The BMW Club JOURNAL £2.00 July 2005 2 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 HONORARY EDITORIAL TEAM The Journal Please send all letters to Paul Nadin, Mutual Aid to Owen Vaughan, features to July 2005 Dave Bertram. All other correspondence or queries should be sent to the Editor. The Official BMW Club EDITOR: CHRIS FLEMING, 58 Janes Lane, Bur- within the UK and gess Hill, West Sussex. RH15 0QR. Tel/Fax: Republic of Ireland 01444 245367. e-mail: [email protected] Affiliated to BMW Club Europa e.V SECTION NEWS & ‘COMPASS’: Please send to the Editor at present. www.bmwclub.org.uk FEATURES EDITOR : DAVE BERTRAM “Kimber- General Enquiries: 0800 0854045 ley”, 4 Southcrest, West Hunsbury, Northamp- ton, NN4 9UD. Tel/fax 01604 479749. e-mail: FREEPOST THE BMW CLUB [email protected] The BMW Club is the Trading name of The B.M.W. Motorcycle Club Ltd Registered in England, Registration TORQUE REACTION: PAUL NADIN, 49, Berk- number 4261129 whose Registered Office: Charter Court, shire Drive, Congleton, Cheshire. CW12 1SB. Midland Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 5GE e-mail: [email protected] MUTUAL AID & SMALL BUSINESS ADS: OWEN All Rights Reserved VAUGHAN, 16 South Meadows, Pembroke, Pembs. SA71 4EW. Tel 01646 683188. e-mail: For problems regarding distribution of the Jour- [email protected] nal please first contact your Section Secretary. DIARY OF EVENTS: GORDON CATCHPOLE, Should there still be a problem then contact the Avenida de las Especias 58, Pinar de membership secretary. Their details are listed on Campoverde, 03190 Pilar de la Horadada, page 9. Alicante, Spain. Tel/fax: (0034) 966762893. e- mail: [email protected] COMMERCIAL DISPLAY ADS: ROB PEARCE, 16 Forestfield, Horsham, RH13 6DZ.Tel/fax 01403 754912, [email protected] CONTENTS TECHNICAL OFFICER: MIKE FISHWICK, Regulars Sirgon, 24250 Daglan, France. e-mail: Editorial Freewheeling ...... 4 [email protected] 25 Years of the BMW GS...... 6 100,000 MILE AWARDS: BOB HARRISON, 251 National & Section Officers...... 8 Preston Road, Coppull. PR7 5DS. Tel: 01257 Presidents Platform...... 7 793209 e-mail:[email protected] Diary Of Events...... 41 Around the Compass...... 45 Other Events...... 46 German Jottings...... 47 Caption Competition...... 64 Where We Meet...... 65 Social Secretaries...... 66 DISCLAIMER Section News...... 66 The BMW Club Journal accepts for publication articles and letters written in good faith; however, the views expressed Mutual Aid / Small Business Ads...... 76 in articles and letters which are published are not necessarily those of the editor of the Journal or those of Features the BMW Club or its officers or members. A Father And Son Reunion...... 18 The information, including advice and suggested modifications published in the The BMW Club Journal has The AGM (2005) Photos...... 36 not been approved, tested or otherwise checked by The Spike & The Mechanics ...... 39 BMW Club Journal or the BMW Club. Before acting on Making The Change : R1150RT ...... 49 information, advice or suggested modifications published in The BMW Club Journal you should always obtain technical Our VP’s viewpoint ...... 50 advice, and if appropriate have a professional motor-cycle The HP2 Enduro revealed ...... 51 engineer carry out the work for you. Biking and Camping Tips ...... 53 The BMW Club Journal and the BMW Club cannot accept Boxer Headlamp Wiring ...... 58 liability for any loss, damage or claims occurring as a result of any modifications or work or other action carried Book and Product Reviews ...... 60 out on the advice or based on the suggestions given 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) all such liability is hereby excluded. This months cover photo : A heavy bomber - The BMW Club Journal is published for and on behalf of I will leave it to you to decide which one is the B.M.W. Motorcycle Club Ltd. which! My apologies to whoever sent this picture in - I’ve lost your details...

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 3 Lock2-Lock Scheme Has a New Partner

The Motorcycle Action Group is the latest Editorial organisation to officially endorse the Lock-2-Lock national security scheme. It takes less than 20 Freewheeling seconds for a bike to be loaded into the back of a van. Lock-2-Lock has one important objective - to beat motorcycle thieves by uniting motorcyclists and allowing them to work together. The scheme AM SLOWLY getting the hang of this editorship is simplicity itself. By attaching an L2L sticker to business and everyone involved in the their bikes, motorcyclists can help to drastically preparation and printing of the Journal has been I reduce motorcycle theft. The L2L sticker displayed extremely patient with me during my learning curve on a motorcycle authorises another Lock-2-Lock and probationary period. Last month, for example, member to lock his or her bike security chain to we survived a near-catastrophic system crash that particular bike’s security chain. It is that simple. that wiped out all of our commercial ads on Rob Only the locks are locked together, therefore any Pearce’s PC, yours truly failing to understand the of the bikes can be removed from the “chain” of difference between RGB and CMYK colour printing bikes when the owner desires. (don’t ask - my head hurts!) and Our President experimenting with His digital camera. MAG’s Director of Public Affairs, Trevor Baird welcomed the scheme, “as having a long term However, The Management did allow Rob & I to go importance in the fight against motorcycle theft.” to the - rather damp! - BMF Rally on the Saturday MAG will be working to help promote the scheme so that I could have the opportunity to put some in various ways. MAG supports the L2L scheme “faces to names” of many of our regular as a welcome deterrent against the continuing advertisers. It came as no real surprise to learn problem of motorcycle and scooter theft. The L2L that they are as enthusiastic about motorcycling scheme cleverly embraces the motorcycling as we are and to realise that they enjoyed the community’s spirit of self-help. MAG supports the opportunity to meet their potential customers as L2L scheme as part of its on-going commitment to well. They all spoke highly of the Club – and of the anti-theft campaigning. Journal! – and while we may be regarded as being the “pipe-and-slippers brigade” in some quarters, The Lock-2-Lock team believe “the scheme is a we are also seen as being perceptive and fantastic opportunity for the motorcycle industry discriminating purchasers in others. In other and we look forward to seeing further growth words, we know what we want and don’t mess over the coming months and years and we look about when it comes to getting it! forward to working with MAG in the fight against bike theft.” Articles and Photos needed More information about the scheme can be found I know it’s the time of year when you would rather by visiting www.lock2lock.co.uk be out and about on your bike rather than composing literary masterpieces or capturing That Perfect Moment on film or digital, but we are running Insurance low on articles for future issues, especially those of technical nature and “how-to” varieties. Please Andy Stork (Yorkshire Section) sent this in : If you keep them coming in – but if you want the originals are in the market for insurance renewal then check returned it would be VERY helpful if you can this one out : enclose an SAE as well. Roadster, If sending photos by eMail, as both Dave & I are Tel 08456021200, broadbanded (!) our PCs can cope with large files. [email protected] or www.bikequote.com With regard to photos, the greater their resolution and number of pixels they have the better, as the I’ve jut saved £47 for the same cover as last year. images can then have a wider range of pre-printing No connection just well pleased to save a bit o adjustments applied if need be. I’m learning all the brass. time - but my head still hurts !

4 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 New Model Sales Success ...... the Approved Used Bike scheme ....

It’s official - BMW Motorrad is the fastest growing BMW Motorrad UK’s entire dealer network has motorcycle brand in the UK according to sales outperformed new registration targets for the first performance figures released at the end of April. financial quarter - a tough objective in a static This significant achievement makes BMW the fifth market. The company’s sales figures (1225 new largest motorcycle brand in 2005, ahead of rival registrations) are up by 34% to the end of March manufacturers including Kawasaki and Harley- whereas the overall market figure is down by 7%. Davidson. Despite overall market conditions This performance has helped place BMW as the remaining static, BMW’s sales are up 42 per cent fifth largest motorcycle brand in the UK. An upturn year on year and the company’s market share has in sales of new BMWs has also led to improved grown by 1.6 percentage points in this period - a availability of used stock, making the time right to figure unmatched by any other motorcycle re-launch BMW’s Approved Used Bikes (AUB) manufacturer in the UK. Such success ensures scheme. This programme is designed to offer true BMW Motorrad has not only achieved the largest benefits to customers who buy into the BMW brand. percentage growth increase, but also the largest rise in terms of sheer volume to date in 2005. Imagine having the choice of purchasing a previously owned motorcycle offering all of the The stimulus for this success lies with BMW’s new benefits and services associated with a brand generation models. Launched on 4 June, recent new bike, but at a reduced cost. The BMW press reports have already positioned the new Approved Used Bikes programme offers precisely K1200 R as being the best naked roadster in its that - and so much more. Every BMW Approved class, (displacing Triumph’s Speed Triple). Motor Used Bike is prepared to BMW AUB standards and Cycle News recently placed BMW’s first 167 bhp will have undergone a fully checked service history superbike - the formidable K1200 S - as runner-up where possible. A 12 month MOT; 12 months Road in their quest to unveil the ultimate street bike. It is Fund Licence; a full tank of fuel and a minimum of currently the best-selling supersport in the over 12 months manufacturer’s warranty certifies how 1000cc class outpacing Honda’s Blackbird, BMW’s AUB programme gives complete piece of Suzuki’s Hayabusa and Kawasaki’s ZX-12R. mind when buying a used BMW motorcycle. The AUB warranty also includes BMW’s Emergency BMW’s R1200 GS ‘boxer’ has now firmly entered Service roadside and emergency aid operating 24 the mainstream. It is in fact currently the UK’s third hours / 365 days throughout the UK and Europe. most popular choice of motorcycle overall (behind Honda’s CBR1000RR and Suzuki’s GSX-R1000). In its own Adventure Sport category the GS is ..... and the Loyal BMW Customer selling three times as many units as its nearest rival. BMW’s R1200 RT continues to top the sales HILE IT IS ALWAYS pleasing to see new bike charts in the touring sector - leading its nearest W sales increasing as more used bikes then become available, many of us - the existing and rival (Honda’s Pan European) by 26 per cent. ?loyal? BMW customer, that is - are becoming concerned about the cost to renew BMW’s Approved BMW Motorrad’s Motorcycle Marketing Manager Used Bike Warranty. My K1200LT used to cost £340 Tony Jakeman commented: “We’re delighted with each year to maintain the cover. It has now spiralled these extremely positive early results and our new to £659. By shopping around I can get breakdown product range is clearly appealing to UK bikers. recovery included with my insurance premium (from We promised faster, lighter, more dynamic Carol Nash or Footman James for example, both of motorcycles that would appeal to a much wider whom regularly advertise in the Journal). This service target audience. We have delivered on that promise, is a notable omission from BMW’s own insurance but without losing any of the legendary product policies. If I’m prepared to forego the “extended attributes that BMW Motorrad is famous for, such warranty” aspect of the AUB - and why isn’t the BMW’s as ‘real world’ road holding and handling, longevity new-bike warranty three years as it is in the USA and reliability. With the exciting new products that while I’m on the subject ? - then it is simply too are still to come, we’re confident this increase in expensive. Mr Jakeman commented “If your members demand for BMWs will continue for the foreseeable can source a better arrangement with alternative future.” insurance suppliers then of course we can have no issues with this!” So - what do YOU think? Lets see if competition really does improve the breed!

