riding comfort, unbeatable Goodwood House near Chichester, West weather protection for rider and pillion, and Sussex. excellent fuel economy. The R1200 GS is the ultimate go-anywhere bike, equally at home The main attraction at the Festival of on the road or away from the beaten track. Speed is the hillclimb event, which is held BMW’s best selling machine is the latest in a throughout the weekend on a 1.16-mile course long line of travel enduros that has become on parkland roads in the grounds of legendary since the ‘GS’ marque was first Goodwood House. Traditionally, star riders introduced over a quarter of a century ago. (and drivers) on historical bikes (and cars) For those who are after a true performance race along a tree-lined avenue, before climbing a steep and narrow estate road to 36 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 Charley Boorman shows why there’s a hosepipe ban in Sussex .... the top of the hill overlooking the South Downs. speed of 216.75 km/h (134.6 mph). The motorcycle category caters for some of the world’s most famous competition bikes. A second F650 GS Dakar bike, ridden BMW Motorrad UK were represented in this in the 2006 rally by Charley’s team-mate Matt category by Irish ex-MotoGP rider Jeremy Hall, was on display in the BMW Pavilion at McWilliams and 2006 Race to Dakar team the Festival. This gave visitors the chance to member and Long Way Round star, Charley get a close look at the special modifications Boorman. necessary for competing in the gruelling Dakar rally. Continuing with the theme of go- Jeremy tackled the hill on a 175 hp anywhere, all-round bikes, BMW Motorrad BMW K1200 R PowerCup bike, of the type also displayed the new-generation R1200 GS which provided very close and exciting racing Adventure. This is the definitive bike for serious during the 2005 BMW Motorrad PowerCup long-distance on and off-road riding and the series. Charley rode his BMW F650 GS Dakar perfect bike for anyone who wants to follow in rally bike on which he competed in the 2006 Charley Boorman’s footsteps. Euromilhões Lisbon to Dakar rally as one of three riders in the Race to Dakar team. Outside the Pavilion, BMW Motorrad presented two models from its impressive Also demonstrated in the hillclimb were range of sports bikes. The K1200 R with its two bikes from BMW Mobile Tradition in 163 hp engine is the world’s most powerful Munich. From this historic collection, BMW naked production motorcycle and is one of presented the R 90 S boxer-twin Superbike the ‘new generation’ machines from BMW on which Steve McLaughlin won the first ever Motorrad. The brand new F800 S sports superbike race held in Daytona, USA in 1976 middleweight, with BMW’s first-ever parallel- and a 2006 replica of a 1929 BMW WR 750 twin engine. This is a seriously fun bike for supercharged works racer. This model took anyone, from entry-level riders to experienced the World Speed Record in 1929 with a top sports bike enthusiasts. BMW Club Journal • August 2006 37 38 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 Diary of Events - August 06 These activities have been arranged as agent for and on behalf of The BMW Club

1 Irish Cork – run from Statoil Frankfield For details contact John Smith on 7.00pm sharp, John Freeley 01322 342320. st nd rd Mercia Four Counties Inn SouthernComing of the 1 , 2 , and 3 age BBQ Eve Smith Tel 02380 251146 Southern20.00 Phoenix/Saddlers Arms. Western Kingswood Heritage Museum. Meet Ulster Club Meeting – Corr’s Corner 8.00 13.00 for 13.30hrs @ Chipping pm Sodbury Clock Tower Martin Eaves Western Evening Meeting – New Inn Claines, – 01454 313458 Worcs. 19.30 hrsBob Dunn – 01384 Yorkshire 12:00 - Cracoe village hall. 390344 6-11 London Run to the Ring. Contact D. Ensor 2 N.East Belmont Community Centre 7.30 for details. Confirm dates from Jour- p.m. John Matthews’ summer nal evening ride - 0191 3893162. 7 Scottish Meldrums Hotel, Ceres, Fife. 19.30 Northern 9:30AM Mid Week Run South - Meet Tesco, Congleton. Paul Nadin Scottish Barbax, 232 Paisley Road, Glasgow. 01260 279443 19.30 S.East Club Night at ‘Riano’s’, Maidstone. 8 Irish Cork – run from Statoil Frankfield 8pm. 7.00pm sharp, John Freeley Southern12.00 Station Cafe, Alton. “Old London Coach and Horses, Newgate Street, Gits Run”. 8pm Western Evening Meeting – Codrington Oxford Natter night, Waggon and Horses, Arms. 19.30 hrs. Denis Bradbeer – Southmoor 7.30 pm 01454 775786 9 E.Anglia The Wheatsheaf Exning Suffolk 3 Oxford Natter night, George & Dragon, 1900hrs Erlestoke, Wilts 7.00pm. Mercia Bull & Swan Inn 4 Northern 8PM The Briars Hall Hotel Vera N.East Lucky Few Run in the lanes in York- Hunt. 01537736454 shire. Meet 9.30 for 10.00 a.m. dep. 4-6 S.West Camping Weekend. Tudor Caravan Wynyard Services on A19/A689. Park, Slimbridge With Western Sec- Peter Holley, 0191 5867944. tion Two persons/one tent £5.50 per S.West Fish & Chip Meet. Sea Front, night. Contact: Keith Hackett 01803 Sidmouth. 1900hrs. Contact Dave 527760 Little 01404 861285 4-6 Scottish Camping Weekend with Dick Boyd. Ulster Wednesday Evening Run – meet at Book in advance 01343 870389 Corr’s Corner 7.00 pm 4-7 Irish Boreen Run www.boreenrun.com 10 Mercia Cross & Bowling Green Claire Mullen 00353 (0)71-9170887 Midland Green Dragon, Blind Lane Oxton, 5-6 Yorkshire Weekend study centre. Kirby Notts. (0115) 965 2016 Pub meet Grinalyth, Malton. Details from Pe- 7.30pm ter Wright 01724 783770. 10 Southern20.00 The Flying Bull, Rake. 6 E.Anglia The Crossways Inn Scole Norfolk 11 S.East ‘The Green Man’, Ringmer. 8pm. 1200 12 S.East Section BBQ. Meet at Bill Laing’s London Jim Burrow’s run to the South. 10.00 place, Lyminge, at 5.30pm. Camp- am from BP Station south on A3 from ing available. For map and details M25 J10 phone Margaret on 01474 566142. Midland Brunch run (Mystery destination) Ulster Wednesday Evening Run – meet at Depart 9.30am Donington services Corr’s Corner 7.00 pm (J24M1) Martin Ellis (07970) 682972 Western Classic Bike Open Day @ Bill Little [email protected] Motorcycles. Off B4040 between Malmsbury and Cricklade Patrick N.East BikeWise. Durham Police Motorcy- and Janet Wilson 01225 858876 cle Division (with BMW Club Stand). All day extravaganza at Aykley 13 E.Anglia “The 5 Miles From Anywhere”, Heads Police H.Q. Durham. Upware, Near Soham, Cambs. 1200 Noon Northern 9.00AM Back to the Lakes Run. Start Burton Services M6 Northbound. Bill Midland Visit Kelham Island, Alma Street, Smithson. 01539 736454 Sheffield, with us and see Sheffield’s contribution to our Industrial and S.East West Kent International Rally. Show Transport heritage. Many unusual off your bike and support the event. vehicles and interesting displays. BMW Club Journal • August 2006 39 Food available. http:// Contact: Keith Hackett 01803 www.simt.co.uk/index.html Depart 527760 10am Donington services J24M1 19-20 SouthernPopham Airfield Bike Rally – Camp- Bill Rodgers (01526) 834480 ing Nigel Page Tel 01730 817782. N.East Corbridge Classic Bike Show at 20 E.Anglia The Shoulder Of Mutton Fordham Ouston, Heddon on the Wall (with Essex 1200 Following a rideout lead BMW Club Stand). Saturday night by Louise Ward call 01354741168 camping, Sunday morning Ride for info Out. Contact Graham Walker, 01207 528426. Irish Leinster – Meet for Breakfast 10.00am Wicklow Heather Restau- Northern 9.00AM Ride to Corbridge Motor- rant, Laragh. Bring picnic for lunch cycle Show. Start Burton Services at St. Mullen’s (near Inistigoue). Jim M6 Northbound; Bill Smithson Sweeney 01539 736454. Event joint with North East Section. Food Vans on Irish Limerick. Meet Statoil Station, op- site. posite Greenhills Hotel 11.00am Joint run with Leinster Section. Pe- Oxford Ride out; Graham & Diane ter Deevy 0872570855 Chapple’s BBQ 01235 814851 London Ride to Arundel. 10am from Scottish Log Cabin Hotel, Kirkmichael, Godstone duckpond Perthshire. 12.30 Northern 2.00PM Section Meeting At Chip- Western Easter Compton Meeting. 13.30 hrs. ping Village Hall Geoff Thompson ‘Cream Teas with Jean’ 01706 629206 Yorkshire 12:00 - The White Swan Inn at S.East Ian’s Rideout. Depart 9.30am from Blythe. lay-by on A20 at Jct with M26. (Ian 14 Yorkshire 20:00 - The Triton Inn at Campbell 0208 693 0329). Brantingham. Ulster Jack Weir’s Sunday Run – meet at 15 Irish Cork – run from Statoil Frankfield Sandyknowes Roundabout 10.30am 7.00pm sharp, John Freeley for 11.00am Midland The Park Hall Tavern, Park Hall Rd, Western Ride to Ludlow Castle. Meet in the Mansfield Woodhouse, Notts. Market Car Park – Monmouth (at (01623) 460267 Pub meet 8.00pm bottom of main street) 10.00hrsNick Midland The Queen’s Arms, Isham Road, and Monica Robin – 01594 837425 Orlingbury, Northants. (01933) Yorkshire 13:00 - Section BBQ. Doreen and 678258 Pub meet 7.30pm Daves, 132, Sandgate Drive, Northern 7:30PM The Creek, Peel Isle of Kippax, Leeds. 0113 286 0604. Man Please confirm 7 days prior. Scottish Tuesday lunchtime gathering at Yorkshire 12:00 - How Stean Gorge Cafe. Drymen. Robert Carson 01899. 22 Irish Cork – run from Statoil Frankfield 308516; email 7.00pm sharp, John Freeley [email protected] London Old Guinea, Ridge, 8pm Southern 20.00 Phoenix/Saddlers Arms. Oxford Natter night, Dog & Partridge, 16 N.East The Waggon nr. Ponteland. Riseley, nr Reading 8.00pm. Northern Mid Week Run -10am Devil’s 23 Mercia The Chetwynd Arms Bridge, Kirby Lonsdale. Mike S.West Fish & Chip Meet. Again at A30 Vic- Gibson 01229 582787 toria this time for ride to Lostwithiel. S.East Section Birthday Party at ‘Riano’s’, 1900hrs. Contact: Dave Turner. Maidstone. 8pm. 01726 813205 Southern 12.00 Jack’s Fish & Chip Shop, Ulster Wednesday Evening Run – meet at Bagshot. “Bikers Meet”. Corr’s Corner 7.00 pm Ulster Wednesday Evening Run – meet at 24 Mercia Whipping Stocks Corr’s Corner 7.00 pm N.East Jackson’s Wharf at Hartlepool His- 17 Midland The King’s Head, Kingsway, Tealby, toric Quays. Lincs. (01673) 838347 Pub meet Northern 8PM The Whipping Stocks - A50 2 7.30pm miles South of Knutsford Mal Southern 20.00 True Lovers Knot. Wagstaff 0161 747 4443 18 Northern 8PM The Deer Play A671 Burnley Southern20.00 The Flying Bull, Rake. Road, Nr Bacup. Alan Stretton 25-28 National National Rally. Warwickshire Col- 01706 656606 lege, Moreton Morrell, Warks. (Mid- 18-20 Irish N.W. Weekend Rock View Hotel on land section organising). Event the shores of Lough Arrow. Camp- chairman Graham Parker (01623) ing & B+B available. Jim O’Connell 467852 [email protected] 19 S.West Concours d’Elegance. Ocean BMW Accommodation officer Martin Ellis Marsh Mills, Plymouth. 1200hrs (07970) 682972

40 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 Moreton Morrell Information Day visitors will be welcome on either day and there will be NO CHARGE for entry to the Your Pull-Out-&-Keep Centrefold rally – all we ask is that everyone, whether camping, taking accommodation or just visiting, takes a few minutes on arrival to sign HE 2006 NATIONAL RALLY (Moreton in and produce proof of membership. Don’t hall, Moreton Morrell, Warwickshire) will forget your membership card! be upon us very shortly, miss it at your T th peril. The dates are Friday the 25 to Monday the 28th August (i.e. the Bank Holiday Please note that we would prefer you to Weekend). The 2003 event was a prebook your camping pitches if possible – it tremendous success with a large number of makes things so much easier on the day. attendees, and this year looks like being even better. We still have a few rooms available, There is a well stocked bar, and quality family and plenty of camping space. Please use entertainment has been arranged for the booking form to let us know your Saturday and Sunday nights. The refectory requirements. Although the rooms are really does offers superb value with good technically single rooms, an extra person may food at keen prices, and many 2003 visitors be accommodated with a little ingenuity and decided that cooking simply wasn’t worth it, little extra cost over single occupancy. Please but dish washing facilities are provided for call me if you’d like to know more, but do it the die-hards. quickly – time is running out. There are only a very few days left now to reserve rooms and order T shirts. The cut-off date for T shirt HERE’S SO MUCH TO DO that to list it orders is August 1st, but there will be some here would take too much room. Please for sale over the weekend, so don’t despair if Tsee the advertisement in the centre you haven’t ordered yet. We can’t however, pages of this Journal or telephone either of guarantee what sizes they’ll be, so it’s the numbers shown. probably still best to order yours in advance. For those of you with internet access, the Please note that all rooms have en suite Midland website has a more detailed map of facilities, are of a high standard and include the area and surrounding roads. Visit http:// all necessary bedlinen etc. www.bmwmcc.co.uk/midland

Parking for those with accommodation will We have a superb weekend planned for all, be hard standing, and grass for the campers. with something for everyone, or you can go Sidestand support bases (wooden blocks, your own way totally….you decide. Rally really) will be available on request. Don’t stewards will be recognisable by their red T forget that you are welcome with your own shirts bearing the Moreton Morrell logo, and caravan or motorhome for the weekend, all will have name badges (so you can identify camping costs are as for those with tents. who to buy drinks for!!) Facilities by modern caravan site standards are basic, but there is level ground, short grass, fresh water and somewhere to empty See you there ! toilets. There are however, no mains electricity points. Generators should not be Martin Ellis - Midland social secretary used after 10pm or before 9am. Pets are (01623) 401405 welcome but please note that they must be under control at all times. The village of Moreton Morrell has shops where suitable provisions can be purchased.

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 41 42 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 43 44 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 [email protected] 4 Scottish Meldrums Hotel, Ceres, Fife. 19.30 27 Mercia Repton Village Hall 12noon -2pm. Scottish Barbax, Paisley Road, Glas- S.East ‘The Blue Bell’, Beltring, near Pad- gow.19.30 dock Wood, 12 noon. 5 Mercia Four Counties Inn Scottish Hopeville Social Club, Harlaw Midland The Fox, Grantham Rd, Ropsley, Road, Inverurie. 12.30 Lincs. (01476) 585339 Pub meet Scottish Crook Inn, North of Moffat on A701. 7.30pm 12.30 Ulster Club Meeting – Corr’s Corner 8.00 28 E.Anglia The Fenman Classic Show pm Wimbotsham. See Western Evening Meeting – New Inn, www.rafmarham.co.uk/tourism/ Claines, Worcs. 19.30 hrs. Bob Dunn wimbotsham.htm – 01384 390344 www.realclassic.co.uk/ridesfiles/ rides04083100.html 6 N.East Depart Belmont Community Centre, 7.00 p.m. for a visit to Mill Garages, Northern 7:30PM The Haraby Inn – Carlisle. courtesy of Paul Gray. John Bell. 01228 535173 Northern 9AM Mid Week Run South - Meet 29 Irish Cork – run from Statoil Frankfield Tesco, Congleton. Arthur Allen 7.00pm sharp, John Freeley 01745 550239 Southern20.00 Phoenix/Saddlers Arms. S.East Photo Competition at ‘Riano’s’, Yorkshire 20:00 - Gildersome Conservative Maidstone. 8pm. Club. S.West Wednesday Fish & Chips: meet at 30 E.Anglia The Compasses Littley Green Essex Minehead sea front opposite staem 1900hrs railway at 19:30. Chris Crocker 01884252759 Mercia Four Counties Inn (noon) Southern12.00 Station Cafe, Alton. “Old Gits Run”. Ulster Wednesday Evening Run – meet at September 06 Corr’s Corner 7.00 pm Western Evening Meeting – Codrington Arms. 19.30 hrs. Denis Bradbeer 01454 775786 1 Irish Meet Roxbore Shopping Centre 11.00am - Peter Deevy 087 7 Oxford Natter night, George & Dragon, 2570855 Erlestoke, Wilts 7.00pm. Northern 8PM The Briars Hall Hotel. Vera Southern20.00 The Flying Bull, Rake. Hunt 01257 464429 8 S.East ‘The Green Man’, Ringmer. 8pm. 1-3 Northern Graham Arms Weekend. Derek Irving 8-10 N.East 10th Annual Camping Weekend, 01524 770862 Waren Caravan Park, Bamburgh. 2 Midland Be a part of the BMW club stand at Details from Tony Seed, 01642 Sleaford Classic/Vintage vehicle 785880 or Graham Walker, 01207 show. Call Bill Rodgers (01526) 528426; or Peter Cullen. 834480 or Chop Nunn (01529) 8-10 S.West Jurassic Jaunt at Osmington Mills 305316 for an entry form or more Holiday Park, Dorset. Andy Allman details. 01305 849226. 2-9 Northern Camping at Grolejac, Dordogn 9 Southern19.00 Saturday night run to 3 E.Anglia The Crossways Inn Scole Norfolk Hollycombe Steam Fair, Liphook 1200 Nigel Page Tel 01730 817782. S.East Ride with Roger. Depart 9.30am 10 E.Anglia “The 5 Miles From Anywhere”, from the Hog’s Back Café on the A31. Upware, Near Soham, Cambs. 1200 (Roger Bickerstaffe 01322 554127). Noon. S.West Pub Meet 12:00 Goodknight Inn Irish Meet Urlingford 11.00 am – joint run Cheriton Bishop with Leinster Section To Slieve Dara Hills. Peter Deevy 087 2570855 Southern10.00 Breakfast Run to Shaftsbury. Irish Limerick Area. Meet Statoil Station, Western Breacon Beacons Mountain Centre. opposite Greenhills Hotel 11.00am Meet 12 noon in car park. Take pic- Joint run with Leinster Section. Pe- nic or eat in café. Ride out after ter Deevy 0872570855 lunch. Jim Beach – 02920 530200 Mercia Keith’s rideout Western Worcester Group Mountains Mean- der Meet 08.00 for 08.30 hrs @ New Midland Ride to Kenilworth Castle, nr Cov- Inn, Claines. Bob Dunn – 01384 entry http://www.english- 390344 heritage.org.uk/kenilworthcastle/ Depart 9.30am Tesco car park. ½ Yorkshire 12:00 - Cracoe village hall. mile East of Melton Mowbray (Leics)