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 5 BMW celebrates 25 years litre fuel tank and a comfortable twin seat for long touring rides. BMW also opened its first enduro of the GS at Beaulieu park (at Hechlingen in Germany) designed to teach motorcyclists how to ride off-road. A similar facility opened in south Wales in 2000. O CELEBRATE THE 25th anniversary of the GS, BMW Motorrad displayed some In 1999, BMW entered Frenchman Richard Sainct Tgroundbreaking examples from the range at in the Dakar rally on a race prepared version of this year’s Motorcycle World show at Beaulieu on BMW’s single-cylinder F650. The same year, 18-19 June. There were historic, famous and BMW’s large capacity twin benefited from an modern bikes on display from the past 25 years, increased engine capacity - now 1150cc - and an including a R80 G/S; R100 GS PD; Charley extra sixth gear ‘overdrive’ ratio. The following Boorman’s R1150 GS Adventure from the much year, BMW entered four works riders in the arduous publicised Long Way Round journey; BMW Off- Dakar event and impressively secured the top four Road Skills chief instructor Simon Pavey’s 2005 finishing positions. Frenchman Richard Sainct won Dakar race bike, and many more. on a F650 RR; followed by Oscar Gallardo on a F650 RR; Jimmy Lewis was third on a 16-valve History of the GS Boxer R900 RR; and Jean Brucy was fourth, riding a F650 RR. When the R80 G/S (Gelände/Straße or off-road/ road) Boxer-twin was introduced to the world in Two months after BMW’s Dakar race win BMW 1980, it was the largest capacity enduro available launched its single-cylinder F650 GS which was and probably the most unique motorcycle of the based on the road-going F650 Funduro, but with time. It paved the way for an entirely new market significant design and engineering improvements. segment of big touring enduros and was the first In 2001, Britain’s best enduro rider John Deacon motorcycle to feature a Monolever single swingarm joined the BMW Dakar team and finished in an on the rear wheel. impressive sixth position in his debut outing on the factory R900 RR. German rider, Andrea Mayer BMW entered its new motorcycle in the most raced a F650 RR and won the Ladies’ Cup in the famous motorsport race in the world to prove its Paris-Dakar for the third time in a row. capability as a serious off-road machine - the gruelling Dakar rally desert race. After only three Then BMW’s R1150 GS Adventure (next page) was attempts, BMW succeeded and impressively won launched in 2002. It was designed with long in 1983 with French distance travel in mind desert specialist and engineered to Hubert Auriol. Then perform in all Belgian Gaston conditions, on or off- Rahier continued road. This visually BMW’s Dakar striking model is success by equipped with many victoriously clinching special features as a back-to-back win standard and a whole on the 1000cc range of factory fit machine in 1984 and options and 1985. accessories that made it the ultimate long In 1987, BMW’s distance enduro continued machine. development of the GS resulted in the new R100 GS, which featured the first double-joint rear The latest incarnation,the R1200 GS (above) was wheel swinging arm and BMW Paralever released in 2004. BMW once again redefined the suspension. The following year, it became the best- industry’s benchmark for high performance, selling motorcycle in Germany. versatile, on and off-road enduro machines. It continues to be BMW Motorrad’s best-selling The R1100 GS was introduced in 1994 and machine and the third best-selling motorcycle featured Telelever front-wheel suspension, a 25- overall this year in the UK. In terms of sales, BMW

6 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 The winning 1985 Paris-Dakar GS that was ridden by Gaston Rahier has sold 211,000 GS models worldwide since 1980. BMW has sold 8,413 GS models in the UK in the same period.

BMW GS Dakar successes

1983 - Hubert Auriol, R80 G/S - winner 1984 - Gaston Rahier, R80 G/S - winner 1985 - Gaston Rahier, R80 G/S - winner 2000 - Richard Sainct, F650 RR -winner 2000 - Oscar Gallardo, F650 RR - second 2000 - Jimmy Lewis, R900 RR - third 2000 - Jean Brucy, F650 RR - fourth 2001 - John Deacon, R900 RR - sixth 2001 - Andrea Mayer, F650 RR - Ladies’ Cup 2003 - Nick Plumb, F650 GS - finished in 65th position 2005 - Simon Pavey, F650 GS - finished in 78th position

Then in 2003, the Sanders’ broke another Guinness Guinness World Record breakers World Record for riding The Trans-Americas by Motorcycle. This was the ultimate endurance ride Kevin and Julia Sanders have broken two through North, Central and South America. The Guinness World Records. In 2002 the duo smashed journey started at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, USA, deep the World Record for the Fastest Circumnavigation in the Arctic Circle and finished in Ushuaia, Tierra of the World by Motorcycle, taking 12.5 days off del Fuego in Argentina - the southernmost city in the previous record. The couple averaged riding the world. The duo rode two-up for 17,000 miles, 1,000 miles a day and rode 19,461 miles in just through extreme conditions in just 35 days. Beating 19.5 days. the current record by over 12 days.

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 7 BMW. These days perceptions have moved on and gismos are expected. I’m sure we all find journal President’s feedback from members interesting and a good indicator of acceptance or otherwise. Monthly Platform market research perhaps? From an organisational aspect, I like to keep a finger URING OUR CLUB AGM I mentioned that I on the pulse by looking around at other ‘like’ felt we should be addressing the future of organisations with an interest in how they operate. our club in 3–5 yrs time. Our chosen D As previously mentioned, the March club Europa manufacturer is increasingly producing models that AGM left a concerned group of clubs in limbo and aren’t aimed at the traditional BM markets and it’s a the possibility of a future liaison between the GB logical assumption that should the club prove car club and ourselves for administrative ‘umbrella’ attractive to these owners, ten years from now reasons became a possibility. With this in mind, I our core membership base should arranged a meeting with the car have altered. We have to move with club Chair Jeff Heywood, and the times and be prepared to director Howard Walker to discuss embrace change if needed. The related business matters. early sales figures for this year have Coincidentally, on the day of the exceeded expectations with BMWs meeting the BMW hierarchy in being the fastest growing brand in Munich invited two members of the the UK. dissenting group, to a focus meeting between two world Model change and new technology council members and two Europa are becoming an increasing issue board members to resolve with the bike buying public and outstanding matters. This resulted BMWs are now pushing the in my BMF Show plans being boundaries with sophisticated dropped and car club Howard and braking systems, a choice of myself attending the meeting. All steering geometry, motors and a of the above will be discussed at host of accessories for the club National committee meetings. I appreciate discerning buyers. Racing is usually the catalyst this has little interest for the large majority of that improves the breed but in this case a self- members but feel I need to give members an insight generating marketing philosophy with change in into the machinations of official club life. mind seems to be reason enough to progress matters, but is it necessary? From a practical point Finding time to spend on the bike recently hasn’t of view probably not, if it sells bikes, then yes. As been easy but the MOT date beckoned and I duly ever, if there is a market there is a product. did the business with my local dealer. It would Increasingly we are reading letters in the journal seem that technology is about to make its presence from members expressing concerns with bike felt at the MOT stations with the introduction of a technology. In the recent past, clocks and heated PC based system that will reduce the risk of fraud grips were considered elitist and perhaps very but surprise, surprise, have a dramatic increase in the cost of your certificate.

You must have noticed the full-page colour journal ad for our national event in Kelso, it’s August 26 – 29th and FREE to members!! The border areas are one of the few unspoilt regions of the UK, great biking roads and scenery and being a FREE event, a great value for money happening. I was tempted to write ‘even cost effective to a Scotsman’ but I wont!