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 45 on A607 Richard Filipczak (07710) Yorkshire 12:00 - How Stean Gorge Cafe. 834439 19 Midland The Park Hall Tavern, Park Hall Rd, Northern 2PM Section Gathering. Hale Mansfield Woodhouse, Notts Barns. Geoff Thompson 01706 (01623) 460267 Pub meet 8 pm 629206 Midland The Queen’s Arms, Isham Road, Oxford Ride out : Norman & Peggy Larkin’s Orlingbury, Northants. (01933) ride out to the Hawk Sanctuary 01189 678258 Pub meet 7.30pm 833507 Northern 7:30PM The Creek, Peel Isle of S.East Paul’s Rideout. Depart 9.30am Man Thurrock Services (petrol side). Just Scottish Tuesday lunchtime gathering at Ayr. off M25 Jct 30. (Paul Ashby 01322 Robert Carson 01899 308516; email 409432). [email protected] Scottish Log Cabin Hotel, Kirkmichael, 19-23 SouthernCamping/ Gite week with Tim & Perthshire. 12.30 Sarah Austin Nr Bergerac; Booking Ulster Hurst Run – meet Hurst’s BMW essential Nigel Page Tel 01730 Motorrad Centre, Mallusk 9.30 am 817782. for 10.00 am 20 N.East Lucky Few visit Northern Castles. Western Easter Compton Meeting. 13.30 hrs. Depart Safeway Hexham 10.00. Talk by Brian Price – ‘BMW D.V.L. Peter Cullen on 01434 674295. Rep’ N.East The Waggon nr. Ponteland. Yorkshire 12:00 - The White Swan Inn at Northern 10AM Mid Week Run - Devil’s Blythe. Bridge, Kirby Lonsdale. Mike 11 Yorkshire 20:00 - The Triton Inn at Gibson. 01229 582787 Brantingham. S.East Club Night at ‘Riano’s’, Maidstone. 12 London Coach and Horses, Newgate Street, 8pm. 8pm S.West Fish and Chip : Meet at Paignton Oxford Natter night, Waggon and Horses, Harbour 19:00 and walk along the Southmoor 7.30 pm sea front for fish and chips in Squires Southern 20.00 Phoenix/Saddlers Arms. fish & chip restaurant just up from the cinema complex. Keith Hackett 13 E.Anglia The Wheatsheaf Exning Suffolk 01803 527760 1900hrs Southern12.00 Jack’s Fish & Chip Shop, Mercia Bull & Swan Inn Bagshot. “Bikers Meet”. Ulster Wednesday Evening Run – meet at Ulster Wednesday Evening Run – meet at Corr’s Corner 7.00 pm Corr’s Corner 7.00 pm 14 Mercia Cross & Bowling Green 21 Midland The King’s Head, Kingsway, Tealby, Midland The Green Dragon, Blind Lane Lincs (01673) 838347 Pub meet Oxton, Notts (0115) 965 2012 Pub 7.30pm meet 7.30pm Northern 8PM The Whipping Stocks - A50 2 15 Northern 8PM The Deer Play A671 Burnley miles South of Knutsford. Mal Road, Nr Bacup. Alan Stretton Wagstaff 0161 747 4443 01706 656606 Southern20.00 The Flying Bull, Rake/ True 15-17 London Hotel weekend in Malvern Hills. Lovers Knot. Contact Mick Miles for details 22-24 Yorkshire Last chance to camp with the sec- 16 Yorkshire A taste of Spain. Detail and very tion. High Bentham Caravan Park. early booking please. Contact Dave Contact Harry Beadle on 01642 and Doreen Milne. 0113 286 0604. 781202. 17 E.Anglia The Shoulder of Mutton Fordham 22-25 Irish Thatch Rally –Portumna Co. Gal- Essex 1200 way. Tel: Claire Mullen 00353 (0)71-9170887 Mercia Ian McNaughtons Run 24 E.Anglia Sunday cafe meet at The Hanger Northern Scottish Borders Run - meet Tesco, Cafe at Flixton south of Bungay on J43 M6. John Bell 01228 535173 the B1062 from 10.30am.The home S.East Meander with Mick. Depart 9.30am of The Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation from lay-by on A20 at Jct with M26. museum, free admission. (Mick Foxwell 01474 568757). www.aviationmuseum.net/ If you Western Visit to SS Great Britain now that would like a pub lunch The Flixton restoration is complete. Meet in car Buck is next to the museum, you park @ Bristol Dock –11.00 hrsRon could book a meal on 01986 982382 Elmslie – 0117 956 9209 Mercia Repton village hall 12noon 2pm. Yorkshire Harry Beadles’s run. Meet Stokesley Mercia M Sommerville Run Town Hall. Contact Harry on 01642 Northern Rossendale Valley Bike Show - Ride 781202. in from various locations

46 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 S.East ‘The Blue Bell’, Beltring, near Pad- dock Wood, 12 noon. Please remember entries are only S.West Helen & Johns rideout Meet 1030 accepted for inclusion in the ‘Diary’ and Exeter Moto Services. Helen Beer ‘Around the Compass’ from either your 01395 443246 Section secretary or from your Section Scottish Hopeville Social Club, Harlaw Social secretary. This is to ensure that Road, Inverurie. 12.30 the Club abides by the rules which Scottish Crook Inn, North of Moffat on A701. 12.30 provide our insurance cover. Any other events should be sent to the Editor for Ulster Tommy Atkinson’s Breakfast Run – meet at Corr’s Corner 7.30 am for inclusion in ‘Events not organised by the 7.45 am BMW Club’ Western Castle Coombe Walkabout. Meet 12 noon. Lower Car Park, Castle Coombe. Martin Eaves – 01454 313458 25 Northern 7:30PM The Haraby Inn – Carlisle. John Bell 01228 535173 26 London Old Guinea, Ridge, 8pm Oxford Natter night, Dog & Partridge, Riseley, nr Reading 8.00pm. Southern20.00 Phoenix/Saddlers Arms. Yorkshire 20:00 - Gildersome Conservative Club. 27 E.Anglia The Compasses Littley Green Essex 1900hrs Mercia The Chetwynd Arms Mercia Four Counties Inn (noon) Ulster Wednesday Evening Run – meet at Corr’s Corner 7.00 pm 28 Mercia Whipping Stocks N.East Jackson’s Wharf at Hartlepool His- toric Quays. 29-1 E.Anglia Camping with the Northern section at The Black Bull campsite on the A169 just south of Pickering, York- shire. “ Heartbeat Country”, with a rideout to Whitby for Fish and Chips led by Geoff Thompson . http:// www.blackbullpark.co.uk/ call 0845 1560715 for info. 29-1 Northern Camping Weekend at Pickering, North Yorkshire with East Anglia Section. Geoff Thompson 01706 629206 29-1 S.West “The Poltroon’s Weekend”- Camping weekend, Penhale Farm near Fowey, Cornwall. Fowey Harbour club boat trips on the Saturday, look aboard the Fowey Lifeboat. Fowey hostelries for the evening. Camp- ing £5.75 per two-person unit per night, £4.25 per single pn. Touring/ Motor vans welcome, electric hook- ups available. www.penhale- fowey.co.uk). Ted Devey - 01726 833 300. Email [email protected] 29-1 Scottish Glencoe Camping Weekend. Liz 01482 875158 30 Southern19.00 Run to Hollycombe Steam Fair, Liphook. Nigel Page Tel 01730 817782

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 47 AROUND THE COMPASS

These activities have been arranged as agent for and on behalf of The BMW Club

there is no backup, make your own emergency 27th- 30thJuly Herefordshire Hotel Weekend cover arrangements. The limit is 30 riders (mem- (Northern Section) How Caple Grange Hotel, near bers only) £135 provides hotel accommodation for Fownhope, in the beautiful Wye valley. Saturday Fri, Sat, and Sun night food and refreshments in- ride out and/or visit. Cost for the weekend is cluded except for the Fri evening meal. Send a £109.00 (2 nights) or £149.00 (3 nights) per per- cheque to payable to LON GEFN MACMILLAN son, half board accommodation in en-suite rooms. CHARITY RUN and sent with your address, tel- Use of the sauna & outdoor swimming pool is of ephone number and Club Membership Number to course included. Please book soon to avoid disap- ‘The Vintage & Classic Register’, 27 Syon Gar- pointment. For further info or to book please con- dens, Newport Pagnell, Bucks. MK16 0JU. Please tact Tony Cartmell on 01253 768421 or include a S.A.E. If your application is unsuccess- [email protected] ful due to limited spaces, your cheque will be re- turned and your name placed on a reserve list in July 28/29/30 Fri-Sun Long Eaton steam/coun- case there are any cancellations. Please telephone try/vintage show. (J25 M1) Midland section. Free Gerry Wakeman on 012398 21023 with any que- entry and camping for bikes parked on the club ries. THE CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF AP- stand. Any age bike – MUST BE BMW and MUST be PLICATIONS IS JULY 1st pre-booked by entry form from Martin Ellis [email protected] (07970) 682972 so Thatch Rally, Portumna Co. Galway. 22 - 25 that a pass can be issued, or charges will apply. Sept, 2006. Irish Section. 3 nights S.C. Closing date 30th June. accomodation in The Lodges, at Shannon Oaks Hotel. All usuals included in price, full use of Hotel Cranedale study centre, Kirby Grinalyth, Leisure facilities. Cost E150 pp/ stg£105pp Con- Malton. Aug 5th(Sat) to 6th(Sun) . Great week- tact Claire [email protected] or phone +353 (0)71 end in Yorkshire moors. Details from peter wright 9170887 01724 783770,email [email protected] Bank Holiday Hotel Weekend 27th-30th Oct. Irish Boreen Run 5th-7th August. Irish Section. This Section. The Nesbitt Arms Hotel is once again year touring Cork and Kerry on some of the location for the Oct bank holiday week- Irelands most scenic roads. Meeting in end. Cost is same as last year at E135 pp th Cork on Sat 5 at 9am sharp for 9.30am June11th or Stg£100 pp. includes 3 nights B&B start. Full details on and dinner on Sat. night. Contact Claire www.boreenrun.com or contact Claire to 14th Hotel Week-End in +353 (0)71 9170887 or +353 (0)71 9170887 Cumbria [email protected] 12 – 18 August “Run to the Ring”. A Ride outs scenic run to the Eiffel Mountains and back, coinciding with the annual BMW In- Yorkshire Section - Harry ternational Driver’s Training Course at the Nürburgring. For more details take a look at Beadles’ camping weekend www.bmwmcc.co.uk/london/ring2006.htm or con- tact Dave Ensor on 020 8508 5223 or at venue has moved to Gargrave [email protected] Camp Site, N.Yorks from High North East Section Camping Weekend. Sept 6th to 8th 2006; North East Section Camping week- Bentham camp site 22/24 Sept end Waren Mill near Bamburgh, Northumberland. Singles £6.50, doubles £9.50, per night. Good fa- cost £4 pppn. Details : 01642 cilities, great riding country. Full details later on NE Section website. Graham Walker 01207 528426 781202 or Tony Seed 01642 785880. 8-10 September S.West Jurassic Jaunt. Vintage & Classic Register. SEPT 2nd to nd Camping at Osmington Mills Holiday Park, Wey- 3rdSept 2 Y LON GEFN CHARITY RUN. Due to mouth, Dorset. New Rally, New Site. More Details public demand a second event is being held, (the & Directions Andy Allman 01305 849226 or 07816 Welsh Boreen) starting from the Talbot hotel 514044 or [email protected] Tregaron, ceredigion, Mid wales 9am Satand fin- ishing at Llwyngwair Manor, newport, 29 September -1 October S.West The Pol- pembrokeshire on Sunday. Note no sidecars, mi- troon’s Weekend .NEW Camping at Penhale Farm nor roads and tracks are used, some in poor con- near Fowey, Cornwall Contact Ted Devey 01726 dition. There may be fords, forestry tracks etc. 833300

48 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 German Jottings by John Bentall

Dry Road Handling Max Points Avon Azzaro Bridgestone BT020 Raod Continetal Attack D200ST Dunlop Metzeler Z6 Pilot Michelin Raod Pirelli Strada Avon Viper Sport Bridgestone Bt014 Conti sport Attack Dunlop Sportmax Qualif Metzeler m-1 Sportec Metzeler M3 Sportec Pilot Michelin Power 2-CT Michelin Pirelli diablo Handling 20 12 11 16 15 16 12 14 15 16 17 16 16 18 19 19 16 Steering Precision 20 13 12 16 15 16 13 15 17 16 18 18 17 19 19 19 16 Handling in Curves 30 16 14 21 20 21 17 18 26 26 27 27 27 29 27 29 26 Acceleration in 20 10 9 16 15 16 13 14 14 16 17 17 17 18 18 19 16 Curves Stability in Curves 20 7 11 17 16 17 14 16 15 17 18 18 18 19 16 17 18 Handling on limit 20 10 12 15 14 16 13 14 15 17 18 18 18 18 17 18 17 Self-righting tendency 20 12 12 14 6 13 12 12 8 8 10 6 10 14 14 13 12 on braking Total 150 80 81 115 101 115 94 103 110 116 125 120 123 135 130 134 121 Handling in the Wet Handling 10 5 6 7 6 7 7 8 8 6 8 8 8 9 9 9 8 Steering Precision 20 12 13 15 14 16 14 17 13 9 15 16 17 18 18 18 16 Handling in Curves 30 12 13 16 15 18 16 20 18 15 20 19 22 24 26 25 22 Acceleration in 20 9 11 14 14 16 15 17 11 12 11 10 14 16 18 18 16 Curves Handling on limit 30 18 15 20 18 21 22 23,\ 20 12 17 14 22 23 22 22 22 Lap Time 1:21. 1:20.9 1:20. 1:20 1:17.1 1:18. 1:16 1:17.9 1:19.5 1:17.2 1:18.2 1:15.1 1:13.6 1:10.1 1:10.7 1:14.5 5 3 5 Total 110 56 58 72 67 78 74 85 70 54 71 67 83 90 93 92 84 Grand Total 260 136 139 187 168 193 168 188 171 170 196 187 206 225 223 226 205 Front Conti Sport Attack Dunlop Sportmax Metztler M3 Michelin Pilot Power Pirelli Diablo Metzeler Z6 Qualifier 2-CT Initial Tread Depth mm 3.9 3.5 3.5 3.7 3.7 4.2 Depth after 4600km 3.0 2.6 2.5 2.4 3 3.4 Projected Tyre life km 11800 9700 8700 7400 13800 15000 Rear Initial Tread 5.7 4.9 5.6 5.4 5.4 6 Depth mm

It is some while since Motorrad did an is in fact a single-compound tyre that is extensive tyre test and this time they have “cooked” on different cycles for centre and chosen to test sports-touring and sports tyres shoulder). It was notable that steering was in the popular pairing of 120/70ZR17 + 180/ heavier on some tyres than others. 55ZR17 used on many newer BMW models. The test took place at Kleber’s test rack in southern France and a pair of Yamaha R6 Testers Notes on Sport Touring Tyres (First 7 were used so that extreme lean angles could columns) be obtained without grounding footrest and side-stands. The good news is that the Avon: suffer from having a rather soft carcass touring tyres were only a couple of seconds on the rear to the detriment of stability and slower round the track than the sports tyres grip. Lack grip on smooth asphalt in the wet. and were happy to lean at angles of 50°. For sports touring tyres, the future will surely bring more tyres like the Michelin 2-CT offering Bridgestone: the venerable BT020 is now different compounds for the centre and only average, particularly on grip and stability shoulders (note that the Bridgestone BT020 in curves. Middling performance in the wet.

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 49 Continental: the surprise of the group in the in the dry with a good acceleration and braking dry, there is no trace of the former shimmy, performance in the wet. offering good grip, stability and lean. Confident handling and good grip in the wet. Michelin Pilot Power: The reference tyre in the dry. There is good feedback at the limit Dunlop: Good turning and stability, but tends and plenty of warning when the rear begins to hop over bumps due to poor internal to slide. There is less a gap between this damping tyre and a pure racing tyre in the wet, than to other mid-field tyres in this class. Metzeler: the winner among this set with good grip, stability and handling in the dry and Michelin 2-CT: winner of this class. In the dry, offering confidence and good feedback in the the 2-CT is slightly more stable than the wet. Power under maximum lean and acceleration. Not quite as good in the wet. Michelin: Average marks in the dry plus stability and user-friendliness in the wet. There was a further test to determine tyre life, where one pair of sports tyres from each manufacturer were mounted on Buell XB-12’s Pirelli: Good precision in the dry, but grip and and compared to the reference touring tyre, handling in S-bends only middling. An the MEZ6. The machines were driven on a excellent performance in the wet with good circular route from Stuttgart to the Palermo in precision feedback on the limit. the toe of Italy, 80% of which was motorway. Accordingly one could expect that the front Testers Notes on Sport Tyres (Next 9 would wear more quickly if pushed hard on columns) the track as would the rear under hard acceleration]. Avon: The rear loses grip before the front in the dry especially under acceleration. In the wet there is lots of feedback at the limit but only middling grip.

Bridgestone: Steering is heavy and a middling performance in the dry. In the wet loses front wheel grip first and feedback is poor.

Continental: Crystal clear feedback, good handling and precision in the dry, but a hard carcass compromises comfort. Average grip in the wet, and the rear tends to slide when accelerating.

Dunlop: good grip in the dry but a strong tendency to right itself under braking. Poor internal damping masks fedback. This tyre is not terrible suited for the wet.

Metzeler M1: Good precision, feedback and grip in the dry. No complaints in the wet and the front and rear lose grip at the same time.

Metzeler M3: Excellent all-round performance

50 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 Events not organised by the BMW Club The BMW club provides the following events for your information and has no responsibility for these events or the accuracy of this information

The Pyrenees and Hidden France 8 - 17 Sep- The 19th Classic Spanish Moto Piston tember 2006. A Motorcycle Sport & Leisure Tour Oct.11 to 15, 2006 ONLY for bikes older than exclusively for BMW Club Members and friends. 25 years. Our own Vintage register is well Price includes overnight ferry Portsmouth/Caen, represented. Hospitality is legendary, hotels 2 berth cabin & daytime return to Portsmouth. 8 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in quality hotels, (2 are cheap and cheerful or 3 star and nice. in a Paradore). 2 persons 1 bike shared room Please send me a decent size sae and I will £725 per person. 1 person 1 bike shared room, send you the final program and the booking £799. 1 person 1 bike single room, £999. £95 de- form with the hotel options. AJ TRIM PO BOX posit. Bookings and further details, Contact: Alan 167 EAST WINCH KINGS LYNN NORFOLK Steed Tel. 01243 862261 or email, PE32 1NF [email protected]

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 51 52 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 BookBook ReviewReview The BMW R90S by Ian Falloon

Review by Dave Bertram saying ‘That tank’s not right’, well now you can whip out a book and argue.

The final three chapters cover ‘Beyond the 90S’, which covers the R100S for 1977 to 1989 and the R100CS from 1981 to 1984. This highlights the main differences and to some degree questions why whilst the R90S is still a much-treasured bike the later R100S seems to have been forgotten about.

There is then a chapter on ‘Racing the R90S’. This covers Helmut Dahne, a brief mention of Hans Butenath but goes into much more detail of the 90’s American racing. There is very good coverage of Reg Pridmore’s racing and sucess with the 90S and the modifications carried out on the Butler and Smith machines he used. There is coverage of later racing with the bikes and some good pictures of the machines showing some of the improvements made to them.

SHOULD HAVE had the review for this done The last chapter is about ‘Living with the for the July issue but other things sort of R90S’ and the author should have good Igot in the way. Whilst the 90S isn’t my knowledge of this as he has his one 1976 particular choice of bike to ride, I’m a sit up model. Most of the common modifications and beg rider, it has and is an iconic design are covered although the comment that whilst from which BMW have gained much publicity. Brembo brakes are better the cost of changing the fork legs precludes this is This book covers in 128 good quality, glossy maybe not be quite true in the UK. pages covers for the first 30 pages a foreword and introduction by Reg Pridmore and the All in all this is a a good book, well put together ‘Evolution of the sporting boxer’. This is well with over 150 good pictures. Perhaps the nice written and presented with many good Mr Falloon will sit down and write a nice pictures. The remainder of the book history of the GS, well only the proper airhead concentrates on the R90S with chapters on ones anyway. each year of production and covers the little details of what changed and when. For The book is published by Whitehorse Press example it list important little differences such [www.whitehorsepress.com] of 107 East as increased diameter front axle in 1975 and Conway Rd, Center Conway, NH 03813-4012. that for some of the last 1976 models had /7 USA. The ISBN number is 978-1-884313-56- tanks with flush filler caps. Now how often 1, the cost is band you can order it from your have you heard the ‘knowledgable ones’ local bookshop or use a specialist BMW parts dealer like Motobins. BMW Club Journal • August 2006 53 EURORIDEEURORIDE 20022002 A tale by Reg Walker : Part 1 ( part 2 next month )

S A PERSON who likes to take on boy thing I suppose but its great! adventures and things which people Asay ‘that cannot be done’ I started to I had an idea up my shirt about trying to cover think about my biggest adventure. What could 12 capital City’s in 12 days covering a lot of I do that would not only be a challenge to me Europe in that time. I told John one shift and but to John the person who as an X Police just left it at that he was tamping to know Motorcycle Cop and driving instructor obeys more but I had to hook him on it so I told him all the rules and is always looking for excuses nothing more. The very next day I thought I to ride his bike! And why not raise some would put him out of his misery and gave money for ‘Save the Children’ charity at the him the full down load – which was not much same time? Read on. as I was making it up as we went along. I was off to Shropshire on the weekend and We were at the time both working at a Police was waiting for John to call me sometime Radio Control Room when on nights we had over the weekend just to see what he thought. time to talk a plan was hatched. The call came on Saturday and by the end of I enjoy riding my BMW with John always. When the call it was clear we were going to do it – we are on the road together we are as one. don’t matter how – it was going to happen. By that I mean that if I am following John I instinctive know when he is about to overtake John was a member of the IPA (International or slow down, when he is about to perform a Police Association) and thought they could ‘fly by’ on some poor unsuspecting driver who perhaps help with regards organising local three seconds before did not even know he accommodation and/or press and the many was there. Isn’t life great when that happens? things which would have to happen if the ride was going to be a success. We felt we could Likewise John also has a feel for when I am do with help getting into the cities and getting on point and performing the same/similar out the following day as most city’s are a moves. I can honestly say that there is no problem with traffic and generally not knowing one I have ever ridden with who gives me so your quickest way out. Perhaps some might much pleasure as Riding With John. It’s a be able to put us up in accommodation or

The start outside Avon & Somerset HQ Dover Port entrance 54 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 suggest a hotel which would be convenient and most of all cheep as we had no sponsorship at the time.

I would approach suppliers of GPS and maps to see if we could obtain some help there. What bikes would we be using? As both of us were BMW owners and John had used them in the Job and the some Police forces still use the BMW’s we thought it would be an idea to approach BMW! John found a contact and after many phone calls and lots of people saying that BM would not supply any bikes, as it was company policy. A couple of weeks later John had secured the use of two BMW K1200’s with new tyres and panniers! Nice one mate. We had to get all the usual paperwork sorted out but at least we had the bikes.

E WERE loaned a K1200 over a W weekend to see if it fitted our needs – Oh yes I should say so. I had a quick trip to Minehead and back along the North Devon Express road, it was so funny to have a Motorcycle Cop indicating to me to slow down – he was on the opposite carriageway! This bike moves.

I had lots of help from the RAC who supplied maps and a printed route card for the entire route. I had asked for most of the route to be non-motorway if possible. How little did I realise how even by using motorway we would be often faced with a 12/14-hour day in the saddle. Nevertheless the route cards and maps were just the job for planning even if I was very naïve about the mileage and time it would take to do 600 miles in a day. GPS was not forthcoming and in hindsight would have been helpful but was not essential. We also had some sponsorship from BKS leathers that supplied made to measure suites, which were fantastic. We also promoted the ‘Ride to Arrive’ scheme run by Avon & Somerset Police as well as other forces.

The ‘Were off’ day.

We had a photo call at Police HQ where as usual, the silly poses are expected. Both John and I did not say anything but we wanted to

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 55 get back into our own world where time was The Ferry should have got in at 22:30 at short and we needed to do so much before Portsmouth. We had time for a sandwich and setting off including saying good by to our drink then got bikes loaded in front of loads love ones and running the same checks we of cars just as it should be. Once on the Ferry had done for leaving home for 3 weeks or so. got ALL the panniers/luggage off and had to Eventually we were away from the HQ walk up three stairs along the entire length of arranging to meet up at Johns house a little the ship to find out cabin which was only big later for a final check and the off. enough for one of us to stand up in at a time. Got sorted out went on to upper deck to watch The adventure started when we left John’s us leaving port not knowing what was in store home address on route to Portsmouth, not for us. The adventure had already begun and knowing that the ferry would be delayed in we were on our way. Got to bed at 0025hrs loading by an hour or so we set of at with the earplugs at the ready just in case reasonable pace knowing that we had about John’s snoring is too much, 30 minuets later 6,ooo miles to go so why were we rushing? it is. The plugs have to go in. – Because that’s how we do it! As we get out of sight of the shore the ship ANIC! RADIO NOT WORKING. Got Vern starts to move about a bit – just like old times Pa friend, out to loan his – meet him at the when I was in the Royal Navy. There is Hicks gate roundabout got radio working and something very comfortable for me when the on our way at 17:15hrs On arrival at ship starts to move about it’s like I have come Portsmouth we were informed ferry is 2 hours home. late in arriving! Never mind any need to rush now then. OOD MORNING – had a good sleep Gwoke up at 09:05 hrs had a shower and waited for John so went onto upper deck check out the weather. It was a hot sunny day. Messed about all morning had lunch trying not to get the big hole in my mouth full of food bits as it’s still very sore having had a tooth out only a few days before. Feeling quite tired as the enormity of the job ahead of us suddenly comes very real. John is playing with the computer I am off to the upper deck to lay in the sun for a couple of hours and hope to have a snooze.

Both John and I think how stupid the English people are. They are wearing white trousers/

56 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 shirt and top then moan the sun chairs are south or north to spend a day or so in Biarritz not very clean leaving a mark on the trousers! will have to see what tomorrow brings? So they then wipe the mess up with a paper towel. Then they look around them passing We are off the ferry after an uneventful comments on how people are badly dressed. morning when the ship docked with the Its quite a laugh people watching and it Spanish sun showing its head over the high pass’s the day rather well. mountains – magic. Quite cool but the day looked full of promise and we were far too Hot sun in the afternoon no clouds, spent excited to worry about the weather being too hours on deck sunbathing and watching birds cold for us after all we were Brits and could fly over the ship with some landing for a rest. cope with the cold. A Quail landed on rear of ship and John went into action to get a picture of it (nine pictures It’s 08:00hrs and already it’s warming up 10 actually) Went and watched a film called degrees C as we stop in a lay-by overlooking Wind-talkers then got a bit to eat packed bags the sea and sort ourselves out. It’s sunny and got ready for the off tomorrow. Spain was and misty with very busy roads – rush hour getting closer by the hour and we both felt the traffic. Got out of Bilboa OK and made our pressure starting to build. We would have a way north to Biarritz we have decided to go couple of days spare before we set off from north! And have a look-see as I want to show Lisbon and we were not sure what we would John the magic of the Basque region of do with them. John was going to make a France/Spain as its one of the most beautiful phone call to Tina but at £5 a minute it proved place’s on earth, well for me it is. We get to to be a little expensive – even for him! the boarder with France and the line of HGV’s stretches back a good couple of Km’s. We of ET ALARM for 05:30 hrs ship will wake at course just go down the outside with the S06:00 hrs according to the PA Gendarmes waving at us so we wave back! I announcement we both decide to get up early so as to jump the queue for breakfast as it’s going to be a mega day tomorrow full of excitement we get ready for bed (don’t forget the ear plugs) but could not get to sleep. The brain was rushing away with lots of different thoughts. Wondered what the girls back home were doing or thinking?

In the end we decide to get off the ferry and find somewhere to park up and get maps out and prepare for the day making sure all our luggage is secure still unsure if we will head

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 57 vents doing their work rather too well! As we go north the sun was warming us up. It was great to be alive and I could not believe we were on our adventure I was smiling under my helmet and felt at home on the road in this area.

E WENT via San Sebastian, St Jean W De Luz – Fantastic as always, had a drink there and walked along the sea front it’s a most beautiful area. We finally got into Biarritz and booked into Etap Hotel. We changed into jeans and tee shirt trainers and rode down to the beach and had a walk about it was 27 degrees C it was a wonderful day and I walked John all over the place but it was a relaxing day – we noted that whilst we were having a drink at a bar our shift at work were on late shift. Where do you think we should be John – yep guess you right?

Got back to the hotel about 18:00 hrs worked on computer with e-mail, sorted panniers out – AGAIN – looking forward to Julies phone call later tonight. It’s great to be here but already thoughts turn to home especially when you have some spare time on you hands. said to John that they didn’t look too pleased with our move but we were now over the Up early after John and I had a bit of time on boarder and were heading north at some our own. John had a dinner at the restaurant pace so it was all a bit too late to worry about whilst I munched out on bread and sausage it. then had a walk around the local village then off to bed and looking for the start proper next OHN HAS JUST sent a text to Tina as no day. Jreply on the phone. We are warming up now, as the blast down the motorway was a 27th Up early went into the mountains looking bit cold on the arms and inner legs. The BKS forward to the ride ahead. The weather was made to measure suites (another sponsor) perfect. Lots of early morning mist with the sun showing its face behind the mountains and flooding the valleys with early morning sun.

John decided he would take the lead and almost at once took us on the wrong road only because he only knows one speed – fast – not to worry the diversion sent us up the mountains above the cloud base giving us a wonderful view of the countryside. The road we found ourselves on I would suggest no one on a touring BMW would have ever tried due to the tarmac going missing at about 3,000 feet. It then turned to a rough

58 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 wanted to be on and started to push the speed up knowing that we had to cover as many miles as we can with the daylight left.

The roads were busy both north and southbound it was a duel carriageway or single carriageway it made little difference to us – we were on a mission now and wanted to get south as quick as we could. Joking apart we had lost lots of time in the mountains and were a little behind where we wanted to be.

The BMW’s were performing faultlessly. John and I just kept going, and going after track (I mean rough) Ewan and Charlie would so many hours in the saddle we would be have felt at home on this, we followed this trying to find ways of stretching our legs. We loose track down to the road again taking had some funny looks as we passed cars about an hour and a half waiting for the new doing a ‘Superman’ impression. We would tyres to be punctured at any time hoping the always find time to wave to the drivers and Ultraseal would do it’s job. It was whilst on passengers watching the kids in the back of the decent we had close encounters with Wild the car going nuts as we waved to them! Horses, and numerous cows, sheep. Some workers on the mountain could not believe Absolutely knackered we pull in at a B & B in their eyes when we arrived coming down the Avila it’s been 100 mph for many, many miles hill. They waved good morning and we today – unbelievable so many miles travelled nodded back unable to take our hands off today its been magic so much scenery to see the bars, as the bike would have been it’s hard to take it all in. I take a picture of the straight off the track down a very steep ravine. helmets, which are completely covered with It was only when a café’ was found at the dead flies. We had both been driving into the bottom of the decent that we realised that we sun for many hours and were grateful for the were in fact in Spain! The sign said ‘NOT black visors, which we had been wearing all SUITABLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES’ oh well day. Illegal in the UK they are essential wear too late! John I think I should be leading now whilst heading into the sun. No headaches – Please. or strained eyes indeed a blessing. The BKS suites were just right for the job with the TOPPED IN a lay by to check the map ventilation, which was cold in Bilboa now S(were the hell are we?) and looked at the proving to be just the thing to keeping things tyres to see if they was any damage/cuts. As cool whilst on the move in 35C heat. already said the tyres were filled with Ultraseal and had done a good job. It was E ARE HAVING a fun time and are whilst doing this we got a stern look from W getting on well. Seen the cycling Tour some Ramblers – just the same as the UK of Spain bikes on cars today after the finish then. Found the road south and got a move of the tour. A procession of 2-300 police on having lost about 3 hours in the mountains motorcycles coming the other way – what a but what a way to loose that time. Memories sight. We had to stop waving, as it was are made like this. We joined the road impossible to take in how many there were. towards Pamplona. It was smooth tarmac What a way to earn a living. with lots of twists and turns. It was strange to be back on such a great little road after spending so long at three MPH down a 1 in 4 on a dirt track. We made up some time then Part 2 next month .... found ourselves on the road which we