Safe riding. Tony Moores

8 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 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 373919 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, Donavourd Farm- Ireland. Tel: 0035345868638. e-mail: house, Pitlochry, Scotland PH16 5JS Tel/fax: 01796 [email protected] 472551. e-mail: [email protected] London: NICK FRY, 4 Newbury Close, Chancellors Road, STEVENAGE,Herts. SG1 4TE. Tel: 01438 749 TREASURER: DEREK JOHNSON, 32 Eason Drive, 913. 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: BRIAN CULVER, 39 Midland: DALE MARCHANT, 19 Maplebeck Avenue, Moat, Farm Close, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 5DJ Medenvale, Notts. NG20 9JQ. Tel: 01623 847907. e- Tel:01303 226188 mail:[email protected] email:[email protected] North East: ANN WRAY, Hoge Veluwe, 19 Greenhills Byers Green, Spennymoor, Co. Durham. DL16 7QJ. SOCIAL SECRETARY: GARTH FORBES, 9 Tel: 01388 605764 e-mail: [email protected] Conyngham Road, NORTHAMPTON, NN3 9TA. e- Northern: BERNARD J. TAGG, 349 Tag Lane, Ingol, mail: [email protected] Preston. PR2.3XA. tEL: Tel: 01772.466205 E-MAIL: Email: [email protected] MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: DICK BOYD, Stewart Oxford: PETER MAPES, 54 Corbett Road, Carterton, Place, Garmouth IV32 7LX. Tel: 01343 870389, Oxon. OX18 3LE Tel: 01993 212800 e-mail: Fax: 01343 870591. e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Scottish: JASON GOODWILL, 3 Upper Burnside Court, Thurso, Caithness. KW14 7XT. Tel: 01847893935. POST/5 TOOL HIRE SECRETARY: MIKE e-mail: [email protected] DELACOE, 4 Charwelton Road, Preston Capes, South East: BRIAN SHEARS, 100 Park Avenue, Daventry. NN11 3TA. 01327 360945. Northfleet DA11 8DL. Tel. & Fax: 01474 566142. e-mail: PRE/5 TOOL HIRE SEC: PETER DUNN, 101Sta- [email protected] Southern: GREG SMITH, 2 Claudius Gardens, Chandlers tion Road, Thatcham, Berks.RG19 4QH Tel: 07941 Ford, Hants. SO53 2NY. 02380 251146. e-mail: 075165. e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] REGALIA SECRETARY: JEAN COX, 22 South West: LESLIE MADGE, Glenthorne, Cheriton Combermere, Thornbury, Bristol. BS35 2ET. 01454 Bishop, Exeter. EX6 6JA. Tel: 01647 24523. e-mail: 415358. e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Ulster: BOB BARKER, 88 Browns Bay Rd., Islandmagee, VINTAGE & CLASSIC REGISTER SECRETARY: Larne, Co., Antrim. BT40 3RX. Tel: 02890 777490. e- MALCOLM McNAIR, 27 Syon Gardens, Newport mail: [email protected] Pagnell, Bucks, MK16 0JU Tel: 01908 216623 e- Western: RON ELMSLIE, 8 Cleeve Lawns, Downend, Bristol. BS16 6HJ. Tel no: 0117 9569209 e-mail: mail: [email protected] [email protected] SPORTING REGISTER SECRETARY: ROBERT Yorkshire: CAREL LINDLEY, 244 Shadwell Lane, Leeds. BENSLEY, Oak Tree Farm, Heath Road, Banham LS17 8AQ. Tel: 0113 266 6766. e-mail: NR16 2HS. Tel: 01953 888415 (+fax) e-mail: [email protected] [email protected] HQ Register: TONY PAINTER, 101 Gillards, Bishops Hull, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5HJ. Tel: 01823253897. SIDECAR REGISTER SECRETARY: VACANT Fax: 08700514267. e-mail: [email protected] ASSOC. SECRETARY FOR AMERICA: VACANT

WEBMASTER: GREG SMITH, e-mail: DELEGATES to other ORGANISATIONS [email protected] BMF: TONY CARTMELL (Liaison Officer), DEREK VICE-PRESIDENTS: BRUCE PRESTON, 0208 979 JOHNSON, JEFF DYMOND, ROD WILTSHIRE, 1555 e-mail: [email protected]. DAVE BERTRAM, PETER MAPES & A.N.OTHER CYNTHIA MILTON, slightly indisposed at present BMW Club Europa: PETER DUNN TONY CARTMELL, 28 Houseman Place, Black- FBHVC: M McNAIR pool. FY4 5AE Tel: 01253 768421. Email: DVLA: M McNAIR [email protected]

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

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 9 July 5th is the deadline for Torque the August Journal. Send letters or e-mails to Paul Reaction Nadin, details on page 3.

The VentureShield Paint Protection System Once dry, the film has a very pleasing appearance and the patterns are virtually invisible. The film is As a chap who travels around 18,000 miles a year flexible and will mark if abused, but spare patterns for work in all weathers, I give my vehicles a should be obtainable and will be cheaper than a harder-than-average time. At one time I owned a paint re-spray. The kits, which cover most modern Vauxhall that started to suffer numerous paint chips BMWs amongst many other marques, are designed along the bonnet, which was sorted most for home fitting, but the deep, complex double- effectively by applying a flexible plastic paint curvatures of the sculpted leg cut-outs in the tank protection film. At the 2004 NEC show I met means that the 1200RT kit really requires Salvatore Turco from VentureTape who were professional fitment. marketing VentureShield paint protection kits for motorcycles. Check availability for your model by logging on to www.invisiblepatterns.com – search under North When it became apparent that the new R1200RT American models and then several different model that I had set my heart on came equipped with years. For general information please contact the beautiful but terribly impractical painted panniers, Main Agents – Showtrax Ltd near Bedford on it was time to make contact again. It was obvious 01234-709966. For technical information contact to me that the tops of these wide panniers would Salvatore at VentureTape Europe on 01327- be vulnerable to a carelessly placed riding boot 876555. I can be contacted on 07764-589734. when dismounting and become an ugly mess when John Bentall I dropped the bike for the first time. When the machine arrived, I invited the locally-based Salvatore to supply and fit the kit.

VentureShield is a 0.8mm thick high gloss plastic film exhibiting extreme puncture resistance with a lifetime guarantee against yellowing and cracking. It is designed to protect against stone chips, insect residue and small scratches and is best applied when the machine is brand new. The kit arrives as set of templates embedded in a large roll of film. The fitting tools used were alcohol wipes for preparing the surfaces, a spray container full of fitting solution and a 5mm thick flexible rubber block for “squeezing” the film onto the paint surface. The pattern was sprayed as it was removed from the backing (remembering to keep ones fingers wet as well!) and then the panel was sprayed to allow the pattern to be moved around for optimum placement. The pattern is tacked by “squeegeeing” the moisture from one area and then one works gradually works away from the centre. The areas covered in the R1200RT kit are the top and leading edge of the panniers, tank cut-outs, mudguard, headlight, mirror housings, oil cooler inlet and leading edge of the fairing. Unfortunately, the vulnerable dimpled finish on the fork legs is unsuitable for applying this material.

10 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 cancer charities. Launched at the GS Club UK stand The Pink Way Round at the BMF Show last May, the calendar is now available form www.pinkwayround.com. A unique fundraiser for breast cancer charities has been launched by women with a passion for For more information contact: the GS range of BMW motorcycles - an upmarket Marion Costin-Ford and high quality 2006 calendar. Entitled “THE PINK 01572 767173 WAY ROUND”, it features 12 women who show 07834 316461 off the bike’s versatility in a completely different e mail [email protected] way. The calendar shows the girls in what might or [email protected] be regarded as very ordinary situations for them, for example at the supermarket, in the swimming pool, at the hairdressers or even camping out - John Hermann’s letter (April 2005) however, what is unusual is that their BMW GS motorcycle is never very far awayfrom them! As I haven’t read Mr Hermann’s book I cannot offer my comments as such, rather my observations. All the pictures were taken free-of-charge by The tour party consisted of about a dozen people award winning photographer Lee Warren. Many on eight bikes - I didn’t count them as I wasn’t the of the women featured have been touched by tour leader. breast cancer affecting their family and friends, and one of the women (September) in the calendar “Soon he was coming down the road shouting : is a breast cancer survivor herself. BMW have Turn around. You can’t get through - the road is given full approval to the project and each page of closed!” Actually I was not coming down as I the calendar has been sponsored by a BMW GS was standing at the ice line. I didn’t shout - it dealership or related supporter. wasn’t necessary. We were all together standing in front of an impassable hairpin, ice blocked. This Great support was also given by the very diverse situation isn’t mentioned in Mr Hermann’s letter - venues featured in the photographs – it’s not nobody could ride through relying on engine power everyday that a motorcycle is seen in the gym, at alone, it required volunteers from the tour acting the spa or enjoying a romantic dinner for two - and as pushers and pullers! This is described by Mr the organisers are extremely grateful for their help. Hermann as “Being Americans, we decided to check it out and proceeded up the trail” This project follows on from an event last year when a group of 4 women rode their BMW GSs The alternative track to Lake Ledro I suggested to from John O’Groats to Lands End - in just 24 hours the tour is not mentioned either, but it was - to raise money for breast cancer charities. In all, succesfully ridden by myself and an American in the group raised over £5,000, but as you can see, the group who preferred to do so. the challenge has not stopped there. If I were riding today in the same place and The calendars will retail for £8.95 each and all situation, I would behave in exactly the same way funds raised after paying for the printing and as I did in 1984. Conversely if some Italians and I production costs of the calendar, will go to breast BMW Club Journal • July 2005 11 were riding with a local enthusiast in the Rockies, every way due to it being fitted with sidecar fork for example, we would do exactly what the yokes to provide the desired amount of trail. Does Americans did in Italy. Why ? Because when you anybody in the club know whether or not BMW (or are on holiday, thousands of miles from home, you any third party) ever came up with such fitments tend to make the most of it ! for their bikes? It seems a far more elegant solution than fitting the leading link devices that seem to be I am not casting any doubts on Mr Hermann’s commonly resorted to on many outfits. Anybody sincerity. The fact is that his story and mine give got any ideas that can help me here? rather different perspectives and is a classic Steve Pearce, Bristol example of two witnesses having seen and heard the same situation, producing out of their memory, “C’mon, who are they?” rather different reports. Ref: Tim Wilson’s five page atom by atom saga on My best regards to John Hermann and to the his wiring burn out in the May Journal. What was readers of the Journal. the REAL point? Mario Artusio (Turin) To praise Wally at CW? — That’s good. Member No 8002 : since 1962 To tell us to read the small print? – Maybe. To say let it burn! – Perhaps. Sidecar Help Please To show us pictures of a pretty Audi TT with a posy number plate? — Very nice! I have the distinction of owning two classic trial No, the REAL point should be to warn us of the sidecar outfits. The problem I have is that one, crap insurance company, so that we can avoid based upon a R80ST, unfortunately requires the the same rotten treatment. So don’t be coy Tim, muscles of Popeye to steer it. It’s got the standard TELL US WHO THEY WERE, the company and the forks you see. It does however handle well at broker, or what’s the point? I trust it was normal road speed. The other, based upon a pre- ‘coincidence’ that an advert for unit Triumph (650 Trophy), is an absolute delight in Lexhaminsurance.co.uk appeared in the middle of