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 59 Where we meet EAST ANGLIA: The Cossways, Scole Norfolk. NORTHERN: The Briars Hall Hotel on A5209 near 12:00, 1st Sunday ; The Five Miles Upwell near Burscough, Lancs, 20.00 1st Fri.; All Saints Church Soham Cambs,12.00 2nd Sunday; The Shoulder Hall, Hale Barns, A538, 14:00, 2nd Sun; The Deer of Mutton, Fordham, Essex. A1124. 12:00, 3rd Play A671 Burnley Road, Nr Bacup. 19:30, 3rd Sunday; The Compasses, Littley Green, Essex. Friday; Harraby Inn, Carlisle, A6, 2 miles west of 19:00. Last Wednesday. M6 J42, 19.30, last Monday; The Whipping Stocks, IRISH: Dublin Meeting:- 4th Thursday 8.00 pm south Knutsford, A50, 20.00, 4th Thurs. West County Hotel, Chapelizod. Michael Ganly OXFORD: George & Dragon, Erlestoke, Wilts 4945871 [email protected] North West 7.00pm, 1st Thursday; Waggon and Horses at Meeting:- 2nd Sunday in Coffey’s Café, Carrick- Southmoor off the A420, 19:30, 2nd Tues; Dog & on-Shannon, 11.00am. Jim O’Connell 086- Partridge, Riseley (off end of Swallowfield by- 2805974. Limerick Meeting:- 2nd Tuesday. pass [A33]) 19:30, 4th Tues; Village Hall, Woodfield House Hotel, Ennis Road, 9.00 pm – Uffington, Oxfordshire, 14:00 occ. Suns Peter Deevy, 087-2570855, 061 354 379 Email: st SCOTTISH: Meldrums Hotel, Ceres, Fife, 19:30, [email protected] Limerick Meeting:- 1 Monday. 1st Mon; Gairdeners’ Arms, 232 Paisley Road, Jurys Hotel at 8.00pm. Contact Pat Mulcahy 087- Glasgow, 19:00, 1st Mon; The Log Cabin Hotel, 2377312 Donegal Diamond Meeting:- Last Kirkmichael, Perthshire, 12:30, 2nd Sun; Crook Sunday. John Couzens 074-9541741 Cork Inn, A701 north of Moffat, 12:30, last Sunday; Meeting:- Every Tuesday for June, July, August. Hopeville Social Club, Harlaw Road, Inverurie. Run from Statoil Frankfield at 7.00pm Sharp. 12.30, 4th Sun. LONDON: The Coach & Horses, Newgate Street SOUTHERN: The Phoenix Inn, Twyford, Hants, Village (M25 J24, A1000 towards Hatfield, then on the B3335 1 mile south of M3, J11, 20:00 alt right on B157) 20.00 second Tuesday. The Old Tues; The Saddlers Arms, Send Marsh, Nr. Ripley. Guinea, Ridge (about 1 mile West of M25/A1 20.00 alt. Tues; The Flying Bull, Rake, on the interchange at South Mimms) 20.00 fourth B2070 between Liphook and Petersfield, alt Tuesday. Thurs;The True Lovers Knot at Tarrant MERCIA: Four Counties Inn, No Mans Heath. 19.30 Keyneston, Dorset, 3 miles east of Blandford on 1st Tues and 12 noon last Wed.; Cross & Bowling the B3082 Wimborne Road, 20.00. 3rd Thursday Green, Branson Cross, on A435 at junction SOUTH EAST: Riano’s, A26, Maidstone, 20:00, B4101. Adj Q8 petrol station. 19.30 2nd. Thurs. 1st/ 3rd Wed; The Green Man, Lewes Road The Chetwynd Arms, A34 Brocton Nr. Stafford, (B2192), Ringmer, East Sussex, 20:00 2nd Fri; 19.30 4th Wed; Bull & Swan, Diseworth, Off A453 The Blue Bell’, on the A228 opposite the Paddock Nr East Midlands Airport 2nd Wed. 19.30.; Wood Hop Farm, 4th Sunday, 12 noon Whipping Stocks, A50 Peover, Nr. Knutsford – 19.30 4th. Thurs. (with Northern Section) SOUTH WEST: Jamaica Inn: At Bolventor, off A30 east of Bodmin. (Signed from A30); The Globe: MIDLAND: All year round meetings - The Fox, Exit M5 J27 to A361 for Barnstaple and first left Grantham Road, Ropsley Lincs. NG33 4BX to Samford Peverell. All meets 1200 as per (01476) 585339 1st Tuesday 7.30pm ~ The Green calendar of events. Good Knight Inn, Cheriton Dragon, Blind Lane, Oxton, Notts. NG25 0SS Bishop: off A30 between Exeter and Okehampton (0115) 9652012 2nd Thursday 7.30pm ~ The Park as per diary of events. Hall Tavern, Park Hall Road, Mansfield Woodhouse, Notts NG19 8PX. (01623) 460267 3rd Tuesday ULSTER: Corr’s Corner, Glengormley, Co Antrim, 8pm ~ The Queen’s Arms, Isham Road, 20:00 1st Tues; Wed. Evening Runs, Corr’s Orlingbury, Northants. NN14 1JD (01933) 678258 Corner, 19:00 April, May, Sept, 19:30 June - Aug; 3rd Tuesday 7.30pm ~ The King’s Head, Sunday Morning Runs. Sandyknowes Kingsway, Tealby, Lincs. LN8 3YA (01673) Roundabout (unless specified), 10:30, most Suns, 838347 3rd Thursday 7.30pm ~ Winter gatherings (July - Oct). – The Community Centre, Great lane, Greetham, WESTERN: Easter Compton Village Hall - on the Rutland and The Rangers cycle clubhouse, off B4055 (south of Junction 1 - M48)13.30hrs - 2nd Islington Road, Towcester, Northants – both Sunday.New Inn, Claines, Worcester - 19.30 hrs occasional Sundays, October to March – see - 1st Tuesday. Codrington Arms, Codrington, Midland website. Westerleigh - 19.30 hrs - 1st Wednesday NORTH EAST: Belmont Community Centre, YORKSHIRE: Cracoe Village Hall on B6265 Sunderland Road, Gilesgate, nr Durham.19.30. between Skipton and Kilnsey Crag, 12:00, 1st 1st Wed: The Waggon Inn, on A696, 3m NW of Sun; The Triton Inn, Brantingham, N Humberside, Ponteland, 19.30. 3rd Wed: Jackson’s Wharf Pub, 20:00, 2nd Mon; White Swan Blyth, 12:00, 2nd Jackson’s Landing, Hartlepool Historic Quays, Sun; The Coservative club, Town Street 19.30. Thursday following 4th Wed. Gildersome, 20:00, last Tues of the month. How Steam Gorge Cafe, Lofthouse, near Pately Bridge Please send all changes to 12.00 3rd Sunday Where We Meet to the Editor

60 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 Social and Register Secretaries

East Anglia: Paul Brown, Oxford: John Hillier, 33a March Road, Wimblington, March, Cambs, 27 Stephens Close, Mortimer, Reading. RG7 PE15 0RW. Tel: 0845 1560715 e-mail 3TX. [email protected] Tel: 01189 332152. Irish: Claire Mullen, Scottish: Liz Sandland, 11 Knocknarea Villas, Sligo. Tel: Tel: 01482 875158 00353719170887, e-mail: [email protected] email: [email protected] London: Mick Miles, Southern: Nigel Page, Shepherd’s Ley, Lamb Lane, Redbourn, St 6 Eversleigh Court, High Path, Easebourne, Albans. AL3 7BS. Tel: 015 8279 3188. Midhurst, W. Sussex. GU29 9BP. Tel: 01730 Mercia: Keith Hamilton, 817782. e-mail: [email protected] 12 Meridith Close, Horninglow, Burton on South East: John Smith, Trent, Staffs DE14 2SL Tel: 01283 516793 12 Castleton Avenue, Barnehurst, Kent. DA7 e-mail: [email protected] 6QU. Tel: 01322 342320. Midland: Martin Ellis, 11 Mapplewells Road, Sutton in Ashfield, South West: Keith Hackett, Notts. NG17 1HZ Tel: 01623 401405 41 Primley Park, Paignton, Devon. Tel: 01803 527760. e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Northern: Geoff Thompson, Ulster: Michael Sweeney, 44 Bamford Road, Heywood, Lancashire. OL10 34 Edward Street, Downpatrick, Co Down, Nr. 4TA. Tel: 01706 629206. e-mail: Ireland. BT306JD. Tel: 028 44 615692. [email protected] Western: Janet Wilson, 4 Brow Villas, Bath, BA1 7NA. Tel:01225 858876 North East: Tony Seed, Yorkshire: Dave Milne, 132 Sandgate Drive, 3 Friarswood Close, Yarm, Stockton on Tees. Kippax, Leeds LS25 7QR tel: 0113 2860604. TS15 9JG. Tel: 01642 785880. e-mail: [email protected]

For contact details for the Associate Sec for America, and secretaries for the Sidecar, Sporting and Vintage & Classic Registers see under National Officers at the front of this Journal.

Section & Register News

On the 16 to 17th June Robert Bensley organised a East Anglian Section “Dirty Weekend” off roading in Norfolk, which went very well. I was not made aware of it in advance Paul Brown so it was not possible to mention it here in the Journal earlier for members. The Normandy Holiday was blessed by a heat The Midsummer evening ride to The Lifeboat at wave and at times it was too hot to be inside a Thornham near Hunstanton went very well with at tent! Thanks to Kaz and Dave Hackney and their least four section members turning out. Quite a friends from the Northern Section for building up few membership application booklets were given the numbers and for being such good company. I out to those riders that were on the local dealers look forward to seeing you all again shortly at the run. Around thirty BMW bikes were in evidence. Porlock Rally. Our visit to the Norfolk Broads at the end of June The Hadleigh Rally did not have as good a turnout with the Midland Section was a splendid success as last year. Bob Bye tells me that unfortunately with the rideout lead by Martin Ellis through sunny Sue broke her wrist but was able to return to the Norfolk villages. A boat trip on the Broads, an en- rally after being released from hospital. We wish counter with a floating ice cream vendor! and some her a speedy recovery. careful duck avoidance navigation by Ann, Robert

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 61 Peterborough between the 16th and 17th of Sep- tember. The 24th of September is a Sunday Café Meet this time the location is The Hanger Café at Flixton south of Bungay on the B1062 from 10.30 am. This is the home of The Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum and admission is free. For those of you who would like a pub lunch, The Flixton Buck is adjacent to the museum. You may like to book your meal on 01986 982382 The Black Bull camping weekend with the Northern Section, is taking place on the 29th of September until 1st of October. This is to be held at The Black Bull Camping and Caravan Site just south of Pickering on the A169 behind the Inn of the same name. There will be a rideout to Whitby lead by Geoff Thompson following a scenic route for a Fish and Chip lunch and a walk around the town. On the return we may well visit Aidensfield of Heartbeat fame. The Black Bull is a real ale pub and the meals last year were excellent. The Nelson Rally at Burnham Thorpe in mid October, is between the 13th and 15th. There is limited B & B accommodation available at Whitehall Farm. Some idea of numbers intent upon camping there would be helpful. The village pub, The Lord Nelson, is a splendid place with a tremendous number of Nelson artefacts on display. Friday evening will be spent here relaxing with a rideout on the Saturday morning along the Norfolk Coast Road to Cromer for lunch. If the weather is poor this can be shortened to The Pheasant at Weybourne. During Saturday evening we will have a meal in the Lord Nelson for which I will need Bensley’s partner made for a really pleasant time. prior notice of numbers so if you want to join in At least twenty of us enjoyed a great day out, ring me on 0845 1560715, this is vital. On Sunday with meals and refreshments on the lawn of The morning, prior to leaving why don’t you visit The Kings Head, at the waters edge, in Wroxham. Muckleburgh Collection military museum nearby? Well, there is quite a lot going on in the That day on the road seen temperature of section over the next few months, I hope that some of the following items will be of interest to you all. I would like to remind you that your suggestions for new social activities can be put forward via the Sec- tion News Forum on the Club Website. The future of our Club really re- quires that you, the members, keep it alive with new ideas, please keep them coming in. The Website is a great place for new sugges- tions to be put forward and aired and is not to be missed if you are se- rious about your motor- cycling. The Tail End BMF Rally is at The East of England Showground

62 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 On the 22nd of October we have a Sunday presented in a forthcoming Journal. I may even Café Meet at The Willows Tea Rooms at Stocks contact our esteemed web-meister with a view to Green in Castle Acre O.S. Grid ref. TF 816150 publication. from 10.30am with a ride to Sandringham at around midday, weather permitting. It is with great sadness that I have to inform you Up to the minute information about all our Section activities and any last minute changes are of the untimely death of Rod Finch today, Sun 24 on the East Anglia Section News Forum, go to http:/ June, 2006. Although Rod was a relatively new /www.bmwmcc.co.uk/forum.html You will need member of the club, he was a regular at the North to log on as a member and go to the East Anglia West area meetings in Carrick-on-Shannon and Section News Forum. For those of you with only a was on his way to meet up with friends in Carrick phone you can always ring me to check that an when the accident occured. He would also have event is still as advertised. A change in the Jour- attended a number of events in the club such as nal can take up to two months! Ride safely. Ardara, Mini Thatch rallys and more recently the hotel weekend in Inchigeela. On behalf of the club I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his Irish Section wife Lesley. Jan Browne London Section On Thursday 1st June, ten of us headed for Larne, followed by the quick crossing to Nick Fry Cairnryan. The Magnanimous Ten comprised me, Louis, Davey, Dave, Chris, Eddie, Phil, Jack, Keith and Ted. We quickly made our way to the Glen Six bikes turned up on the Run to Barrowden and Nevis Campsite outside Fort William which was to were met by the Crouchs at Barrowden. Lunch be our base for the next few days. was taken at The Essex Arms, a picturesque pub alongside the village green and a duck pond (with On Friday, we decided to head “like a bird not a duck in site) on the wing, over the sea to Skye” although this is a lot easier these days than it was for the Young While I was returning from the Dutch TT at Pretender, there being a bridge now from Kyle of Assen the Section were on the ride out to Lochalsh. We passed the Commando memorial at Mudeford. En route the group managed to loose Spean Bridge on the way and naturally stopped Jim Burrows, and then the leader Mick Miles man- off for a visit. Having spent the day touring Skye it aged to loose the rest of the group who arrived at was back to Fort William via the ferry completing the lunch stop ahead of him. Just to make Mick’s the line “Speed Bonnie Boat,”. day he ran into a downpour on the way back to visit his brother and got soaked, the rest of the On Saturday, we headed for Culloden to group arrived back by a different dry route. see the site of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s defeat. This took us along the banks of Loch Ness and into The evening meetings continue to be sup- Inverness, a great piece of motorcycling road, fast, ported by the hard core and welcome to Sue mostly open with reasonable visibility. but danger- Coleclough and Steve Willis who joined the Sec- ous for the unwary, as many have found to their tion at the Coach and Horses meeting in June. Now cost. The whole battlefield at Culloden Moor has the weather has settled down do support these been preserved as a monument and is a worth- evening meetings and meet some of your fellow while visit for all interested in Celtic culture. When Section members. we arrived back onsite in the evening we were Coming up this month is the famed Jim Bur- joined by Drew who turned our party into an El- row’s Run to the South which is always a popular egant Eleven. event, and followed later in the month by a ride to On Sunday morning some of us (5) de- Arundel. Both great ways to spend a Sunday in cided to head for John O’ Groats for a spin while good company. the remainder went fishing for Nessie. While those Dave Ensor is also running his annual Run of us seeking northern tips completed our mission, to the Ring for those who like to spice up their those seeking Nessie tips failed miserably. Not even continental riding. By the time you read this Dave a sighting of the great beast. will be packing his panniers and spare underwear Monday morning saw us heading south to and heading off to give himself one of the biggest be closer to the ferry on Tuesday. Having tra- thrills of his life. If you’re up for this type of action versed the centre of Glasgow, the evening saw looks like you’ll need to be in touch with Dave and five of us deciding to keep on for an earlier ferry, get yourself booked in for 2007. while the remainder took comfort in a B&B in Looking further forward to September Mick Maybole. Tuesday morning they were up for an Miles has booked the Section Hotel weekend at early start and an earlier ferry also which saw the Malvern Hills Hotel. At time of writing it is fully everyone safely home by mid- afternoon. A great booked but if you are interested contact Mick and weekend was had by all and full details may be get your name down for next year.

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 63 It was nice to meet some new faces, and Mercia Section we had a decent lunch at the King’s head in Keith Hamilton Hoveton where free parking had been reserved for us. These newly made friendships prompted some of us to hire a boat for a leisurely trip along 2nd 3rd September REGs Coast to Coast run the river Bure onto Salhouse Broad, where we Morecombe-to- Whitby start point little chef met a river-vendor selling ice creams from his own Uttoxeter A50 8am, you need to book your own boat, complete with huge Mr.Whippy cone sticking Hotel in Whitby ..REG will ride up to Morecombe or out from the prow. Did you know that it’s impossi- you can meet him on the sea front by Eric ble to run over a duck with a boat on a river? Not Morecombe’s statue at 11 30 am for the ride across that we tried, of course…. We all had a really country .REG also plans a leisurely ride back on enjoyable and relaxing day together – even the Sunday. If you need more info call me on 01283 ride along the busy A47 only brought about three 516793 near misses, all with the same car within the space 10th September Keiths re-run to Llandudno we did of a few seconds, when a suicidal Nissan Micra attempted to pull out on three separate occasions not make it last time due to a very wet wet day into the path of three of our number, but our super- .Start point Little Chef Rugeley 9.30am human reflexes and supreme riding skills ( did I Please check diary for more runs in September mention that I was one of them, by any chance?) 27th August Repton 12noon-2pm The Repton meet saved us from disaster. Thanks to East Anglia in July was a bit of a farce members running all social sec Paul Brown for coordinating his end of over the village to find a key holder as the care- things, and hopefully this kind of interaction is the taker had gone on holiday and forgot to let me shape of things to come. Let’s not forget that we know ..Good job it was a nice day !!. are all welcome at all club events, whichever the section. Please would you let me if you are interested in PLAS TEL GARTH I need to know before the end Our mystery brunch run on August 6 will of August so I can book for December 9th not be a marathon, but will still be worth getting the bike out for, and it’s not to a ‘specialist’ place – it Not much to write this month as we have been should suit all tastes – hopefully. away and not had a lot of time 2700 miles in two weeks in France and Spain very hot but a great As I have mentioned before, the remainder time had by all. of our planned Thursday ‘midweek’ runs will not take place due to unforeseen circumstances. Don’t forget to send in any nominations or proposals which you may have for our section Midland Section AGM in October. The cut off data is September 7. Start times/locations and contact details can Martin Ellis be found in the diary section of The Journal, or I’m available by phone (even on the bike!) on (07970) 682972 or by e-mail at Our biggest turnout since New Year’s day was on [email protected] Please check the June 11, when Bill Rodgers led a huge group of Midland website regularly for more information, bikes in sweltering heat to a good lunch stop in along with updates and late news. http:// Derbyshire, then onto the private motorcycle mu- www.bmw-club.org.uk/midland and don’t forget seum in Bakewell were we were all suitably im- the midland chat area on the newly resurrected pressed by the variety of machines on display. We club forum at http://www.bmw-club.org.uk/forum/ were all equally impressed that we lost no-one, index.php It has been difficult to access in recent especially with such a large group – well done Bill. weeks, but all should be well now. Do persevere Busy bee that he is, Bill also informs me with it, it’s your place to have your say and keep in that the annual running of the Sleaford Historic touch. Motorcycle & Car Show takes place on Sept 2nd 2006 & entries are welcome from BMW members with ancient or modern machines (even ancient or modern members are welcome). Please contact Northern Section him on 01526 834480 or “Chop” Nunn on 01529 305316 for details & entry forms, and he’s at it Geoff Thompson again in August with a trip to the industrial heritage museum at Kelham island in Sheffield on the 13th. This place really is fascinating and well worth a In the June Journal I wrote that I would prefer to visit – check out the website http://www.simt.co.uk/ see all our, non winter, meetings at Chipping and index.html Food is available on site. asked for comments one way or another. Well so far the “Chipping Summer” supporters are in the Dale’s ride to Whitby went down really well majority by a ratio of 7 to one. Overwhelming then? (even if it did rain a little) and our day out in Wroxham Not really, 7 have spoken in support with one wish- was an unqualified success with around 20 peo- ing to maintain the status quo. Does this mean only ple from Midland and East Anglia sections having 1% of the section have an opinion on this? Let me good food in excellent company and good weather. or other committee members know what you think.