12 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 the article? Or was it Editor’s sense of humour? Good man! (Coincidence, nothing more … Ed) May your wires stay uncrossed. Ted Devey. S.W. Section

Old Codger Response

Over the past few months members have been debating the whys and wherefores of being a member of the Club; well the May Journal has ’iced the cake’ of my eleventh membership subscription. The tip given by the Old Codger about picking up hedge clipping with the rotary mower has assisted me in more ways than he/she (why should Old Codgers be male?) may have realised. GPS Systems and Bike Wiring Circuit Diagrams 1 Now, no dependence on the lady of the house to pick up the 200yards of clippings – she is now Earlier this year the Journal published a letter from happier doing other gardening tasks, leaving me me asking for any one with experience of GPS more time to ride the bike. systems to let me know their opinions; I was flooded 2 The trips to the green skip are more than halved with replies which fell into three categories: – saving petrol which can now be allocated to the bike. 1 ‘I have a system for sale, would you like to buy 3 The bees that do not seem to mind the mower it?’ always got aggressive towards the vibrations of 2 ‘Please tell me what response you get because the rake – happy bees and even happier I want to know too’ neighbours. 3 And actual advice from people with experience of different systems. So as the saying goes ‘one good turn – etc.’ I had also asked where I could get a decent circuit If you can ‘wire’ a plug, the flaming Dyson cable diagram for my bike (a 1979 R 80) as I find the can be easily repaired. I offer advice as to how to Haynes manual circuits are very unclear. Let me get to the business end of the mains cable – not deal with circuit diagrams first as that’s fairly short. how to ‘wire’ it up – that is knowledge you should Thanks to Bill Smithson and Uwe Wehring who have before attempting any electrical repair of this sent me diagrams that they had produced sort. themselves, and also to someone whose name I have not jotted down – was it Ray Smith of the 1 Look on the flat side of the on – off button, and Mercia Section? – who pointed me to the website find a small rectangular hole in the main case of of PROSPERO’S GARAGE in the USA (http:// the cleaner. slash5.com) who produce plastic-laminated colour 2 Cut a piece of shim steel (about 2 inched long) circuit diagrams, 11” x 17” (about A3 size) for a so as it will fit into the hole. (I used a ground down range of older cars and bikes – I bought one and an Obo nail – but beware the very sharp corners have found it very useful and much clearer than – they hurt!). most other diagrams I have come across. Mike 3 Push the steel into the hole until the little plastic Fishwick also suggested that I buy the rider’s catch on the on – off button disengages – lever handbook (this is an item that I hadn’t thought of as the button out to reveal a cross head screw. you usually only get them with new bikes, and I 4 Remove same and the cable connectors can be can’t remember the last time I had one of them) and accessed easily. I ordered one. I was somewhat disappointed when As to the filters – well, would you service your the book arrived and was the size of a small bike without due regard to the filters? notebook, but sure enough, folded up and double- The Old Codger said “look at your manuals” and no sided was a pretty good circuit diagram (it better advice could be given for any machine be reminded me of these silk maps which could be they BMWs or vacuum cleaners. sewn into a bomber pilot’s uniform in WW II) and unlike the generic manual diagrams, was just for David McIntosh my model. BMW Club Journal • July 2005 13 And so back to the GPS system. option is probably the cheapest IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A PDA, (or option 3½ if you don’t have a PDA As with most things in life, you pays your money but wish to have one) – I don’t have one or want and you takes your choice. Personally, I have only one, so I went for option 2. However, if YOU have experienced GPS’s as a passenger in friends’ cars a compatible PDA I can send you contact details of but I reckoned that even in a car I would not want two people who made their own systems. to have to look at the screen regularly to follow directions, and I certainly would not consider a So I looked at option 2, which gives quite a few visual-only system on a bike, although I realise variants, but as far as I can tell, all need to have that others are happy with such a system. So for some kind of amplifier to feed a helmet head set, my needs, I only considered systems with an audio so it comes down to a personal choice (with some output. While I would have liked to simply punch in dependency on your bank manager), however a post code and get exact directions, I could not bear in mind that reports I have had from riders find any systems which offered a full UK Post who have tried a personal earpiece (or mobile Code facility, including the BMW Navigator II, and phone type of earpiece) under a helmet indicate some have no Post Code facility at all. Anyway, I that they don’t work too well and are uncomfortable. had to look at many systems to find out which One problem is that the range of available devices suited me and which didn’t, and I concluded that is changing rapidly, and I found that when I went there are three main categories to choose from back to Halfords to check on some notes I had (perhaps three and a half, as we shall see). made on an earlier visit, they had two new systems available. It is quite likely, therefore, that the 1 There are the (nearly) all-singing, all-dancing information that now follows will be out of date, systems including audio output and bike mounting but I hope that it gives you a signpost to what to cradle, such as the BMW Navigator II (which is an look for if you are considering buying what is a upgraded Garmin 2610 system that BMW puts their fairly costly investment (or ‘toy’ as my wife prefers). badge on) but they are expensive (£1,450) and The best advice I can offer is that you first decide you still have to buy an audio adaptor (£100 +) and what exactly you want to use the system for, and helmet head set (£30ish) and a bracket to fit the what features you require (desire); then look at cradle (£15 - £30). various systems and decide which you like best at an affordable price, then shop around to find the 2 Various other systems which are basically best price, including ‘Bits and Bobs’ ads, and e- designed for car use, some of which have audio bay. output, but not necessarily an earpiece output, and some of which offer bike mountings as optional The check-list I used had all my desirable features extras. on it including: Does it have … An audio output? 3 A DIY system which uses a satnav receiver with A clear screen? Bluetooth output and a Personal Digital Assistant Battery back-up (for navigation when walking)? (PDA) with Bluetooth input. 12v input? Automatic address finishing so that you don’t have 3½. You can now buy a PDA and a satnav receiver to type every letter of an address? as a pair from – among other places – PC World. Waterproof capability? From this, I decided that I cannot afford option 1 Easy bike mount/dismount capability? (and I don’t have wealthy friends and relatives Enough mapping software included or available to and a birthday in the near future), and option 3 is suit your travel needs? messy (several units to mount or carry – although Additional maps at a reasonable price? one correspondent said that he successfully The systems I have looked at are:- carried the units in his jacket pockets – and Garmin Street Pilot 2610 (£600 - £650 – Maplin) waterproofing would be needed). However this Garmin Quest (£350 - £400 – Maplin, PC World) 14 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 15 Thank you to everyone who offered advice, and Tom Tom Go (£400 - £500 – Maplin, PC World) to the rest of you “Good Luck”. Garmin Street Pilot III (£350 - £450 – Makro) though Dennis Connolly. Staffordshire I am told this is now becoming obsolete Navman (various) (£300 - £450 – Halfords) A Wale of a Time Median (various) (£300 up – Halfords) A great and varied bunch and a fun time at Robin Others are available, some of which I have only Wale’s “Robin Rally” in Cornwall this weekend. found on mail order so I have not actually seen Full thanks to him and the other stalwarts for their them, while yet others are only recently on the organisation. A few of us, enjoying a meander out, market so I have not evaluated them. Also, the stopped for lunch in a North Cornwall seafood models mentioned might be cheaper on mail order, restaurant. As we ordered, one sweet lady in our or on special offers from any of the outlets party, looking wistfully into the woods outside the mentioned (and others, such as Aldi). restaurant asked the waiter “Do you have any owls?” Full marks to the chap for his response - However the system that I currently favour is a “I’m sorry. Ahh, no madam, but I do have the crabs”. variant of the Garmin Quest, modified by Starcom Ted Devey. SW Section Ltd to have an audio output suitable for their (Starcom’s) audio interface unit and a helmet Comments from Lagos headset ( a headset properly designed to fit into the helmet, not into your ear); the cost of this I have just received and read my April edition of system is approximately £500 – £600 depending the journal from the comfort of my armchair. This is on specification (but mention that you are a member because there is 3500 miles of fresh air between of the BMW Club) but has the advantage that the the K75’seat and my backside. I must agree totally same interface can be used to hook up to a mobile with the comments of Dave White regarding bigger phone, bike-bike or bike-pillion intercom, CD player, and allegedly better. I too have a K75 and it is all and so on, simultaneously. As I understand it, if things I could want in a two wheeled vehicle, the phone rings, it automatically switches to smooth, fast enough, and in modern terms simple answer-mode and over-rides the radio/CD/ enough, but heavy and top heavy at that. There intercom, and if the GPS system gives an instruction seems to be a constant striving, of not just BMW during a phone call, only you can hear it. But but of other makers as well to constantly increase please check for yourself that any system does the physical size and engine capacity of machines what you want it to, and if you want to discuss beyond logical parameters. I am no Ludite but Starcom’s system, speak to Alun Jones at Starcom vehicle manufactures, two and four wheel, seem (web-site www.starcom1.com/) or if you are in to be going the way of the Hi-Fi industry of the late Ireland, try Tony McDonald of Bray Comms (e- 70’s and 80’s where products were sold on mail:[email protected]). specification first and usefulness second. I hope that this is of use to those of you who, like me, are concerned about spending out a fair In a recent advertising article by Dave Bertram amount of money without knowing just what is within the Journal it was stated that the new available, because there really is a wide choice machine in the article was capable of cruising at out there. 100+ all day. Well, not with Mr. Average on board. 16 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 I doubt if many riders can truly use the performance of a 1200 cc motorcycle. Stands back and waits for howls of protest. I think there must come a time for honesty by the biking public in this regard as you can loose your license, and your life, on a 50cc moped these days, as your personal safety relies so heavily on the actions of other road users. Now on to a memory test for the other Saga louts within our ranks. With regard to a letter by Michael Sheenhan about pillion insurance. I was under the impression that back in the 70’s passenger insurance was made compulsory for cars and bikes. There were protests, at the time, from motorcyclist who had bikes with only one seat (trials, mopeds etc.) can anyone else shed light on this or the new situation? Keep up the good work and safe riding.