64 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 left to right : John Sealey—John Bryant— Peter McCombie—David Machin—John Bell— Michael Higginbotham—Craig McNee –Steve Rice

Meanwhile the Social Programme continues apace, year. Fish and chip by the sea and back for a pint full details are in Diary of Events section as al- and to watch the football. Saturday started with a ways. Alan Stretton has moved the 3rd Friday meet- leisurely breakfast then off to catch the 1110hr ing to a new venue of the “Deer Play” as the Glory ferry, we arrived back in Holyhead by 1300hrs. had let its standards slip. The Deer Play’s location Having said our goodbyes we all went our sepa- can be found in “Where we Meet”. rate ways after having had -: a great holiday with good weather – a few pints – met some great people and we all arrived home safely. What more John Bell sent me this report on his trip to Eire: could you want!!. We all met up at Holyhead on Sunday evening. We settled in to our B&B then went to the Kings Head for dinner and a pint. After an early night we were Mike Gibson reports: A small group left Devil’s woken by heavy rain but thankfully this had eased Bridge, riding via Sedbergh to pick up a minor road by the time we had had breakfast. We caught the through the Lune Gorge to Tebay, from where we 0855 ferry to Dun Laoghaire then rode over to went to Orton and then Shap. The lanes of the Galway via Dublin and the M4 toll road calling at East of Cumbria then led us to Pooley Bridge at the Athlone for lunch. Galway was to be our base for North Eastern end of Ullswater. From there, a mi- the next three days. We were met there by Ian nor road took us over a ridge and around the flanks Cottiss who helped to make our 2005 holiday so of Little and Great Mell Fells where we encoun- enjoyable. Unfortunately Ian took ill during the night tered a couple of steers (Highland cattle) on the and had to leave us, but not before he gave us road, accompanied by their farmer. Joining the A66, some very good ideas as to what we should see. we then headed for our lunch stop at The Mill Inn, Over the next three days we rode our bikes through Mungrisdale, where they provide a wide range of some great scenery. We visited The Aran Isles- local pies. One of these, The Old Man, was quickly Connemara- Loop Head (the cliffs over looking the renamed The BMW Owners Pie! A gated fell road mouth of the Shannon) Galway town and The Quiet then led us back to the A66 and East to Penrith, Man museum. On the Friday morning we left Gal- along lanes to Appleby and a cracking road to Orton way to make our way back across to the east once again. The A685 took us to Kendal, bypassed coast to Bray, we stayed in the same hotel as last by a very minor lane, and the end of our run BMW Club Journal • August 2006 65 On July 1st-2nd we ran a checkpoint for the BMF/ Oxford Section ACU National Rally, we are quite expert now as John Hillier we have ran it for the last three years. We had 137 riders who called at our checkpoint through- out the night. We had a lady called Linda Grant who helped on the refreshments who baked some The section’s continental jaunt this year was to cakes, which were sold in aid of Cancer Research the Belgian Ardennes where we stayed with Neil in fact all the money for the refreshments was and Ann Leigh at their home near Stavelot (they donated to the charity. advertise in the back pages of the Journal) We had a good time even though the weather was This month on the 13th August we will have variable, Steve and Catherine Moxey did not have the annual club barbeque, it will be held at Graham a good start to their holiday as their bike failed at & Diane Chapple’s house at East Hagbourne near Dover so we had to leave them at the dockside, Didcot from 1.30pm onwards. Could you please they got the bike fixed and joined us a day late, call Graham & Diane on 01235 814851 a couple after the weekend in Belgium they were going days in advance to confirm you are going. I shall down to Milan in Italy so the bike had to be right. lead a ride to the barbeque; we shall meet at Geoff Steele became a hero to the bar owner in Newbury Wharf at 12.00. the village where we stayed due to Geoff’s col- On 25th-28th August it will be the BMW lection of Velocettes and his racing exploits plus club national rally at Moreton Morrell put on by the the fact that Bob Fosters (famous Velocette racer) Midland section. crash helmet fitted Geoff’s head, the helmet had pride of place in the café along with a photo of Bob Foster. After the weekend in Belgium John Wheeler and myself set off north to go to the FIM motocamp that was held at Vorden near Arnhem in Scottish Section the Netherlands. The rally was very good, the Liz Sandland weather even improved. On 11th June we had Rob & Marion Allin’s ride out, what follows is Marion’s report on the day: The regular Tuesday lunchtime meeting in June Another year had flown past – Sunday 11th June went ahead as planned. Six people turned up, an and time for our annual jaunt to a N.T. property. increase of one on the previous visit, and the par- This year’s choice? Dyrham Park near Bristol. This ticipants had a pleasant bar lunch at the Goblin Ha’ splendid late 17th century house nestles in a val- in Gifford. The remaining lunchtime meets this year ley surrounded by a deer park. A dozen bikes, are: 15th August, Drymen and 19th September, sixteen riders left Newbury and skilful riding from Ayr. Keep your eye on the Diary of Events or con- all concerned took us smoothly over down land tact Robert (tel. 01899 308516; email and along winding leafy lanes to our first destina- [email protected]) for more information. tion, the usual halfway stop for lunch. The Red The Longest Day Rally was once again Bull Inn is one mile outside Malmesbury on the B4040 held at the Broomfield Campsite in Ullapool in mid- Sherston road and well worth a visit- excellent June and was the usual combination of patches of food at reasonable prices. Despite soaring tem- good weather accompanied by tons of midges, or peratures (+30c) the roast dinner was the most wind and rain with no midges. Numbers were popular choice. Dyrham was another thirty min- slightly down from last year. Peter from London on utes through more country lanes and Georgian his /5 was the furthest travelled. Other long dis- villages. On arrival the N.T. staff in the car park tance attendees were Griff and Rhys Jones; no were their usual helpful selves, helmets etc were not the comedian but two members from Cam- stored safely so we could enjoy the day in shorts bridgeshire and Wales (no prizes for guessing and shirtsleeves. It was good to see so many pil- which was which)! The section marquee and bar- lion riders this year and of course the day ended becue were christened and were appreciated by with cream teas all round! Next year? Watch this those present, though the wind proved to be a bit space. of a challenge. Saturday’s organised rideout was On the 17th June we had a section skittles to Achiltibuie and Lochinver for the annual pilgrim- match at the Dog & Partridge at Riseley, everyone age to the world famous Pie Shop. We then headed seemed to have a good time even though their off down the side of Loch Shin to Lairg when we was a balls up on the numbers. picked up petrol despite Dick’s insistence that there was no petrol station there. He did however point On the 24th- 25th of June it was Motorcy- out the sites of two former petrol stations in Lairg cle World down at Beaulieu, Derek Johnson and which were long gone. So if you want to know myself were helping at the club tent. Many new where there isn’t a petrol station in Scotland, just members joined at the show, we had a prime posi- ask Dick. We returned via Ledmore Junction. Then tion adjoining the BMW motorad stand, which was it was back to fighting off the midges. I spent the very busy, people were especially interested in week touring Scotland before heading to the most the new F800. northerly event in the Scottish Section calendar. Dunnet Bay camping weekend had to be

66 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 moved to the Council-run site in Scrabster Road, Thurso since the camp site in Dunnet reopened Southern Section this May with only two pitches for tents. This proved to be a very good move since the Thurso site is David Williamson excellent with good facilities and I would recom- mend it to any campers venturing to the North coast. The second fish and chip run of the year was to The warden and her family are all keen bikers, Bracklesham Bay on Thursday 8 June. A glorious mainly classic British Iron. The site overlooks the evening and the promise of food tempted 18 mem- Bay and there were some spectacular sunsets to bers to the seaside. After our meal we sat on the be seen. We were lucky that the weather was shingle and watched the sun set. Thanks to Dave very pleasant with a cooling sea breeze and no Wright for organising the run. rain. Ian travelled up on an R1150RT from Swan- sea and Norrie on a R100R from Rosslyn. On Sunday 11 June Nick and Sarah Tucker organized a trip down to the New Forest to watch On the Friday night we sampled the fare at mechanized tree felling. Seventeen people at- the Scottish Section secretary, Jason’s local, The tended and while Nick took us to the forest site Weigh Inn. However Ian and Norrie soon moved where the machine was operating and felling some on to the town for a pub crawl, though they de- large pine trees Sarah was organizing a BBQ at scribed it as ‘looking for live music’. They emerged another site within the New Forest. I think every- on the Saturday morning looking the worse for body was impressed at the speed and ease with wear, so I assume they found the ‘live music’ to which the machine felled the trees, removed the their taste. branches and then sawed them up into the de- The rideout on Saturday was via Forsinard sired lengths ready for the different markets. Af- through the Flow Country to lunch at the Garvault ter watching and learning all about the felling proc- Hotel, by Kinbrace, Sutherland. This is the most ess and the thinking behind it the group rode to remote hotel on mainland Britain. We were wel- meet up with Sarah and enjoyed the BBQ that she comed with open arms and fed on tea, coffee and had prepared. Thank you to Nick and Sarah and salmon sandwiches at a very reasonable price. Bruce and Lauren (the young people) for organiz- We headed down to Kinbrace then meandered our ing another very different event. way North West, stopping frequently for photo- graphs of the stunning scenery. Norrie, as a pro- fessional photographer was in awe of the scen- ery all day. There was a slight diversion round the Beaulieu old main road at the Kyle of Tongue, with a pause Greg and Eve Smith report- The sun was shone to look at the Crannog (prehistoric man made is- on Beaulieu again but football seemed to interfere land) in a loch there. I can’t imagine how heavy with attendance. However, Saturday was glori- goods vehicles negotiated this narrow, twisting ous and both days saw a fair bit of traffic through road before the causeway was built in 1971. The the Club Marquee, which the Beaulieu event man- evening’s entertainment was a pub crawl (or agement and Bees Marquees managed to put up in should I say a ‘search for live music’) round Thurso. a prime (albeit wrong) location, next to BMW The good weather continued on the Sunday to Motorrad and opposite SPC, providing a ‘BMW vil- cap a perfect biking holiday. lage’! The fact that our ‘paddock’ was 100 yds Looking ahead, the first weekend of Au- away didn’t matter too much: we had the brandnew gust is Dick’s camping weekend in picturesque F800s on our doorstep! Thanks to all those who Garmouth. Phone Dick on 01343 870389 to book lent a hand for the whole weekend or just a day, your place. Kate’s Spaghetti Bolognese will be on especially to Pat & Roy Laithwaite who trundled the menu and there will be a Saturday rideout to a down all the way from Suffolk, Ian MacKechnie mystery destination as usual. If you don’t want to from Wales and Tony Moores and Derek Johnson camp out in Dick’s back garden he can arrange giving their act ‘de presence’. See you next year accommodation at the Hotel across the road or in a at Beaulieu B&B round the corner. The more the merrier. We hope to see a good turnout of Scottish August Section members at the BMW Club National Rally in Don’t forget we have the Big Birthdays BBQ com- Moreton Morrell. There’s plenty to do to suit all ing up on Sunday 6th August (12-6) in Farley Mount tastes and you don’t have to camp. Don’t forget to Country Park (Crab Wood shelter), near Sparsholt, send off your application form in good time. west of Winchester. Contact Eve Smith 02380 A number of directors of the club/company 251146: you will need to book but any friends (of have recently resigned, including the Scottish Sec- the section or otherwise) are welcome. £7 p.p. tion director. So if you would like to take on this (cheques to The BMW Club). challenging role and represent the Section at Na- When you read this: book now!! tional Committee Meetings, contact the Chairman For directions/bookings, send an email to of the Scottish Section committee, Dick Boyd. He [email protected] or see below. Lim- would be happy to advise you how you can get ited seating available (picnic benches) so please involved in running the Club. bring your own if possible. Also bring your own beer/wine if you prefer something stronger than fruit juice! Be prepared for some games, plenty of

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 67 space for walks or quiet snooze, toilets and tap was that a Section collection resulting in flowers, available. gifts, champagne and multi-signed card had been set in motion by Roger and Jill Bickerstaffe during the previous weeks. Along with all of that came a Popham Airfield Bike show 19-20 camping on the huge ‘Anniversary’ cake, wonderfully made by Sally Saturday night. Robinson. All of this was presented to us on the Sunday. We have tried to thank everyone involved September in person but if we have missed anyone out we sincerely apologise. Thank you all for your kind There is a breakfast run to Shaftsbury on Sunday thoughts, words and deeds. We shall never for- 3 Sept. Then on Saturday 9 Sept there is an evening get your kindness! run to Hollycombe Steam Fair near Liphook, come th along and enjoy the various rides, all driven by The Section BBQ on the 17 , at Bill and steam. Jane Laings’ home, went off with it’s customary gut-busting orgy of food and fancies fit to grace a King (or Queens) table! The ‘Bogs Dollacks Trio’ The price for the Isle of Wight hotel weekend 27- breezed and murdered it’s way through once popu- 29 October; for 2 nights B&B plus return ferry lar hit tunes whilst the heavily laden plates and from Southampton to Cowes will be £74 per per- stomachs of members waddling in and out of the son for 2 sharing and £84 per person for a single food tent cast shadows over the sun drenched room. The evening meals will be available in the lawns. Sounds good doesn’t it? It was a great pub in the village. To book phone Nigel 01730 evening, organised by Margaret in cahoots with 817782. Jane, along with super chefs Roger and Jill aided and abetted by Kevan Green. Our thanks go to them and to all of the little helpers for making it all so enjoyable. South East Section The ride-out for ‘Bill’s Bash’ on the 25th con- cluded with everyone being invited back to Bill Brian Shears Hallers’ home for his 70th Birthday party. Nearly thirty of us happily accepted and found ourselves face-to-face with a mountain of home cooked food, all prepared by our host! What else could we do June started with George Barlow’s ‘Numb Bum but stiffen our resolve and eat the lot! It was all Run’ to Fort Nelson, overlooking Portsmouth har- very scrummy! Thank you Bill and lovely wife bour. Unfortunately, George was sidelined recov- Maureen for your hospitality, it was a great ending ering from a wrist operation so Mick Foxwell took to a busy day. Oh! I almost forgot to thank Roger over as the run leader, adopting a route that George and Jill for taking the run. had picked out earlier. A good ride out, good food, Have you noticed it too? Those good company, good views and a place of inter- Bickerstaffes’ are popping-up all over the place est, where entry was FREE! What more could you these days! Lovely people you know! ask for? Our thanks go to George and Mick for making it all happen. The Section represented the Club at the ‘Garden Of England Motorcycle Show’ over the weekend of the 10/11th at Paddock Wood. For the South West Section tenth year running we set-up and manned a hos- Keith Hackett pitality unit complete with a display of fifteen bikes. Visitors coming into the unit were able to sit and view a computerised pictorial review of Section I have had many phone calls asking what has hap- events for the previous year. This had been pains- pened to the news from the Southwest – well the takingly compiled by Roger Bickerstaffe from his answer is I don’t know , but to try appease some and other Section member’s photographs. It was of you who are longing for the thrilling instalments a job well done and our thanks go to Roger for from the South West I have included as many as giving up a lot of spare time to do it. Special thanks possible below. Unfortunately I have had to edit go to Brenda Gibson who took on the odious task some as we only have limited space in the journal. of supermarket shopping for the ‘Refreshments’ section over the two days. Also, our thanks go to the ladies for helping out with washing up, making Helen and John’s Run - Sunday 02 Apr 05: - drinks, filling rolls, etc.etc. Weighing in with brains There was a good turnout for John and Helen and muscle the fella’s didn’t do badly either and (Taylor’s) run which was destined to be a cross- the combined effort made the whole unit, to quote; country romp from Exeter services to an open day “The Best Club Stand”. Unfortunately, there are being hosted by the KTM and Victory dealership too many names to mention but thank you and well “Sideways”, an offshoot of CW Motorcycles. done to all involved. New members Alister Sutherland and Lawrie Scott What a surprise! Margaret and I obviously took the initiative to introduce themselves and were knew that it was our 40th wedding anniversary on made welcome by the ever growing throng. Good the Sunday of the Show. What we did not know to see you there guys. 68 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 Besides an impressive array of Beemers, other St Audries Report- well overdue marques included Simon Brown on his Pan Euro- pean, Charles Bland on his surprisingly quick Sil- ver Wing super-scoot, and Tommy and Lyn (guest Going by the feed back St Audries was again a riders) on their Blackpool (illuminations) Bandit. Also great success. Over 90 people attended for the worthy of note was the attendance of Brian and weekend with day visitors on both the Saturday Sally Charlton of the Western Section on their KTM and Sunday. Ted Deveys meander through the 990 Adventurer and GS 650 respectively who countryside and Police assessed rides ,live bands brought with them new member Ashley on his were just some of the activities available. Helen 1150GS, all of whom had ridden down from Ross and Johns rideout was well supported as can be on Wye to join in the fun. seen from her report. Having downed a hearty breakfast at Ex- Well over 30 bikes attended the brief for eter Services and brought everybody up to speed the Sunday ride…. By the end of the day some with the drop-off system, John led (whilst Helen may have wished they hadn’t…. instead of 120 swept) the ride through some spectacular coun- miles we did 170 and we were a little late back so tryside which included Ottery St Mary, Lyme Regis, snooze time was reduced. But we had a dry day Bridport, Abbotsbury, Hardy’s memorial, and fin- with some glorious views. The chosen route was ishing at Crossways just east of Dorchester. Eve- often demanding with a mixture of road classes rybody made it safe and sound with the exception (some probably unclassified) varying from gravel of Brian who despite having twenty riders in front to fast open roads. Lunch was enjoyed in the of him managed to bag a sizeable puncture in Ottery garden of the Grampus at Lee and tea at Eaglescott St Mary and was obliged to complete the remain- Airfield where several light aircraft were on dis- der of the journey on the back of recovery vehi- play. The day provided various incidents to keep cle. us enthralled – a bike with incontinence problems, an alternative leader, some entertaining riding styles and a belligerent farmer on his quad bike who Much as to be expected, Dave Wyndham thought he owned the road - but most seemed to of CW notoriety and his merry band of men had enjoy the experience returning with huge grins. laid on a spectacular open day at Crossways. Anyone wanting photographs from the day can Bright sunshine, test rides, discounted clothing, email me at [email protected] and I great value refreshments and the latest range of will happily oblige. Many thanx to all who came both KTM and Victory models provided something and made it a memorable day. for everybody and kept the crowds fully amused. Having waited until Brian arrived safe and sound on his private recovery vehicle, it was time to head for home, and for the hardy few yet more Chris Crocker sent in this report on the Anchor Inn customary tea and stickies back at Budleigh meet on the 21 April. Salterton courtesy of John and Helen. 16 souls braved the pouring rain to attend the An- In addition to the “Sideways hospitality” chor Inn, among them new members Glyn & Cathy highlights of the day included a massive round of also Tim & Jane. We also welcomed Margeret a applause for Brian whose KTM was the only bike guest with John & Val Dyke. After lunch the rain not to make it to a KTM open day under its own stopped and some of the members had a ride steam, Roger Beer and Charles Bland who de- around Exmoor. Thanks to all who attended. Chris spite the best efforts of a well placed marker de- cided to emulate messers McGregor and Boorman and returned to Exeter the long-way round, and Well I think we have now caught up except to say finally not to be outdone by Brian’s disappointment, that the fish and Chip meets still seem to be well Sally Charlton on her trustee GS who gave the attended as can be seen from Helens write up Blackpool Bandit a great run for its money whilst playing catch-up following the KTM recovery.