The other Dave Williamson.(South East Section. Lagos. Nigeria.)

R1200 GS Screen

Having only just joined (got my membership stuff today) I have missed any correspondence/reports on alternatives to the standard screen on the R1200GS. I am 6 ft tall and have three different helmets but, with all of them and at all settings of the screen, I find the wind-noise excessive. I cannot hear my bike-to-bike radio with ear plugs but find long runs tiring with all that noise without.I had a string of F650s (Fundura, GS & Dakar), none of which gave me any problems at 80-85 mph (I go abroad often, Officer!). So, I have two questions:- 1. Any info on Wunderlich, Baglux, others? 2. Surely BMW have a wind-tunnel to get this right first time, or did they not bother?

Keith Phillips

Martin Ellis’ Clutch Replacement Article

Just a brief note to thank Martin Ellis for his excellent article on replacing the clutch on a K100LT – June Journal. The article was very readable and well illustrated. I applaud Martin for ‘having a go’ and being prepared to share his experience with others. I am equally impressed that Martin has a 1988 K100 LT - to this day the motorcycling world is catching up with the ‘K100’ it was years ahead of its time. I have seen from previous articles in Torque Reaction that Martin is a hard working and active member of the club, unlike me. In fact Martin If you ride a lot in town, in traffic, at crawling speeds or if you want ‘wring its neck’ acceleration stick with the original 3.36 to 1. BMW Club Journal • July 2005 17 Effecting the change is dead easy for the meanest The only explanation for this is a fundamental of intellects (after all, I’ve done it!) and fully covered misunderstanding of how insurance works. in the American Clymer tome or our own Haynes It’squite simple: You pay money to an insurance Book of Lies as it’s lovingly known locally. company, and they agree to indemnify you against Well, that’s it for those R850ers that might benefit. certain events or happenings. If one (or more) of Ted Devey. SW Section those things happen, the insurance company will pay up; if they don’t, then they don’t. Tim’s policy Does Size Matter? covered his bike for fire; it didn’t catch fire, so why should he look to the insurance company to Having just received the latest edition of the Journal pay for the damage? He’s quite right - it was his I see that the youngsters have taken over? Yes prompt action that prevented a fire from breaking the print size! No it’s not my age, as I have just had out, but that still doesn’t make it the insurance some new glasses, these new fangled vari-focals, company’s responsibility. and by gum theres somert else I could call them???????? No peripheral vision and if I ride my Here’s a scenario: You’re cruising happily down push bike through the vines and a local shouts the motorway, the sun is shining, the birds are bonjour, I have to screw me neck out to see who is singing. Suddenly the engine locks up solid; the in a chatty mood. Vision is only directly in front, or rear wheel stops dead, and the back end starts to where you are looking and nowt to glance at... All fishtail. Realising what’s happened, you dip the that lovely leg and such in the summer and not clutch, the rear wheel starts turning again and even a crafty glance!!!!!!! you make your way, ashen-faced, to the hard shoulder. Now, your quick reactions stopped you Ah yes, my original intention of this note. The print from losing control, prevented the bike hitting the is smaller in this edition and very difficult to read. I deck, and meant there was no need for an can read the old style print but not this new style. expensive repair bill to be paid under your fully Question? Is it here to stay? Or will you revert to comprehensive bike policy. Does that mean the the previous type? I don’t want to fork out another insurance company, filled with gratitude, should load of pension for more glasses to read our mag. pay for the engine repairs? Of course not. Then again, if this twidley writing is to stay it would be better knowing so I can get reading glasses for Go and dig out your policy document - the booklet the small print. that came when you last changed insurance company, that probably got filed away with barely Ah yes! There’s the answer The editor previously a second glance. Read it, in detail; it describes worked in insurance and wants most of the very precisely what is covered, along with a few important things put in the small-print so that we things that aren’t. If you suffer a loss due to one of will only look at the pictures! (Er, no – far more the incidents which are stated as being covered, nasty than that. Guess again! … Ed ) you have a claim. If it’s any other reason, even one which would have led to a claim if you hadn’t On a slightly more serious thing. Has anybody else acted quickly, then your insurance company is had problems with the vari-focal glasses? One perfectly correct in declining to get involved. optician advised me that motorcyclists should not Martin Buck.Tamworth wear these as they are a danger to themselves, and other road users, due to the restricted vision. Observations from France Mike Griffiths. France

Good to see that my old friend Peter Taylor is back Tim Wilson and Insurance Problems from his global travels and rumbling away as usual. Peter knows as well as you or I that if you sell any When I read Tim Wilson’s article (May journal) vehicle a year or two after you have bought it new detailing the problem he’d had with his bike and the you are going to make a big loss. Most of the response of his insurance company, I couldn’t depreciation will occur in the first three years and understand why he believed the insurance the situation is obviously worsened if the model company were doing anything wrong. Now, in the you want to exchange has been superceded. latest edition of the journal, Leslie Gumbrell has The 1150RS was already outdated when he bought described it as ‘bad service’ and Achim Gloger it - didn’t I tell you Peter? But then you wouldn’t suggests boycotting the company involved. have been much better off if you had splashed out 18 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 19 on an 1150GS and then replaced that with a A Plea for Simpler Clutches 1200GS as I did. I have just read Martin Ellis’s article on clutch Obviously if you cannot make up your mind exactly replacement with his K1100 LT and, although he what suits you (and that is not easy as the range does not consider the work to be very difficult or gets greater) it is better to buy secondhand and complicated, I almost fainted at the tale as it there is no doubt that a BMW, a couple of years old continued for seven pages. On several occasions will, if looked after properly, maintain most of its I have done what I considered to be major jobs on value. What Peter will do, when he quietens down, various BMs, ranging from a 1936 R17 to a 1961 is sell his RS privately (a good buy for someone) R27 and including several Earles fork twins. The and look around for a secondhand 1200GS, work was child’s play compared with what martin perhaps as autumn approaches. Or perhaps he had to do. will realise that for us old fogies time must be running out so go mad and act now! If I wish to change my clutch on my 1956 R6 it can easily be done in a total of maybe six hours. What a pleasure to read of the trip to France by Remove the rear wheel, swinging arm pins and the Irish section and the welcome that they the front bolt to the frame at the rear mudguard. received in my adopted country. Take it from me Disconnect the clutch cable, undo the four bolts that the French, regardless of what you may read engine to gearbox, and it should now be possible in the press, have a high regard for the British or in to have enough room to pull the gearbox back far fact for anyone who has mastered the English enough into the frame (with a little wriggling) and language! ‘Motards’ of all nationalities are also drop it out – you may have to remove the centre considered a bit special. But again I suspect that stand. Disassemble the clutch, remove and replace much of their welcome was due to their approach where necessary, put it all back and have a beer. and behaviour and that will be same wherever you go. Older BMs are so simple to work on and go on forever – I would never buy anything later than an If you want to escape your congested roads in the Earles fork machine. There is literally almost nothing UK come over here BUT check your dates carefully to go wrong with these delightful and robust because during holiday times we can have machines. I have reached nearly the ‘ton’ on ‘bouchons’ here that make the M25 traffic seem several occasions at the M.C.C.Silverstone days, fluid! never been stranded by the roadside except for Brian Rosen. France duff batteries on coil ignition singles and even then, if I could get a hefty push, the dynamo would cut in and the engine would fire up – just don’t let the Concern about Average Speed Cameras revs drop until you got home again!

Following up on the article about average speed I am quite certain I shall die (now 81!) before the cameras in the May Journal, I frequently travel the R26 which, in the right hands, may well last another motorways, sometimes doing as much as 150 to half century with minimal maintenance. There must 200 miles per day. be quite a few surviving R32 bikes from 1923 (a year before I was born) which will surely make a There are certain stretches where almost all are century. Who needs all this vastly heavy, expensive traveling at 80 or 90 miles per hour quite safely and complicated machinery in order to enjoy a ride? and other parts where 40 mph is more the norm – Not me! I don’t mind as long as I can keep moving. Vic Doswell. S.W.Section However I am filled with dread at the thought of cameras that will monitor your speed over a In Praise of a Couple of Oldies prolonged period as it is almost impossible to monitor your speed on a continuous basis. I would What a wonderful surprise to see my R67/3 and like to see speeds set more for the conditions at Peter’s R68 on the cover of the March Journal – the time, i.e. prevailing weather conditions or the proof of one’s existence. My youngest son replied sheer weight of traffic at the time. that his copy was going on the dartboard in the passage by the downstairs loo – aren’t they nice! E.O.Chafer. Sheffield Tony Lavers. Berkshire 20 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 A Father and Son Reunion Stephen Boreham travels to Turkey