It would be remiss of me not to extend a hearty thanks to Dave Wyndham for his Sideways The North East Section hospitality and facilitating the impromptu renewal of Brians rear tyre, as well as John and Helen for News can be found on hosting yet another thoroughly enjoyable day. The only thing remaining is to get somebody in the Western Section to persuade Brian that he can’t page 73 as the Editor get either Nectar points or Air Miles whilst travel- ling courtesy of the RAC. only realised it was Oh! How we laughed!! missing hours before Pete Leach print ....

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 69 FISH AND CHIPS – BUDLEIGH SEAFRONT – 14TH Billy Owens kick started a debate about JUNE the merits (but mostly otherwise) of a recent Roads Service document which purports to set out a fu- ture traffic strategy for this fair little province, with- The weather was not as good as promised but the out taking into account motorcycles. phone had been red hot for days so I was confi- dent the turnout would be high – but I was over- We understand that more enlightened cit- whelmed when 58 turned up! 58 smiling hungry ies across the sheough, like London and Glasgow folk parked up along the prom and ordered their recognise the environmental value of people grub and settled into friendly chatter and banter traveling to work on bikes and scooters and pro- whilst they waited for their supper to be cooked vide tailor-made parking facilities for them. But not and delivered. BMW Club and DAM were about Belfast. Oh no. equally represented – mixing well and making the A thoroughly good and enjoyable winge new faces welcome. They came from up the road was had by all regarding the abuse and burdens and way up the M5 to enjoy al fresco dining. Cakes which have to be carried by bikers and that come and drinks were on offer and over £40 was raised the revolution, it’ll all be different. for MS. Many thanx to everyone who attended – Poor Bob Barker was talked into writing a a very enjoyable social event. Helen strongly worded “Dear Sir” letter to our political masters, lobbying that our views and needs be Please if you do organise an event, send your considered. That’ll have ‘em trembling up in Stormont! write up to me at [email protected] for inclusion in the journal Western Section Ulster Section Chris Bates Michael Sweeney Chairman Simon Gough’s ride out on 28th May was blessed with good weather and some 13 riders. A American Independence Day, the 4th July was refreshment stop in the usually tranquil town of warm bright and sunny in Norn Iron and saw a Hay on Wye was quite literally a culture shock, it good turnout for our monthly Section meeting. being the date of the ‘Literary Festival’ There were even some motorcyclists there, on Arthur Withey took over the Abbotsbury motorbikes! meeting due to Brian and Marion being away in Richard was thanked very heartily by all Scotland. Sunshine and swans. The small band present for the trouble that he and mum and dad of riders took lots of photo’s, but soon gave up and gurlfriend went to in organising a very suc- trying to count the myriad of cygnets who were all cessful quiz last month and his suspicions at this over the place! As the hatching has not yet com- uncharacteristically charitable behaviour are well pleted the whole area is likely to become very over- founded. We will of course want him to do it again crowded. The total number of adult birds and some time. Please. Pretty please. Pretty please with young are certainly in the hundreds. Cheers Arthur. a cherry on top. Dave and Anita Holland were delighted with There was also a recap by those present their chosen site for the Exbridge camping week- of any biking events which had taken place re- end, but the number of members was way below cently and a looking forward to those still to hap- expectation(due to details not being in the journal pen later in the summer. for some reason) Come on all you campers! Norman was able to tell us that twelve peo- Quite a few of our once very active mem- ple attended the ride and meet for lunch in the York bers are spending more time sitting in the garden Hotel (which must be some kind of a recent record) nowadays, and I am included in that number. Some and enjoyed a good meal and chat. have emigrated to foreign parts - such as Wales, Twelve people had also gone on the previ- Hi Mike & Jody, and Hank & Carol. We meet on the ous Sunday’s run following a route devised by second Sunday of every month you know. If you that master navigator Stewart Johnston some time can make it any time, it would be great to see, so ago. They rode about 220 miles (apparently Tommy hurry along before we forget what you look like! did about 270 but that’s another story) visited Ron’s Ride. On a rather dull day compared Castledawson among other places and had a jolly with previous mid summer ‘Chairman’s’ rides, a good old day to themselves. reduced number of members met up at Old Sodbury. Looking ahead, people were encouraged A pleasant tour through Badminton, Hawkesbury, to think about going to the Thatch Rally which takes Wotton and towards Horsley. place in Galway in September and has an enviable At this point Ron Elmslie moved from leader reputation among its regulars. It’s such good value to tail ender. Thus we found ourselves following for money that I believe even Ballymena people go Jim who up to that point had been a follower. to it. What higher recommendation could you have Shortly after that we took to a series of ‘vicious’ than that, hey? lanes that resembled a trials course! The two lady 70 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 riders faced this hiatus with a calm stoicism and A short report from Mike on his run to Sandtoft coped admirably. Personally I have always viewed Aviation. Nine people turned up so it was a case motorcycling as something of a male preserve, but of a few enjoying the day and many missing out. then I am a couple of generations out of date, a Three lucky members won the raffle to enjoy a Tog! Back on the normal roads we passed free flight Dave; Dennis and Mark, they all enthused Nympsfield then dropped down from the hills to about the experience and the views of the sur- the Severn basin where we all stopped beside the rounding countryside. Being bounced about in the canal at Saul. We enjoyed locally made ice cream sky in a small monoplane piloted by a barmy Aussie in the always pleasant environs of that canal and is not everyone’s cup of tea. It sure beats the river. Afterwards we rode as swiftly as A38 speed modern airliner for an experience that’s for sure. limits would allow to Ron’s very pleasant home The Airfield has and excellent café and welcoming and garden in Downend. staff so if you are in the area and want a ride out There we were given a fine tea on the this is worth considering. lawn by Margaret, Jean Cox and Joyce Finch, hus- band Pat Finch was there too and chatted about The camping weekend Naburn Lock was another the BMW Club in preivous times. Thank you to all success with good weather and good company. who were involved in this day out. 20 people and 13 tents.It was nice to see the Marshalls who travelled up from Northampton again. I would also mention Tony (Dot Com) who in spite of being on crutches made it on his boxer outfit. Most people caught the bus, at the camp site gate, into York on Saturday. York was buzzing Yorkshire Section in the summer sunshine and now has a big wheel to view the city from, not as big as the London Eye Elaine West but at six quid a go not as expensive either! The pub in the village is now under new management this has resulted in bigger better meals and a good Arthur Berries camping weekend at Horton In atmosphere for a pint or two. The other thing I Ribbledsale proved a popular venue with a good noticed was that the after some improvements to turnout with visitors from Wales also a new mem- the camp site, we had piped music in the loos. ber Mark. The ride out on Saturday took in Carnforth Posh eh. So an enjoyable weekend for the those the Trough of Bowland and upto Arnside while who attended. Sorry the rest of your could not others enjoyed a walk into Hellwith Bridge to Arthur’s, local for a few beers. Everyone enjoyed make it. Thanks to Mike for this report. high tea back at Arthurs, house where his good lady wife Barbara provided delicious cakes etc Stuart and myself had a great time at the FIM unfortunately Mary with the bad knee couldn’t make Motorcamp and then went onto the International the ride so was treated to on –site service with a Jampot Rally at Denekamp. Where we met old and good helping of chocolate cake – just remember new friends this biking lark is grand is’nt it. See ladies a moment on the lips forever on the hips! you later . Biker Chick

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 71 After a sit down meal on the Saturday evening Vintage & Classic Register a raffle draw took place and £132 was raised Malcom McNair for the Air-Ambulance. A very worthwhile char- ity and one we hope never to have to use. I cannot thank enough those people who con- The 5th Register Rally in Wales took place in tributed prizes for the raffle; there were so June and was as successful as ever al- many. ‘The peoples’ choice’ of ‘Best BMW’ though numbers, due to the ill health of a went to Brian Pashley for his immaculate number of regulars, was slightly down. The R51/3 which was ridden two up from York- weather did us proud again and one very shire. Shows ‘oldies’ can be used for long encouraging aspect was the large turn out of distance work! ‘black and whites’. These ranged from an Elsewhere in the Journal there are details of R67, R51/3 and R26, through to the popular the Club International Rally to be held at R50/60’s, plus of course the /5’s. Moreton Morrell over the August Bank Holi- A number of events took place with the usual day weekend. Please support the Register organized ride-outs plus a trip across to the and try and attend even if it’s only for one day. Island of Skoma to see the bird life. Those On the Saturday as well as a Vintage & Clas- that took the trip were amazed at the colo- sic Ride-out, with lunch stop, there will be a nies of puffins and the variety of wild life. Oth- talk in the afternoon on the older BM’s. This ers took the opportunity of browsing around is a good chance to ask those technical a large local boot sale before joining the main questions. ride-out group at a small privately owned Following the cancellation of the Classic Bike museum. Clubs’ Show in May, the organizers have ar- ranged for it to go ahead at the Classic Stinkwell Show at Beaumanor Hall,

72 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 Woodhouse, Leics. The location is just off the A6 South of Loughborough and East of M1 Junction 23. The date is Sunday Septem- ber 17th. Now a cautionary note which concerns the purchase of spares from overseas dealers. It is now obvious that some items are not the best quality so consider carefully the items you want. I would suggest that for wiring looms, pistons, coils and all critical items you choose your source with care. For exam- ple I would use Mark Huggett in Switzerland for those ‘critical’ components, as his quality is excellent, indicated by the fact that he sup- plies Mobile Tradition. Of course you can buy from the dealers in the UK then you will have some recourse should an item be sub-stand- ard. More articles are wanted for the ‘News’, es- pecially for the post ’69 machines. I do hear of older machines that are for sale so if you fancy a classic keep in touch.

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 73 The BMW Club Vintage & food and refreshments including Monday Classic Register presents breakfast, BUT NOT THE FRIDAY NIGHT MEAL AT THE TALBOT HOTEL. THE 2nd Y LON GEFN CHARITY RUN Cheues to be made payable to LON GEFN nd / rd SEPTEMBER 2 3 2006 MACMILLAN CHARITY RUN and sent with IN AID OF MACMILLAN your address, telephone number and Club CANCER RELIEF Membership Number to ‘The Vintage & Classic Register’, 27 Syon Gardens, Newport Pagnell, Bucks. MK16 0JU. DUE TO “PUBLIC DEMAND” WE ARE Please include a S.A.E. If your application PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE RETURN is unsuccessful due to limited spaces, your OF Y LON GEFN (Welsh Boreen) cheque will be returned and your name CHARITY RUN. STARTING FROM THE placed on a reserve list in case there are TALBOT HOTEL, TREGARON, any cancellations. CEREDIGION, MID WALES AT 9 a.m. PROMPTLY ON SATURDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER AND FINISHING SUNDAY Please telephone Gerry Wakeman on 3rd SEPTEMBER AT LLWYNGWAIR 012398 21023 with any queries. MANOR, NEWPORT, PEMBROKESHIRE. THE CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF Please note that, in the tradition of the APPLICATIONS IS JULY 1st 2006 Boreen, the runs will take place over minor roads and tracks and some are in poor condition. You may be required to go through fords and sections of Forestry track etc. No backup is available so you must ensure you have recovery arrangements. (A tyre sealant is recommended). Please note the event is unsuitable for outfits.

The number of places is limited to 30 and it is a stipulation that you are a current paid up member of The BMW Club and you quote your membership number when you apply. These will be checked against the Club database.

The total cost for the event is £135.00 Sterling per person and this includes a £5.00 donation to Macmillan. This amount covers the cost of Friday, Saturday and Sunday night hotel accommodation, all

74 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 Mutual Aid Mutual Aid Adverts are to enable BMW Club Members to buy or sell motorcycles or related items that they own. The service is free but subject to the rules below and excludes trade advertisers. 1. Note adverts are NOT accepted over the phone send them by 6. Mutual Aid Adverts are accepted for a one-month insertion post to the Mutual Aid Officer: Owen Vaughan, 16 South only. Any subsequent submissions are the responsibility of the Meadows, Pembroke, Pembs. SA71 4E, or by e-mail: advertiser. [email protected] (Please remember to include 7. Please note the copy deadline in the Journal and understand your full postal address). Phone queries only between 10:00 – which edition it applies to before querying why your advert hasn’t 20:00 please, to 01646 683188. . appeared two weeks after you sent it! Please do not leave it to the 2. All adverts should be readable and punctuated. Please TYPE, copy date until you send your advert as we are very busy then: It’s PRINT or e-mail clearly using a standard font. Fancy script First Come, First Served at closing time! might look pretty but is hard for us to read! 8. The BMW Club cannot be held responsible for the quality or 3. The maximum length is 50 words, excluding your phone availability of items or goods or for any arrangements for delivery number and name. If you wish to use more than 50 words your or payment. option is to pay for the advert at 20p a word for the WHOLE advert. 9. Adverts from non - club members may be accepted in special Payment with advert before submission. Note one advert/month circumstances. For information, please contact the Mutual Aid per section. At the editor’s discretion adverts can be edited where Officer. deemed necessary due to space. Business Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977 4. In your advert, include your forename and one phone number. Any advertiser who places an advertisement concerning the sale of Extra phone numbers, times to call, e-mail addresses, web sites goods being sold in the course of business shall clearly indicate this etc will be excluded. fact. This applies whether the advertiser is acting on their own behalf 5. You must include your name, full address, Section and or for another party. If you have reason to believe that you have been membership number; these will not be published but we will check misled as to the status of any advertiser, please inform your local membership. Trading Standards Department and the Editor immediately. The fine for breaches of this order is up to £1,000. Please note that Mutual Aid must go to Owen Vaughan at his address noted above or to his E-mail address [email protected]. If it is sent to Small Business Ads then you will probably not see it in the Journal you want it in. MOTORCYCLES FOR SALE NOTE SEPT JOURNAL COPY DEADLINE IS 1ST AUGUST frt & rear progressive suspension, K&N filter, receit F650 ‘N’ reg, 35,000 miles, Black. Ex cond, MOT service & frt tyre, VGC, some new & SH spares 04.07 Tax’d, BMW tank bag, h/grips, new crash £1595 ono Paul 01634 312278 (Kent) bars, recent gold chain & sprockets, FSH, Slick 50 £1650 ono Iain 0141 636 1375 (Scotland) K75S 1993, 20,700 miles only, Mystic Red. FBMWSH, ABS, h/grips, BMW panniers & top box, F650CS Nov 2001, 9,500 miles. 4v single, 5 spd, recent new battery. Original toolkit, handbook & T&T, ABS, h/grips, new tyres £3000 ovno 01237 Service Record. T&T 06/07, ex cond, for sale due 470049 (Devon) (Non Mbr) only to poor health. £2950 ono Mike 0115 9372082 K75C 1986 36,000 miles, resprayed black. Krauser (Notts) luggage, Brembro floating discs, SORN for 4 years K100 1988, 52,000 miles, Black. New seat, stove following £600 service, ex cond £950 ono Mark enamelled wheels, resprayed, s/s fasteners, T&T, 0115 9731775 (Notts) (Non Mbr) panniers, top box, ex cond. Only imminent return K75RT 1991, 26,700 miles, Black. ABS, low seat to N.Z. forces sale £1350 ono Jeff 01684 576588 model, T&T, FSH, VGC £1700 Andy 01249 650047 (Worcs) (Non Mbr) (Wilts) K100LT, 1989, ‘G’ reg, 115,000 miles, Black. ABS, K75RT 1992, 53,200 miles, Red. ABS, panniers & FSH, panniers, inner bags, h/grips, s/s fastners & Givi topbox, MOT 06/07, Tax 09/06, Ex Runner braided hoses, crash bars, T&T, good tyres, gd £1830 Peter 01573 228113 (Scotland). cond, new bike forces sale, £900 ono. John 01299 828141 (Worcs) K75RT 1995 ‘M’ Reg, 52,000 miles, Graphite Metal- lic. ABS, panniers, top box, FSH, v.reliable, VGC K100LT 1990, 15,000 documented miles, Met Grey. £2200 Dominic 01926 419044 (Warks) FSH, h/grips, seat upgrade, ex cond, T+T, front tyre. Scratch on one pannier. Offers above £2500. K75S 1987, 59,000 miles. Tax 06/07, MOT 05/07, Looking for R1100/1150GS. Jpegs avaialbe Joe panniers, top box, engine bars, low seat, h/grips,

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 75 01434 685343 (N’land) datatagged, T&T £1700 Victor 0151 342 5827 (Wir- ral) K100RS Style 1987, 70,000 miles, Black. Two stage h/grips, BMW panniers, takes helmets, original hand- R80GS Paralever, 1993, ‘K’ reg, 23,000 miles, Red. book, toolkit, uses no oil, utterly reliable, immac, Nice cond, UK bike, full luggage, tank bag & rear needs nothing, T&T, £1350 firm Jpegs available. leather top box. PD seat & rack plus dual seat, tool Bob 01843 221135 (Kent) kit, T&T £2750 ono. Ivor Tel 0151 428 5429 (L’pool) K100RS Combination. Matched Flexit sidecar, low R80R 1996 ‘N’ reg, 38,000 miles, Mystic Red/Sil- miles T&T £3850 Mike 028 3884 1468 (N. Ireland) ver. VGC, FSH, garaged. Present owner 6 years, 2 previous owners. BMW luggage, h/grips & crash K100RT 1985, 54,271 miles, Green. S/s exhaust, bars. T&T, £1750. Andy 01494 725169 (Bucks) panniers & top box £1200 Ralph 01495 292646 (Sth Wales) R80RT 1992, ‘K’ reg, 37,000 miles. Tax 07/06, MOT 09/06. New discs, pads, shoes & tyres. Panniers, K1100LT plus Squire D10 trailer, 1993 ‘K’ reg, As- cruise ctl, SH, garaged, dual horns £1900 ono Alun tral Blue. Radio & usual extras, T&T, some work 01793 821776 (Wilts) needed, bargain at £1700 ono Mark 0208 293 5950 (London) R80RT 1994, 44,161 miles, Red. T&T, s/s exhaust. New starter, fork seals & clutch. Gd tyres, top K1100LT SE ‘N’ reg, 12,917 miles, Maroon. Ex cond, box, panniers. Regular serviced in gd cond, rea- £3800 Richard Tel 0161 797 8594 (Lancs) (Non son for sale under use. John 01348 840542 Mbr) (S.Wales) K1100RS 1994, ‘M’ reg, 50,000 miles, Black. ABS2, R80ST 1984. T&T & in regular use. Mostly con- Datataged, tank bag, top box, pannier rails, gd tyres, verted to GS spec, with forks, front wheel, han- ex cond, T&T £2095 Paul 01322 409432 (Kent) dlebars, footpegs, s/s pipes, lightweight silencer, K1200LT Lux 2005 5,000 miles, Graphite. Mint fully h/grips, panniers, hazards. Well sorted, eye catch- loaded, Full Tax, BMW sat nav 2, tank & top bags, ing, pretty bike. Selling cos I have another GS. B2Bike Autocom, spot lights £12900 ono Mike £1650. Tony 07768 856287 (Hants) 01509 880000 (Leics) (Non Mbr) R90/6 1976, 49,484 miles, Black. ‘S’ Fairing & speed K1200LT SE 2005, 6,000 miles, Ocean Blue. As 7 screen.Twin plugged, gas flowed, unleaded new cond & still under manufacturers warranty. valve seats. New valves & guides, & twin discs, Pillion footboards,alarmed, Autocom, inner bags for as new Krauser panniers. Everything renewed, top box & panniers £9250 ono Alan 01782 372214 s/s & polished, list too long to publish. Summer use (Staffs) only. Must be one of the best available. £2750 Alan 01772 865981 (Lancs) K1200RS 1999 ‘T’ reg, 27,000 miles, Blue/Silver. T&T, h/grips, luggage, 2 owners, tools & manuals, R90S 1976 28,600 miles, Smoked Orange. Beauti- ex cond, garaged, priced to sell at £2500 Hugh ful cond, chrome engine bars & pannier frames, s/ 01835 850739 (Scotland) s fasteners & silencers, fully restored 7 years ago, T&T with FSH, £3500 or best offer. Colin 01530 R60/2 1966, 5 gallon tank, dual seat, Denfeld rear 411247 (Leics) carrier, 12V alternator, non-original mudguards, MOT, tax exempt £4500 Mike 028 3884 1468 (N. R90S smoke silver, superb condition low miles, Ireland) T&T £4250 Mike 028 3884 1468 (N. Ireland) R650LS 1983, 67,000 miles, Silver. one owner R100CS 1981 ‘W’ reg, White. Brembo brakes, all since 84, FSH, crash bars, new style panniers, complete & running, needs T&T, been run up regu- tank bag, screen, s/s exhaust, mirrors,safety chain larly & can be heard running. I might have put the & lock, tools. Ex tyres, MOT 06/07, original service new brake mount on too, hence the non use. manual & Haynes. Age only forces sale. £2050 £1250. Simon 01889 566796 (Staffs) Peter 01959 564027 (Kent) R100GS ‘J’ reg, 47,000 miles. MOT 04/07, Tax 08/ R69S 1964 Low miles. Matching nbrs, Hoest tank, 06, full s/s exhaust, BMW panniers, tank cover & 15 miles since complete re-build/restoration. Pan- tank bag, recent typres & battery, VGC £2200 Mick niers, rack, crah bars, workshop manuals, special 07976 847174 (Derbys) tools & spares. In superb mint cond, photo’s on R100GS PD 1995 82,000 Kms, approx 52,000 miles, request. £6200 Alan 01200 425150 (Lancs) Red & White. T&T, nice cond, T&T, lots of TT bits, R75/5 model fitted with 898cc engine. cycle parts tank bag, much s/s, metal panniers, garaged. Pho- repainted in 2003, seat recovered.Ex cond, to’s on request £3250 ovno Nick 07889 413051 mecanically & aesthectically. Serviced by profes- (Merseyside) sional engineer. Consider part ex super scooter. R100RS 1981, 33,000 miles, Smoke Red. VGC, T&T Jpegs available £1750 David 01344 843705 10/06, s/s exhaust, underseat tools, pump & ock, R80 Classic 1987, ‘F’ reg, 33,000 miles, Black. low & high windscreens, panniers & tank bag, Panniers, some history,very rare in this lovely cond some spares, original handbook with service Mark 01925 601149 (M’chester) stamps. £2600 ono. Guy 01797 252305 ( Sussex) R80GS 1990 27,000 miles, Blue/White. Well kept R100RS 1981, 36,000 miles, Silver. S/s exhaust clean machine, tool kit, h/book, BMW panniers, system & brake hoses. Parabellum tall spare

76 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 screen, Krauser pannier system. Boyer Bransden Evo brakes, ABS, h/grips, T&T, FBMWSH, 1 owner, ign, new fork seals & gaiters, tools, rebuilt gear- panniers, Givi top box plate, hugger, engine bars, box. V.G.C., mechanically, some scratches on Adv beak, ‘Y’ piece, Remus/quill cans. Wunderlich fairing, garaged. £1750. Phil 0161 653 2464 & Tourtech parts fitted with originals parts included, (M’chester) garaged, mint £5950 Alywn 01925 498824 (Ches) R100S 1978, 34,000 miles Smoke Red S/s exhaust R1150R 2002, 11,000 miles Black. Panniers, MOT & spokes, original panniers, handbook, toolkit, first 06/07, Tax 02/07, h/grips, superb cond, garaged, aid kit, pump, crash bars, superb cond new tyres, summer use only, good tyres £3550 T&T 06/07, collectors dream, mine for 4 years, previous owner for 18 years, Jpegs available Nigel 01427 838666 (Lincs) £2350 Bob 01843 221135 (Kent) R1150R Rockster Oc 2004, under 1,000 miles R100S 1979 ‘V’ reg, 34,000 miles. Blue/Silver. Ex Black/Citrus. Centre stand, h/grips, matching tank cond, crash bars, krauser panniers, new battery, cover, soft luggage/frames if required. Tax 05/07 T&T, can deliver. £1650 ono. Willie 01324 875365 Returning to one bike. £4750 ono. John 01363 (Scotland) 84696 (Devon) R100S 1979 ‘V’ reg, 38,000 miles, Smoke Red, MOT R1150RT Aug 2001 ‘Y’ reg, 5,800 miles only, Red. 02/07, Tax 09/06, s/s pipes & silencers, BMW pan- H/grips, cyl/guards, Givi top box, panniers, aux niers. Not converted, runs sweetly on proper pet- sockets standard & comfort seat. Autocom, Baglux rol. £2200 ono. Stan 01785 815989 (Staffs) tank cover. Superb cond, dry use only, garaged. Medical problem forces sale. £5950 Tony 01488 R100T, 1979, 69,000 miles, Black & gold pinstripe. 608260.(Berks) T&T, unleaded conversion, twin-plugged, Dyna coils, elec ign, s/s exhaust system, c/bars, braided R1150RT Apr 2002 ‘02’ reg, 9000 miles, Silver. FSH, hoses, clock & voltmeter, seat recovered. Gd cond, MOT 05/07, Autocom, wired for GPS via Autocom, owned 10 years. Krauser panniers available. Givi screen, & top box with backrest, carbon fibre £1300 Nick 0161 7052375 (Lancs) fender, Baglux tank bag, ex cond, £5500 no of- fers. Ray 01256 464065 (Hamps) R850R 1998 ‘S’ reg, 17,000 miles, Blue. Ex cond, screen, panniers, topbox, chrome cyl covers, cyl/ R1150RT Sep 2004 ‘54’ reg, 12,000 miles, Metallic guards, hd/guards, belly pan, locable oil cap, Fenda Blue. Just serviced, h/grips, colour matched top extenda, power socket, one owner, garaged, box & panniers, cyl/guards, £6500 Brian 01507 BMWSH, T&T £3350 ono Ken 0121 556 5701 (W. 480240 (Lincs) Mids) BSA B31 1948, rigid, Green tank, brass badges. R1100GS 1995, ‘M’ reg, 25,000 miles, Red. Original carb, good compression & spark. Com- FBMWSH. ABS, h/grips, datatag, comfort seat, plete but needs TLC to get up & running .A good panniers & rails, tall screen, red Baglux tank bag, project for the winter £1000 Mike 01388 605764 battery 12 months old, good tyres, T&T, garaged (Yorks) ex cond £3600 Stuart 0121 704 9004 (W. Mids) Honda VFR800, 1999, ‘T’ reg, 6,800 miles. MOT R1100RT 1998 ’R’ reg, 40,000 miles, Silver. H/grips, 06/07. Tax 08/06, Baglux tank cover & bag, Datatag, panniers, topbox, radio cassette. Full year T&T. Datatool Cat 1 alarm/immobiliser, h/grips, double Dealer serviced. Recent new clutch & starter mo- bubble screen & original, rear seat cowl. Dehu- tor. Gel battery. Medical reason forces sale. £3250 midified winter garage, polished more than ridden John 01895 446896. (Middx) £3250 Dave 07946 459858 (Bucks) R1100S 2001 ‘Y’ reg, 9,000 miles, Marrakesh Red. Suzuki GS500E. 1994, ‘M’ reg, 33,000 miles, Black. BMW panniers, h/grips, baglux tank cover & Family owned since nearly new. In regular use tankbag, new rear tyre, full mot, datatagged, ac- with new MOT. Gd tyres. Part ex price £615, sell cessory socket, ex cond £5500 ono Roland 07740 £495 ono for quick sale Stu 01823 661916 (Som- 452544 (W’hampton) erset). R1100S Twin Spark, Jul 2003, ‘03’ reg, 1,550 dry Yamaha T Max 500 2003, 7,900 miles, Silver/Blue, miles only, Frost Blue/Black motor. H/grips, ABS, T&T 07/07, new tyres, h/grips, ex cond, 50 mpg. centre stand, Pannier rails new & unused, rack, Lighter than a BMW & loads of fun £2950 Colin panniers, garaged. £5695. Mal 0161 7474443 01258 817 549 (Dorset) (Manchester) R1150GS 2000 20,000 miles, Mandarin. Long T&T, BITS & BOBS FBMWSH, ABS, luggage, engine bars, tall screen & ‘Y’ piece fitted. Original items inc. £4800 Mark 0115 9731775 (Notts) BMW Allround GoreTex boots, size 43, small. Only R1150GS 2001, ‘Y’ reg, 26,000 miles, Titan Silver. worn a couple of times don’t quite fit because of ABS, BMW panniers, h/grips, spots, new battery, small sizing. Cost £120, sell £40 plus p&p. Mark datatag, FBMWSH, MOT 02/07, garaged, genuine 01256 884199 (Hants) gd cond. £5250 Steve (Derbys) R1150GS 2002 ‘52’ reg, 18,000 miles Blue/Wite.

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 77 BMW Atlantis suit, in black nubuck, size medium, cast alloy wheels circa 1979 £200. Part ex, for ex cond, jacket unused with new goretex liners cockpit fairing, spoke wheels & petrol tank. Jeff £400. Widder electric waistcoat £50. Mike 01709 01229 837345 (Cumbria) 518559 (Yorks) R80GS parts, front indicator stalks, new nylon BMW Sport Integral helmet, Indigo Blue size 58- coating, mint cond £28 pair. H/light console/yoke 59. Hardly used, in perfect cond, cost £195, ac- brackets, new nylon coating, mint cond £20. H/bar cept £95. BMW Sport Integral helmet in Diamond yoke clamps, £18 pair. Standard GS Sump guard White size 54-55. Never used £110. Chris 01252 £10 Bryan 01782 393398 (Staffs) 815763 (Hamps) R80 tinted screen 24.75 inches £35. Exhaust H BMW System 5 Bluetooth helmet size 63/63. Com- section replacement for collector box £50. Both plete with standard & pinlock visors also open face plus p&p Dave 01992 718385 (Middx) conversion & visor. Gd cond but incompatible with R100/110 BMW tank bag with cover, unused £25. my equipment Phil 01772 451235 ( Lancs) Inner bags £25. BMW RH pannier £20. RS screen For R75 1977, one front disc, gd cond, with a set £5. RS RH mirror £5 David 01981 540583 (Herefs) of new EBC brake pads £20 inc p&p Owen 01723 R100RS parts, frt fender, battery tray, fork & 863248 (Yorks) damper springs, 1 pr brembo calipers, cast iron For R80RT, screen £20, tool kit £10, Haynes manual discs, rear master cylinder, centre stand, 2 sets £10. Ivor 01582 418611 (Beds) new piston rings, 1 pair A.L. wheels & tyres, I.X.S flip frt helmet size 60, used once Stephen 01256 For R1100/1150RT, Tank bag & all fittings .£50. 893015 (Hants) Large BMW touring screen £50 Mark 01959 574500 (Kent) R1100GS BMW tank bag, complete with rain cover, gd cond, buyer collect only £25 Owen Tel 01646 For K1200LT, brand new Cee Baileys windshield, 683188 (S.Wales) type #2, reverse contour, 21 inch long. Bought wrong size in error. Cost £200 from U.S.A. Sell R1100/1150GS rear wheel complete with disc & £100. Ray 07852 927272 (Lancs) ABS ring. Ideal for off road tyre, gd cond £150 ono. Ferodo FBD 204 Front brake pads in sealed F650 1994-2003 spares. New screen, fits Funduro package to fit twins 1985 on with single front disc to 96 still in wrapper, after market tinted flip up, 80 £10. Mike 01472 816441 (Humberside) mm higher than standard, cost over £50. sell £38, plus £6 p&p. Also various spare parts & accesso- R1200RT Original windscreen, no fittings £25, ries for full details Mal 0161 747 4443 (Manches- and original oil filler cap £3. For F650GS 54 reg ter) original windscreen £5 Chris 01252 815763 (Hamps) Haynes manual for twins 1970-86, metric span- ners, taps & dies, box spanners, exhaust spanner, R1200ST tank bag as new £80 plus p&p or buyer 40 pieces £35. 3 packs of 200 small s/s metric collects. Colin Tel 01782 644640 (Staffs) nuts, bolts & washers £12 each. New black sup- Sigma Sport “Targa M”, 8 function speedo com- ple leather gloves size 9-10, med-large £8 Brian puter £20. Ultraseal, puncture prevention £18. 01539 441130 (Cumb) Ferodo FBD204 brake pads for GS & all twins post Hepco & Becker top box with carrier & back rest, 1985 £11. Oxford Barrier Chainlock, heavy expandable panniers, as new for R100RT £150 duty,1.5m long £18. Malaria 112 tablet travel pack, George 01900 881387 (Cumb) paludine/avloclor. All items £10 ea Bryan 01782 393398 (Staffs) K1200RS Remus Titanium exhaust system. Less than 4,000 miles old £150 ono Martyn 07989 406498 Snooper S1 Gatso/Radar detector non water- (Yorks) proof, new & sealed in box, unwanted present. See Argos Cat page 257cost £70 sell £35 inc p&p Motorcycle Lift / bench Uses trolley jack, not Carl 01709 872602 (Yorks) inc, to raise / lower, with locking pins, ramp, re- movable section to ease lowering rear wheel. Box Starcom Advance Rider/Passenger Intercom. section metal frame & plywood surface. Size 7ft Purchased May ’06, hardly used, includes extras. 5ins by 2ft wide, 11 ins to 2ft 7ins fully raised. Genuine reason for sale. Cost £250 sell for £175 £100 Mike 0141 423 7626 (Scotland) plus p&p. Arthur 01270 873172 (Ches) New speedo & rev counter still in boxes, suitable Top box with back pad for R1100/1150RT, little R45/ 65 £100 pair, plus p&p. Geoff 01444 455438 used, VGC £40 Roy 01525 874147 (Beds) Original BMW Panniers & frames to fit twin Twin shock front pipes,40 mm with single bal- shock. No corrosion on frames at all. Panniers VGC, ance pipe in s/s, clean & ready to fit, no dents or with hinged locking clamps. £100 the set. Simon scrapes, £80 plus £10 p&p.Bill 01375 407305 (Es- 01889 566796 (Staffs) sex) Perugia BMW Goretex touring jacket & trousers in black £150. Various BMW gloves as new size 7 £35 Mike 01709 518559 (Yorks) RS fairing complete with all brackets VGC. Pair of

78 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 planned. So lots to talk about; that’s REAL club WANTED business; let’s have more of it.