APHS (MY SON) and I had been toying Mary (my wife) wanted to wave me off, and left with doing a European trip on the the house before me to drive to the end of the Rmotorcycle (1989 K100 RS SE), and I North Shields breakwater to see the ferry leave suggested picking him up in Istanbul on his return Newcastle. So after much packing, unpacking to in September 2004, from a year in the Far East and look for something I thought I’d forgotten and re- drive back to the UK via the Balkans. I’m not packing after I’d found I hadn’t, I locked the front particularly adventurous, was probably drunk, and door, posted the keys through the letterbox, and had assumed that there would be a million reasons set off. why I wouldn’t be able to make it on the day. The DVDS ferry was absolutely enormous (My No such luck. Even Carole Nash insurance, who cabin number – 6410). After tying down the had at first vigorously rejected any idea of getting motorcycle with umpteen straps to secure it against the insurance extended to non-EU countries the hurricane force winds and mountainous seas eventually gave me a certificate with every country that we weren’t expecting, I staggered off with I was interested in, except Bosnia-Herzegovina. I my helmet and pannier and tank bags to locate my had also told everyone our plan, so that after a cabin 10 floors up. And what a lovely surprise – few months most of the local population and my fully en-suite with a bowl of fruit, telly and even a colleagues knew about the trip, and I couldn’t mini bar. possibly back down. The ship set off very promptly, moved upstream to I’d never been on a motorcycle touring holiday clear the jetty, did a swift U-turn and headed out before, and didn’t know what/what not to take, but towards a flat calm North Sea in a lovely late it all had to fit inside a top box & two BMW panniers summer sunny evening. I got through to M on the – for both of us. I bought an intercom, a Swiss mobile, and we chatted and waved to each other army knife (with a corkscrew) and some as the ship passed the mouth of the Tyne. I returned guidebooks – notably the Lonely Planet Guide to to the cabin and had my picnic – smoked salmon Eastern Europe (LPG). Clothes, on the advice of sandwich, tandoori chicken, an apple, a slice of club members, were kept to a minimum. Raphs ginger parkin and the wine. I discovered that my had promised to send as much of his stuff back to ticket gave me access to a club-class style lounge, the UK as freight from Saigon, and I would bring complete with comfy seats and free (non-alcoholic) out motorcycle clothing plus helmet. Surprisingly, drinks, so I had cups of tea whilst gazing drunkenly everything went in, and there was even room for at a book of “DFDS ships through the ages”. a bottle of wine and a picnic supper for the ferry. I slept surprisingly well, despite the wine. I’d been rather dreading breakfast – massive aggressive queuing for greasy egg & bacon with soggy white bread & instant coffee a la motorway service stations. But I was completely wrong. The spacious restaurant was empty, and I tucked into a lovely breakfast of yoghurt, fruit, real coffee, a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg and some quite respectable toast, while watching the North Sea sliding past 100 feet below me. 10/10 for DFDS. As the departure, our arrival at Ijmuiden was prompt, and I was away within a few minutes. No stopping – even to show my passport, and I rode off confidently - straight into the beach car park, followed by a swift U-turn and a lengthy tour of Setting off the town by-pass until I located the motorway.

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 21 Apart from Istanbul, I hadn’t booked any hotels for the trip, and planned to rely on the LPG and pot luck. Besides I didn’t really know how far I could get each day. My plan for the first night, if everything went well, was Nuremberg, and the wonderful bike made it by 4pm, and I drove into the city and stopped at the first hotel. Quite smart, and since the price was 60 Euros and it was the first night, I took it. After a shower and a refreshing cup of tea, I noticed that we were about a mile from the city centre. However it was a lovely late summer evening, and there were worse things to do than to stroll into a very pretty old city looking for somewhere nice to eat. Nuremberg

The hotel receptionist had given me excellent During the lunch stop, I realised that I’d forgotten to directions (in perfect English of course), and the bring a hat (sun + bald head = problem), and I next morning I quickly got back on the A3 heading could do with a small lock to secure the helmets South to Regensburg and eventually Graz. The outside the bike. So I left the motorway and headed scenery changed from lush Bavarian woods & into Graz, and stopped outside a very smart looking fields into spectacular swoops over valleys on Honda dealer near the town centre, and bought really high viaducts as I approached the Alps. both items from an extremely helpful man who spoke Unfortunately the Germans with the usual Teutonic excellent English. Quite unlike our Newcastle efficiency had simply tunnelled their way through dealers who only seem to be interested if you the mountains, so I didn’t get to see any Alpine want to spend thousands, and imagine asking the passes, only a series of rather claustrophobic Geordie assistant in German if they speak the tunnels – the longest of which was about 10km. language.

I got completely lost in Maribor (Slovenia), and my cunning navigation by the sun technique – i.e. Ptuj (my planned stop) was Southwest so I should head into the sun – was not successful (Roads change direction), and I ended up in a residential car park in a suburb. A helpful man pointed me back in the direction I’d just come from, reminding me that the town is pronounced “Ptuy”.

Remembering last night, I carried on into the town centre before looking for a hotel and parked by a fruit stall. I bought a peach, which tasted wonderful, and the vendor gave me another 2 plums for free which was a lovely introduction to the place. I was a bit put off by the price (42 Euros) for a room on the third floor “and there’s no lift”, but after all day on the road, and another 400 miles or so I couldn’t face looking for a cheaper hotel, and slogged my weary way up the two flights of steps to my room. Not as luxurious as last night but still OK.

I had a dreadful time trying to find my way out of Ptuj the next morning, and after nearly half an hour and several attempts at finding the road to Zagreb, (and a near miss on a country lane as I set off back to Ptuj after a U-turn ending up on the left 22 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 side), I decided to follow one of the many signs one way system, and I very quickly got lost trying back to Maribor on the assumption that I would to rejoin her route. I stopped next at a café, and a eventually find the correct turning, and within a jolly young man gave me new directions back the few minutes found myself on the main road to way I’d come. I still couldn’t find the b*** Hotel Nis, Croatia. I had asked several times for the road to so tried the assistant in an antique book shop, Zagreb, and got the response “ Ah Zagreb….” who laughed and pointed across the road. I still Pause for long thought as if I’d asked the way to couldn’t see any hotel sign, and after walking into some obscure village, when in fact it was a major a large unmarked door between two shops, city less than 30 miles away. I passed quickly discovered that the hotel had closed some time through Croatia and then into Serbia, where I had ago. I was then re-directed round the corner to to fork out 40 Euros for “Green Card” insurance - the Hotel Ambassador – an enormous 14 story my Carole Nash certificate was not recognised. building with a huge neon sign on the top – well would you look up in the air if you were looking for a hotel? It had obviously been built in the sixties By late afternoon, and after a hot and pretty and never refurbished, but it had rooms at around featureless belt down the motorway through £20 and the elderly male chain smoking receptionist Serbia and Belgrade, I arrived at my next planned was really friendly. It was 7pm, and after over night stop – Nis (Pronounced Nish). The guide 400 miles, two frontiers and 10 hours in the saddle, only listed one hotel – Hotel Nis. I had expected a I would have accepted anything. The lift was small rather sleepy town, but found a large bustling wonderful – really creaky and groany with half city, but with no sign of any hotels. I had no map, the indicator lights not working and all the button so I parked the bike in the centre, and started labels long since worn out, so I had to count my asking. …and asking. No one spoke any English destination (No 12) from the bottom. or could help. After about 10 attempts, a glamorous young woman with a lovely rich Serbian accent gave me directions to the hotel. The only trouble The city was absolutely heaving with people all was that they included going the wrong way up a milling about, and I wandered round rather

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 23 At the border, a buxom but fearsome policewoman wanted my passport and registration document. She wasn’t interested in the insurance, which was a nice surprise as I’d been expecting to shell out another 40 Euros for green card insurance. Once into Bulgaria, I was a bit disappointed when the bank looked at my Serbian dinars as if they were soiled loo paper, and told me that I had to go back into Serbia to change them. The thought of struggling back through both sets of frontiers twice in the by now serious heat (Do I take the tank bag & jacket?), put me off, and I set off into Bulgaria and headed towards my next destination – Plovdiv.

Hotel at Ptuj At the outskirts of Sophia I saw my first signpost hopelessly for an hour or so looking for somewhere to Istanbul, which firmly directed me round the city, to eat without success, and eventually bought which from the map looked like a detour of around some very tired looking apples & oranges to eat 20 miles, so I ignored it and headed straight into back in the hotel. Typically, I then discovered a the city centre, stopping at a gleaming filling station Chinese restaurant right next door to the hotel for petrol, a very nasty sandwich, some sinful which I hadn’t noticed, and had good meal with crisps and a litre of water. I’d been suffering from two beers and Chinese tea for £5. near constant headaches, and decided that dehydration was the reason, and made a policy of stopping every hour or so to drink ½ litre of water, I expected a breakfast to match the state of the which seemed to make things better. The loo doors hotel – and was not disappointed. The coffee had “H” and “D” on them, and were identical inside, was undrinkable, the butter was off and the jam so I took a chance and chose “H”. The silly phrase was uniform pinky brown in colour and taste with book didn’t have the Bulgarian for Gents. the texture of toffee. There were enormous piles of cold meats, which everyone else was devouring as if they hadn’t been fed for weeks – but I wasn’t I managed to get lost, but by heading more or less tempted, so after a cup of tea and a stale roll, I set in the right direction, eventually reached the orbital off for Bulgaria. motorway, and the route towards Turkey. Although I started off at a leisurely 65 mph, with the good road surface and lack of traffic, I soon upped it to I’d made use of the free hotel car park – a derelict 80 – 90 mph along gentle rolling countryside, keeping building site round the corner – manned by a lovely a wary lookout for speed traps. Bulgaria seemed old gent who gave me lengthy and detailed to have loads of police waiting on the roadside for directions for Bulgaria of which I understood not speeding drivers. Fortunately, I’d been behind a one word, but by his gesticulations, I assumed a car that had suddenly braked for no reason, until I right turn and keep straight on. We shook hands, noticed the policeman pointing his thingy at us. It and he patted me on the back to wish me luck, and probably explains why, on the whole, Bulgarians I left feeling very cheerful. These little friendly kept within the speed limits. gestures make such a difference.

I arrived at Plovdiv at 3pm, and even though the The border was only 40 miles away, but it took me LPG had a map of the city, it only included the city nearly 2 hours to reach it, winding up a beautiful centre, and was of no use to a motorist trying to valley in brilliant sunshine with a number of hair- find his way. My plan was to locate a prominent raising unlit tunnels containing fearsome potholes landmark, then navigate my way to one of the listed and stretches of unmade-up road. My dipped hotels. I parked the bike that I hoped was headlight was useless, owing to the carefully fitted somewhere near the centre and looked around beam deflector bending the light nearly 90 degrees for someone to ask. There was a café nearby to the right. After the first tunnel, I put the beam on with a couple sitting outside. After a brief full, took my sunglasses off, and slowed right down introduction the dear man led me in his car to the to walking pace. Hotel Leipzig 91 – about a mile away, and I checked in to another 60’s unrenovated tower block,

24 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 No one knew the way to Istanbul, but I resorted to heading North until reaching the motorway. This worked, apart from a brief sortie along an apparent main road which turned into someone’s back yard, and within 2 hours or so arrived at the Turkish border.

In my haste to join the long and ever lengthening queue, I forgot to change my remaining Lev, but made friends with the Bulgarian van driver who joined me at the queue, and took my picture. He spoke no English, and I spoke no Bulgarian, but we used the phrase book to practice – “How many children have you?” “I am engineer”, etc. Some Plovdiv centre b**** fat Greeks in a large BMW car drove straight to the front, muscling their way past the rest of us. complete with creaking lift, but this time with a My Anglo-Saxon respect for rules made me bristle v.glamorous young receptionist, which made me with rage, but said nothing, and I patiently pushed feel quite frisky. All for a massive £13 b&b. the bike forward one position every 5 minutes or so (NB see later comments about queue barging). By this time, I had really taken a shine to Bulgaria, Surprisingly (I thought), the police weren’t the scenery was lovely, the people charming, the interested in the insurance – only the registration girls ravishing, the prices cheap, and I didn’t feel document & my passport. However, this was only as if I was always being ripped off, which had the first checkpoint. At the second, the jolly been the case in Serbia. As usual, the city centre policemen told me to leave my bike and go to a was throbbing with people, and I did the tourist kiosk nearby to fork out 15 Euros for an entry visa thing of sitting outside in a café drinking tea, gazing and get my passport stamped (The Bulgarian van at the passers-by and half-reading about the city driver just sailed through). The v grumpy cashier in the LPG, before heading for the old city to look at was not interested in any currency apart from the medieval streets and Roman ruins, including a Sterling, Euros or dollars. Then another checkpoint spectacular functioning amphitheatre. Dinner was wanted 8 Euros for vehicle tax. Then another a delicious tomato and fish salad with several checkpoint where my passport and registration glasses of good Bulgarian Muscat, and with a bill document were examined for the third time. No for under £5, even better. one seemed in the least interested with my carefully prepared and thrice copied insurance certificate By this time it was pitch dark, but I had my compass, or driving license. Then, at last a final check point and I knew that I had only to head west to reach where my previously photographed number plate the Boulevarde Ruski and the hotel. After 10 was carefully checked to see that it hadn’t minutes or so walking in the darkness (very little changed between the first and fourth checkpoints. street lights), I thought I’d better make sure, and asked at a café for directions to the hotel. There Driving into Turkey on a completely deserted were several old men playing chess, and one of motorway, I realised that the queues trying to get them greeted me like a long lost friend, and pointed out of Turkey were much longer than those trying back in the direction I’d just come from. He had a to get in. Several miles long, at one car position nice face, and I decided to trust him rather than the every few minutes means a very long wait. What compass. He was right. was I going to do about the return trip?

Breakfast was OK, with pink mass-produced During our wait, the van driver had asked me if my sausage, fruit juice, boiled egg, bread and jam, tank was full, and I only thought he was making and at least the butter wasn’t off. I made the conversation, or that the price of petrol in Turkey mistake of ordering coffee which came Turkish was more expensive. Fortunately it was nearly ¾ style, i.e. about three tablespoons and very strong. full, because I soon realised that there were no So I asked for some tea which created a big drama service stations on the motorway at all. There about how I would have to pay extra, as it wasn’t had been, but the slow throughput by the frontier on my menu selection, all of 20p. had effectively killed off all the trade, and it was

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 25 175 miles to Istanbul. Every 20 miles or so I passed not in the guide book, and resorted to my only a forlorn services station, with the petrol sign method – asking the way. I stopped at a filling scrubbed out, although I could get some drinking station to get my first directions. After about 10 water. The situation wasn’t desperate, but I slowed minutes of chatting in our different languages, down to 60 mph, and pottered along behind a lorry neither understanding a word of the other, and hoping to ease the very strong head wind. With bringing in the manager and his brother, and all the 50 miles still to go and not much more than a gallon attendants, the best I could get was a hand pointing in the tank, I turned off the motorway and headed in the direction I was going. I asked a taxi driver at for the nearest town where there was bound to a set of traffic lights, who indicated a right turn, be some petrol. The nice man at the toll barrier and kindly held back to allow me to turn in front of pointed down the road & said “1 kilometre” – which him, straight into a narrow, cobbled street ending it was. I was totally baffled by the currency, which in a fruit and veg market. I then had an exciting at around 2.5 million Lira to the £ is such a small and hot 10 minutes or so navigating through a unit that you have to count in millions. I got used to series of very narrow streets, trying to find the it after a day or so, but after the stresses of the way, any way out. Eventually I found another border business and thinking about nothing but petrol station to get some more directions. To my petrol for the last hour or so, was v confused. In delight, the rather dodgy looking owner could speak the end, I just gave the bundle of notes to the good English. He invited me in for a cup of tea, and kindly looking old gent who filled my tank who said that he could take me to Taksim Square, which removed what I hoped were the right number. was close to my hotel. I assumed that he meant lead me in his car, a la Plovdiv, but he actually As I approached Istanbul, the traffic got a lot busier, meant sitting on the back of the bike. He looked at and as I only had the LPG map of the centre of my LPG map and indicated where we were, and Istanbul, I realised that finding the hotel was going as it was only a mile or so from the hotel, I thought to be A Major Project. I turned off the motorway that a short ride would be OK. After about 5 miles when I guessed that I’d gone far enough – all signs along a major motorway, with a complete stranger were either to Ankara or to unrecognisable places on the back, I started to feel rather uneasy. Was I

26 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 pee in the shower and had a pocket full of earplugs. It was absolute bliss to get my waterproof trousers off – God knows what they must have smelt like – and step into an extremely refreshing shower, before staggering out for an expensive (£15) but delicious meal in a nearby restaurant, followed by baklava & tea in a café and then bed, with ear plugs firmly in place.

I had a day and a half before Raphs was due in, and could therefore do a bit of sightseeing, which I started the next morning with a tram ride down Istikal Chad, and a walk across the Galata bridge. I wandered past umpteen river ferries, and must being led into a trap, and about to be kidnapped? have looked vaguely interested because a tout However all was fine. A sign for Taksim Square immediately rushed up and said 20 million – which appeared, and I dropped off my pillion (No helmet I ignored, but then accepted his offer of OK 15 or protective clothing) feeling v relieved. million, and then thought damn why didn’t I offer 10, and hoped that all the other tourists in the boat had paid 20. The boat left after 15 minutes or so, With less than 1 mile to go, I then started phase 3 and we made our way upstream on the European of this epic ride from the Turkish frontier into side of the Bosporus. I started chatting to a couple Istanbul. I had arrived in the middle of the rush of Dutch women, but was rather put off when a hour into the centre of the city, and all roads around young American vet with a loud voice joined us the square are one-way, so very quickly I found and the conversation turned to the health of their myself inching past the hotel on the other side of pet dog (not present), including detailed questions the road with 1000’s of other cars. Although there concerning vaginal discharges and the nature and were lots of fierce no U-turn signs, I summoned up frequency of its bladder movements– just as I was courage and did one over the central reservation finishing a very juicy and succulent peach. We to head back towards the hotel – this time in the stopped at a village by the (first) suspension bridge right direction. I was absolutely terrified of missing long enough to have a cup of tea and a short walk the correct turning, so stopped and asked every before returning on the other (Asian) side of this 100 yards or so. Even so, I managed to overshoot, amazing historic river. and had to wheel the bike backwards 100 yards or so. A wonderful carpet shop man knew the hotel, and guided me the last few yards, after giving I had been debating whether or not to pick Raphs me his card and inviting me in to drink apple tea. up on the bike, or to chicken out & travel out to the Phew! airport on public transport. The lack of road signs, aggressiveness of local drivers, and horrendous one-way systems had made me a bit hesitant of It had taken me nearly 3 hours to do the last 20 braving it on two wheels, but in the end I decided miles or so. My conclusions were that although everyone had been very friendly and tried to be helpful (except perhaps the taxi driver), no one knew the way to anywhere or could read a map.