Airhead parts for post 85 mono boxer, hd/light, So onto August’s events; there is a major event on BMW voltmeter, pair of instrument pods, leg shields the 6th at Bikewise at Durham Police HQ at Aykley with mounting brackets. Dave 01423 884741 Heads; we’ll have a stand there, and Mill will be (Yorks) there and some competition riders. Then on the Cockpit fairing, spoke wheels & petrol tank. See 13th it is the Corbridge Classic Bike Rally; BUT NOT RS fairing for sale. Jeff 01229 837345 (Cumbria) AT CORBRIDGE!! It has been moved to Ouston Air- For R45, 1979 vintage, both battery side panels, field near Heddon on the Wall. We will have our and a really gd L/H sillencer Geoff 01444 455438 stand there too. So we look forward to a good (Sussex) BMW Club turnout at both events; come and help For R1150R, 2005, BMW panniers in gd cond with spread the word; you will be welcome on the keys David 01359 269319 (Suffolk) stand. There are two rides out also in the month; F650CS parts. Body panels in blue & black, 2 sets they are detailed in the diary. And the club nights required. Any after market parts, centre stand & go on as usual. Then at the end of the month is the fitting kit bushes & springs. Other parts consid- annual Rally, at Moreton Morrell; all the details were ered. Mal 0161 747 4443 (Manchester) in the July Journal, probably in this one too. Original BMW K75 screen. The part number 46 632 303 245 is imprinted on bottom of the screen. Andy 07871 246034 (W’hampton) In the future the Annual General Meeting is on the th Rear Bevel drive 34/11 off 90/6 or 100/7. Pur- 4 October; if you want to stand for a post or chase or swap for a 37/11 Alan 01263 514947 propose someone, not only will you be very wel- (Norfolk) come!!, you need to register with Ann asap. Rear rack & top box suitable for 1989 R100RT Mono. Bike currently fitted with standard panniers. Then on the 21st October, we have our autumn Will collect where possible John 07967 489523 (Staffs) social in the Bowburn Hall Hotel for £7.95 for a buffet meal, no formality, but a get together where your photos of your summer exploits can be dis- played and we can all have a good natter. You will have received a booking form. North East Section News Tony Seed We have our Camping weekend at Waren Mill Camp- site near Bamburgh from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th September; it’s a good site with a good pub that June was a good month in the North East, hotter serves food, and if you don’t camp there are many than Italy at the start. No report on the early runs, B&Bs in the area. Details in the Diary also. but the fish and chip night wandered around the West of Hexham and ended up in Co Durham get- ting well fed at a coal fired chippie in Esh Winning; We will be putting the Diary for 2007 together soon. novel!! The run out with John Matthews on the 18th So we will be looking for leaders for Fish and Chip ended up a wee bit wet, but very enjoyable, espe- runs, mid week Lucky Few runs and weekend cially the lunch in Reeth which luckily wasn’t as runs. You don’t have to be an adventurer to devise full as it looked. There were around a dozen bikes or lead one of these; just a pleasant run, not too on each of the runs with a good mix of the new – long, with a mid day stop for lunch in a pub and R12200RT and the more travelled, eg Phil’s K75 “tea stops”. If you would like to give it a go talk to etc, and even other makes such as John’s alterna- any of the committee about it. And if you have any tive to an F800 in the form of a Honda Blackbird – suggestions for topics/talkers for the Belmont club shows what they have to do to keep up with BMW!! night let us know about that too. Only joking John. The club nights at the end of the month were missed, but the Waggon was well patronised again. Tales of travels done and to come abounded ; Mick Taylor’s trip to mid Europe was imminent, trips to France and Italy had been made, and further forays to Switzerland and France were

BMW Club Journal • August 2006 79 SMALL BUSINESS ADVERTS Small Business adverts are available to any individual or business. For rates and terms please contact: Charles Knight Phone: 01534 485474 Email: [email protected]

4 STAR B&B in MACHYNLLETH.Luxurious BED AND BREAKFAST, MOFFAT, SOUTHERN bungalow,stunning Mid-Wales scenery. Hearty SCOTLAND, B & B, garage parking, wonderful breakfasts,traffic-free roads.Lock-up garage. biking area. One mile from M74 J15 on Edinburgh 01654 702562 www.dyfiguest.co.uk (4/07) scenic route. Why not break your long journey here or spend a few days riding the local roads, 4 STAR B&B IN WONDERFUL PERTHSHIRE. enjoying the hills and bends. Club member. Chris Luxury en-suite accommodation in tranquil 01683 220378 see Balnaguard 5 miles south of Pitlochry. Sensational www.buchanguesthouse.co.uk (2/07) breakfasts, spectacular views, £25 pppn. Lock- able garage for m/cycles. Ann Croft Tel: 01796 BED & BREAKFAST, PERTHSHIRE, CENTRAL 482627. e-mail: [email protected]. Website: SCOTLAND. Situated in Auchterarder in the beau- www.balbeagan.com (9/06) tiful Strathearn Valley, close to A9. Comfortable en-suite rooms with colour TV, tea & coffee facili- AE AVENTURES BASED NEAR TO SPA in a quiet ties, off-road parking. Pubs and restaurants within village providing B&B and half board, secure ga- walking distance. Enjoy the stunning scenery and raging, recommended touring in the Ardennes & fantastic biking roads. Club member. Andy & Paula Eiffel and escorted Nurburgring experience. Mo- 01764 662928 (8/06) torcycling adventure only 3½ hours from Calais that’s a bit special. See www.aeaventures.com BED & BREAKFAST, YORKSHIRE DALES, Phone/Fax Neil or Ann on 0032 80398788 email Greenhills in Leyburn. Comfortable en-suite rooms [email protected] (4/07) with colour TV, tea & coffee. B&B from £25.00pppn. Lock-up garage available. Tel: 01969 623859, E- ALMERIA VELEZ RUBIO. Farmhouse B&B 15 Euro mail: [email protected], web-site: PPPN. Also self contained apartment sleeps 4, own www.greenhillsleyburn.co.uk (6/07) private courtyard, pool, BBQ 200 Euros per week. A92N 3km, Granada 1 ½ hours, beach 40 mins. BRITTANY - TOP QUALITY MOBILE HOMES on Secure parking. Phone Pat or Chris Payne 00 34 coastal 4 star site in this tranquil region. ideal for 690152979 (12/06) family holidays or Section rallies (as Westenr Sec- tion June 04). great biking are with masses to do ALPINE CHALET 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, ga- and see. Big savings on ferry costs. rage. 3kms from Chatel centre. From Euro 575 per www.benodetbreaks.com or call Steve Jackson week. More info: www.chaletdow.co.uk Phone on 01543 473089 (1/07) 01494 562872 (10/06) DORDOGNE. Self-catering cottages sleeping up to AN CALA GUEST HOUSE, Grantown-on-Spey. AA 8. Garage parking. Pool. Club members. 5 Diamonds. Ideal base for Highlands. Kingsize www.lesflamands.com/bikes or telephone 0033 doubles, magnificient 4 poster. All rooms en-suite. 553 50 12 39 (9/06) On site parking, also garage. £27-£31pp b&b. 01479 873293 www.ancala.info (2/07) DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY, South West Scot- land - 2 cosy wee s/c cottages each sleeps 2 in AUSTRIA (Southern) – Summer/ Winter Sports. twin beds. Quiet location adjacent our home. 4 Self Catering fully equipped flats (Sleep 2-6). Su- miles from Wigtown, 22 miles from Stranraer ferry perb touring roads & mountain passes. Close Italy/ terminal. Beautiful scenery and great biking roads. Slovenia. Excellent amenities. Secure Parking. Cyril/ Shopping service on request. Short Breaks avail- Liz Cannard (Bikers). Tel/Fax: 0043 4769 26415. able. Sorry No smoking/pets. Tel: 01671 830422 e-mail: [email protected] (2/07) mail: [email protected] B&B CALVADOS / NORMANDY. Destination Nor- www.duddingstonelodge.co.uk (12/06) mandy or en-route stop? Great meals, secure ga- FRANCE - HONFLEUR, NORMANDY. Delightful 17th rage/drying, ideal UK ferries. Details http:// Century Cottage in quiet area. 4mins walk from the perso.wanadoo.fr/bandbjanville/ or phone / fax +33 picturesque ancient port. Popular with bikers. 2- (0)231391037 (8/06) 3hrs from Calais, 20mins from LeHavre. 2 double B&B Edinburgh, secure garage parking, colour bedrooms, lounge/diner, new fitted kitchen, tv, tea & coffee. 15 minutes from City Centre £30 shower room. Central heating. TV/DVD/Radio/CD, pppn. Tel 0131 669 3570 or 07931 718584 (6/07) fridge, microwave, washing machine. Tastefully decorated. Beautiful views. Sleeps 6/7 people. B&B PLYMOUTH, just 20 mins to Continental Fer- Available all year. ries. Quiet location, en-suite, garaging for bikes. www.beckdaleguesthouse.com email: Telephone Brian Ashley 0033 231 643526. Email: [email protected] Tel Bruce on 07152 boudincottage @hotmail.com (8/06) 881504 or 07929 222961 (5/07)

80 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 FRANCE – LOIRE ATLANTIQUE REGION Farm- 00351-251648107 or Mobile 00351-912860707 (12/ house, tranquil location, close to Chateaubriant, 06) Le Mans an hour away, surrounded by miles of quiet motorbiking roads. B & B plus 2 gites, sleep- PLYMOUTH, En-suite accommodation very close ing 8 and 4. Evening meals available, swimming to continental ferryport. Secure parking for bikes. pool. Mature owner active motorcyclist. Phone (00 Early breakfast for ferry passengers.Caraneal 33) 2 40 97 08 44, e-mail [email protected] Hotel. 12 - 14 Pier St. West Hoe. tel 01752 663589. Website www.la-janais.com (2/07) email; caranealhotel@ hotmail.com (10/06) FRENCH ALPS - ST. GERVAIS. Beautiful 4th floor SCOTLAND - TAIN- SELF-CATERING 18th cen- south facing apartment in luxury residence with tury cottage, sleeps 4, off street parking, situated lift. Superb mountain views. 2mins walk from in the old part of Tain, 2 mins Pub/ Hotels, Railway telecabin. Gorgeous environment, paradise for and Bus station, Good base for touring the High- skiers/walkers. 2 double bedrooms, lounge/diner, lands, details & price contact 01862 832797 e.mail shower room, fully equipped kitchen area. Fridge, info@ arabella travel.co.uk (9/06) washing machine, dish washer, cooker, TV. Bal- SOMME MOTORCYCLE TOURS and farmhouse cony, garage, ski locker. Sleeps 6 people. Tel- B&B, Northern France. 100 miles from Calais in ephone: Brian Ashley 0033 231 643526. Email: quiet village near A1 autoroute. Secure parking on [email protected] (8/06) site. 1 to 3 day battlefield tours with author, histo- GERMANY, BRITISH B&B,17th century house, rian & GS owner. rooms en-suite. Ideal for Rhein, Mossel valley www.martinpegler.com or call 00 33 3 2286 5672 Nurburgring, Mohn Dam, Cologne. Drying and Laun- (12/06) dry facilities, well stocked bar,Bar food.Email SOUTH OF FRANCE, NARBONNE. Choice of B&B [email protected] www.vinecottage.de Tel or self catering apartments. Awesome roads, & 00492742911728 (2/07) stunning scenery, Close to Mediterannean, An- GERMANY, BEAUTIFUL HARZ MOUNTAINS 10 dorra, Pyrenees, Corbieres, Minervois & Spain. bedrooms all en-suite. Huge bar, conference room, Guided Motorcycle Tours available. All with se- restaurant. 2 underground garages, drying room, cure garaging. Call Martin on 0033 468333671. fantastic roads, scenery & architecture. Friendly email: [email protected], or visit biker hosts that make you feel part of the family. www.st-georges-fr.com. 5% discount for BMW Inexpensive, warm & cosy. Email info@hotel- Club Members (1/07) harmoniebadgrund.org.uk www.hotel- SW FRANCE - HEART OF COGNAC COUNTRY. harmoniebadgrund.org.uk Tel: 00 49 5326 86 98 B&B (dinner optional), secure parking, swimming 60 (4/07) pool. Easy days run from all west coast ports. 5 ITALIAN RIVEIRA 12th century house near mins from Angouleme by-pass. Call Maggie on Monacco,14 kms coast , great mountain rides. (0033) 545 691003 or e-mail maggie.teal www.vine cottage.de bob@vine cottage.de 00 492 @wanadoo.fr (11/06) 7429 11728 (2/07) SWITZERLAND GRINDELWALD, in the heart of LAKE DISTRICT holiday bungalow – comfort for the alps. Small hotel with new rooms en-suite. four plus garage. Ideal touring location & available Extraordinary view to the mountains. Restaurant April to November. Member owned. TEL: 01695 and Bar. Save bike parking. Hotel Alpenblick, CH- 422210 (12/06) 3818 Grindelwald; www.Alpenblick.info Tel 00 41 (0)33 853 11 05 (8/06) LAKE DISTRICT B&B IN BOWNESS-ON-WINDER- MERE. Panoramic views of Bowness and lake. THE BEST JUST GOT BETTER New, more luxuri- En-suite. Covered/lock-up parking. Leisure facili- ous caravan – Rent A Tent (with beds – Close to ties. 015394 88658 Web: http:// Ferries – Mont St Michel – Le Mans – St Malo – www.abovethebay.co.uk (12/06) small, quiet, but superb camping facilities – Cheaper Ferries – Plus minimum 10% discout to BMW Club LAKE DISTRICT. Peaceful 17th century barn in members. www.peteandrusty.com or lake shore hamlet - just for two! Log fire. C.H. Gar- [email protected] (8/06) den. Secure indoor bike space. Non-smoking. Breaks available. Tel 01229 885643 or LYNBROOK INSURANCE for Special Member’s www.townyeatbarn.co.uk (9/06) Schemes including Classic and Modern motorcy- cle insurance (all makes) - plus Travel and Over- LIMOUSIN FRANCE House sleeping 10 beside a seas Breakdown arrangements. TEL 0845 130 lake/water sports at Neuvic (5kms). Bikers para- 4662 (12/06) dise. Circuit Mas Du Clos, Aubusson (1hr) or Cir- cuit Issoire Nr Clermont Ferrand in the Volcanic BUYING PROPERTY IN SPAIN?. Let us help you Auvergne. Brochure rates from £300 Tel: 01723 with every aspect of purchase. Support services 870616 Email: [email protected] (6/06) in Spain and UK. From independent lawyers, to furniture pack. Contact, Homelife International Prop- NORTH PORTUGAL- MINHO VALLEY.Penedes erties. 01242 663759. Nation Park and Galicia.Interested?. We offer farm- [email protected] (1/07) house self catering and luxury B&B both with pools. Come and sample the real Portugal see our Website. GOING OUT FOR A RIDE THIS WEEKEND? Need www.portugal-holidayvilla.co.uk. Tel Maggie on an accurate weather forecast ? Then check out the free 5 day forecast from Weather Commerce BMW Club Journal • August 2006 81 Ltd. For National, European and Regional 14 day Twin spark head machining, mail order parts for forecasts log on to www.weathercommerce.net classic twins from 1953. Service and repairs at Director Chris Blowes is a member of the BMW my home workshop, Scraptoft, Leicester LE7 9UL. Club and is happy to take consultation calls from Call Mick or Glenyse 0116 2419316, Monday to fellow members (11/06) Thursday to 6.30 pm. (12/06) SHEEPSKIN m/cycle seat covers, custom made. NORTH OXFORDSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE, 01604 714103 or www.easirider.com/ GLOUCESTERSHIRE BORDER. BMW Quality serv- motorbike_sheepskin.htm (9/06) ice, repairs, restoration and special tuning work, on all models. Collection and delivery arranged. PANNIER INNERS R80/100/1100/1150RT/RS/GS/ ANDREW SEXTON MOTORCYCLES Tel 01608 850GS. Standard £62, extended lid width £68 pair. 730111 (6/06) K75/100/1100/1200RS Standard £62 pair. K1200LT three piece set £97. Adventure three piece set SCOTLAND NEAR GLASGOW Mostly Bricks & £91. R1200GS expandable £75 pair and £99.50 Boxers. Independent BMW specialist. Professional three piece. R1200RT £65 pair & £99 three piece. motorcycle servicing and repairs at realistic rates. Black/Royal Blue piping all incl P&P. Send cheque Agreed labour cost restorations. Phone Jim Downie to Mane Event, 8 Cornhill Road, Davyhulme, Man- 01505 850341 or 07973 326928. chester M41 5TJ, Telephone 0161 747 3939 [email protected] (4/07) www.maneevent.org.uk (5/07) SERVICING, REPAIRS, SPARES: Boxer & K serv- TRY MOTORWORKS for Ohlins, Hagon, Remus, icing; Breakdown & crash repairs; Pickup and de- Hawker batteries, Keihan, Goodridge, PFM brakes, livery service, weekend work, loan bike available; Metzeler/Continental tyres, Seats, Screens, Lug- BMW’s always being broken; Only BM’s worked gage, Service items, Clymer, Haynes, Huggers, on. Tel: Neil on 0208 546 2600 (S.W. London) (5/ Mudguard extenders, Heated jackets, Tuffmaps, 07) genuine parts, performance chips..much more. Used guaranteed spares for all models. BMWs THE BOXER MAN – THE INDEPENDENT BMW 1970-2006 wanted for breaking. Free catalogue. SPECIALIST. Full Service, Repair & Restoration www.motorworks.co.uk Tel 0845 458 0077 (11/ facilities for R and K Series machines. Mobile serv- 06) ice available within an 80 mile radius of LEICES- TER. Call Phil on 0116 2668913 or 07860 588076, ADVANCED MOTORCYCLE TRAINING Qualified www.boxerman.co.uk (12/06) trainer; full commentary, demonstrating, pointing out, adjusting and explaining how, why and the advantages of doing it the correct way. Terry 07850 518372 www.swiftlysorted.info (8/06) B.E.M.W. For competitive prices on: Restorations, repairs & spares. Spares for vintage/classic BMW’s from 1935. CJ750, copies of 1938 BMW R71, FROM £2,650. Some new 1957 models in stock, LH/RH sidecars plus OHV machines available. Machine tools for the small/home workshop, including Ches- ter MultiFunction lathe/mill/drill. Parts made to pat- tern or drawing. S.A.E. for specification and serv- ices or visit our website. 2 Forman Street, Derby DE1 1JQ. Phone/fax 01332 298523. Eves & w/ ends 01332 824334, www.bemw.co.uk (1/07) CENTRAL LONDON BMW SPECIALISTS - All models to date 2v, 4v, BMW Diagnostic equipment, ex dealer Tech, 30 years exp. Servicing, repairs, insurance work.Tyres, spares from stock. 5 star workshop - full facilities.BMW authorised supplier.Bikes bought/sold - see Biketrader web page.Jap & German 102 Druid St, London SE1 2HQ Tel:0207 237 2299, www.japandgerman.co.uk (2/ 07) EURO CLASSICS. A small family firm dedicated to servicing, repairs and renovation of BMW’s. We build bikes to order (GS a speciality). Insurance work carried out. Supply and fitting of tyres. New & second hand parts. Exchange drive shafts, Varta batteries. BMW’s for sale. or sell your BMW at no cost to you. Please phone Phil or Dinah on 01604 591222 or www.euroclassics.co.uk. (12/06) MICK BARR INDEPENDENT BMW SPECIALIST. Trained BMW Technician, GEARBOX SPECIALIST. 82 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 BMW Club Journal • August 2006 83 84 BMW Club Journal • August 2006