I got a nice welcome at the hotel, and the young man at the reception helped me put the bike into the furniture shop round the corner for safe parking. I had arrived a day early, but there was no problem in getting a room, which was lucky because I was totally knackered. My reserved twin room wasn’t available, and I was offered a room immediately opposite a nightclub and, with no glass in the window the noise was considerable, and there was no en suite loo, but who cared – I could Crossing the Turkish-Bulgarian border

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 27 that it was rather wimpish not to. So after a of me doing ludicrous charades style impressions, morning’s wander round Taksim, I got the bike out I gave up and headed off into the searing heat of the shop, and set off cautiously for the Airport. towards the Airport. I’d met the resident BMW club member Ian Johnson the night before, who had given me directions, as I arrived with about ½ hour to spare, parked in a well as encouragement, and taught me the Turkish brand new multi-storey car park and followed the for Airport (Havalimani), and I confidently made my clearly marked sign “International Arrivals”. The way across the Golden Horn on the Attaturk bridge, large indicator board said nothing about a 2pm flight only to find myself immediately returning on the from Dubai, and was just beginning to panic when Galata bridge, and with mounting panic down a Raphs appeared, sauntering out of the arrivals series of one-ways in completely the wrong tunnel. In my excitement I managed to lose the car direction eventually ending up in a multi-storey car park ticket (I found later that I’d carefully put it in my park and just avoided dropping the bike on an oil wallet), and by-passed the lengthy queue at the spill. However I eventually found the way back exit, squeezing between the (manned) kiosk and a across the bridge and the road to the Airport, concrete post. Nobody seemed to mind, and Raphs following Ian’s directions. Soon after, the was very impressed. The heat on the way back Havalimani signs started to appear. I then started wasn’t quite so intense, as we were heading into a new worry – What was the Turkish for “Arrivals” the wind. We managed to get back to Taksim – what if there were two separate buildings? I square without getting lost, but I hadn’t realised stopped at a v smart looking petrol station, to top that there were no left turns into the hotel, and had up and see if I could get a translation, only to find to do a repeat of Thursday’s U-turn over the central that no-one, not even the manager, his assistant, reservation, only this time, with two of us on the the cashier or any of the 10 pump attendants could bike – I stalled and almost dropped it in the middle speak one word of English, and after a few minutes of the carriageway as we were doing the turn. Very embarrassing.

Raphs had brought a rucksack, which was too big for the bike, and we decided to send it back to the UK. DHL wanted $180, and the hotel suggested that the post office could do it for a lot less, but wouldn’t be opening until Monday. This meant another day’s sight-seeing, although R wasn’t too keen, and I was tiring of the constant hassle from touts and the fact that everything had to be haggled over unless you were prepared to pay the initial very high price. Neither of us were avid sight- seeing fans. But $180 for one medium sized rucksack was an awful lot to pay, so we went out and crossed the river and did Asia, visited the Blue Mosque, the sunken cistern, the Grand The Bosphorus from the Topkapi Hotel 28 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 Bazaar, and other sights, as well as getting ripped We made Plovdiv by early tea time, booked in (again) off in a restaurant (Well – it felt like it even though at the Hotel Leipzig and spent the evening the bill was only £30 for the two of us). We went wandering round the old city and having dinner in up and down Istikal in an ancient electric tram and one of the many restaurants. Like me, Raphs on foot several times, together with thousands of quickly appreciated Bulgaria, with its countryside, others. friendly people, cheap prices and beautiful women (Dad I’m definitely coming back here). Monday’s objective was to dispatch the rucksack, together with some of my stuff just to make it fair, We decided to detour and spend a day in the and after breakfast we set out to find the nearest mountains South of Sofia, choosing the ski resort post office – in Taksim square. Things did not start of Bansko from the LPG. Although the journey well, when we got the Turkish equivalent of “You was only 120 miles or so, it was all on minor pot- want what? You have to be joking”, and were holey roads, including a very scenic ride up a directed to another Post Office, and found narrow valley alongside a narrow gauge railway, ourselves at a counter behind which a little man apparently quite famous with train buffs. We only was laboriously counting a pile of 20million Lira saw a boring old diesel, though. We arrived quite notes, and very definitely ignoring us. After about tired at 3pm-ish to a town more or less full of empty 5 minutes Raphs began to get agitated “Dad, I have hotels charging pretty low prices. Even Hotel Pirin, absolutely no confidence in this man”, when the the top hotel only wanted £35 for a twin room, assistant slowly rose to his feet, produced a with pool, sauna & gym thrown in. We pottered yellow plastic box that just fitted the rucksack, round the town eventually choosing a small chalet together with a sheaf of forms (in French), which style hotel which looked very new and only wanted we filled in with some help from other customers, £12 for the twin room B&B. Our spacious room as the man could speak no English, and his Turkish was at the top of the hotel with its own veranda sounded quite strange – a sort of nasal grunting. looking out over the town towards the mountains. At the end of this process, which took nearly ½ an hour, including a tea break and an agonising procedure of trying to unravel a very old and partly disintegrated roll of Sellotape, the dear little man rose to his feet and, for the first time, gave us full eye contact, smiled and gave us a military style salute, and we all shook hands. It was a lovely moment, and I suddenly felt quite confident that the parcel would get home (It did). The cost was 80 million (£30) – a lot less than the DHL fee.

The ride back into Bulgaria was a doddle, and all went very smoothly. I guess that the vast queues I’d seen on entry were from migrant workers returning back from holiday to Germany, which had ended on September 1st. There were the same 4 or 5 checkpoints to get out of Turkey, with our passports and registration papers checked at each. Entry into Bulgaria included a disinfection process, which didn’t seem to be working, and a tax which didn’t apply to motorcycles. Stupidly I had relayed to Raphs some advice that Ian had given me which was to go straight to the front of any queue. The result was that I got “Go on Dad go to the front” coming over the intercom every time we approached a line of more than 2 or 3 cars. Strangely, it only once induced a mild complaint, although my natural sense of following the rules and fair play made me feel very uneasy.

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 29 The sole of Raphs boots had become unstuck, so one over-worked waitress, with rather half- we had an entertaining remainder of the afternoon hearted assistance from an evil-looking chap in a wandering round looking for glue shops, practising leather jacket and cigarette in his mouth. our non-existent Bulgarian from the phrase book, Fortunately we got the waitress who was triumphantly returning with a large tube that looked charming, and we had an OK meal with two beers like Bostik, although the minute and extensive each for £4. instructions were printed in Bulgarian, Serbian and Romanian so we were none the wiser until we The map indicated that we could ride up to a opened it & started spreading. It smelt just like the mountain hut and walk the remaining 1000m to the real stuff, and the boots lasted the holiday. summit of one of the many peaks which, at 2700m was higher than anything I’d walked before. Both of us agreed that we should spend an extra Unfortunately the extensive amount of building work day climbing/walking in the surrounding hills, confused us – new ski resorts – and we parked providing we could find a map. The lovely woman the bike 3 miles too early. However some kindly in the tourist information centre said that a days Bulgarians stopped and offered us a lift (“Yes climb was no problem, although looking at Raphs please” very quickly from Raphs), and we drove boots “This good”, then at my sandals “This bad”. up to the head of the valley, stopping off to look at We returned to the hotel, armed with quite a good a famous tree; “It is very old”, while I discretely walking map, a bottle of horrendously expensive had a much-needed pee behind a bush. From the wine (£2.50 – most were 50p) and some sinful mountain hut, we set off up the well-marked trail crisps, and had a very civilised aperitif studying to a lake in the bowl of the mountain, before zig- the map and looking out over the mountains in a zagging up onto the mountain ridge with a short wonderful sunset over the attractive orange tiled and easy scramble to the summit. I’ve no idea roofs. Back into town, and Raphs chose the only when you start to get altitude sickness, but we restaurant that had any people in, a very odd village both felt slightly dizzy and light-headed at the top. hall type building filled with tables and served by On return to the mountain hut, we found a bus,

30 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 reception where they could keep an eye on it.

We asked for a good restaurant at a nearby café, and were given vague directions to somewhere called “Konak”, so we headed off as indicated, and asked again…and again, following the by now familiar zigzag treasure trail towards our hoped for destination. We found the place after 20 minutes, and elbowed our way past some fierce- looking Serbian businessmen puffing away at the entrance, and were directed to a table by a large man who was obviously the owner. He could speak no English, and the menu was entirely in Cyrillic, but he quickly introduced us to his teenage The Hotel’s Motorcycle Parking son who was learning English, and acted as our interpreter for the evening. We let them choose which took us back to the bike, saving the long for us, and had a delicious shredded cabbage & trudge. Raphs had been pestering me to ride the tomato salad, followed by roasted vegetables and bike, and I relented – letting him ride the 15km or so stuffed peppers, and finishing with an enormous back to the hotel. There were some quite plate of meat – steak, kebabs, kidneys, and the lot. hazardous hairpins on unmade roads, so I got off and walked, leaving him to gingerly ease the bike round the corners. The next destination was Sarajevo, about 200 miles away, all on minor roads. I’d been expecting twisty mountain roads, but the first 50 miles were very The hotel firmly announced that breakfast was flat, as we made our way up a river valley. The from 08.30, and we decided to leave early and scenery became steadily more mountainous, and stop en-route for breakfast. It was bitterly cold, the road correspondingly wiggly with gorges, and the road seemed cunningly to bend away from the sun as it rose, keeping us always in the shade. We stopped after an hour or so, bitterly cold, at a roadside café with a sweet looking waitress who firmly nodded her head when we asked her about breakfast – which I think means no. Anyway we had an OK meal of an omelette, bread and tea/ coffee, keeping all our gear on and slowly warmed up.

Once in Serbia, I’d half planned on stopping at Nis again, but as it was still early, we stayed on the motorway before turning West and heading towards Bosnia. Raphs had another session on the bike as we rode through some very pretty country roads, reaching Krusevac at tea-time. There was nothing in the LPG for the town, so we asked various people for hotels, before locating another communist 60’s style tower block in the town centre – Hotel Rubin which gave us a large twin room for about £20. We were probably the only tourists, and definitely the only foreigners, and the staff were very welcoming. This was very different from the service I’d had on the Zagreb/Belgrade corridor which seemed to be full of rip-off merchants and grumpy people. We parked the bike right outside the very grand, if rather dilapidated front entrance – in full view of the

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 31 tunnels and spectacular views. You needed to knicker-wetting from me, a few “two six heaves” keep awake, though, as although the road was and removing the panniers which, after 3,000 miles quite well surfaced, there was the odd pot-hole, were filthy. and worse, the odd part repaired pothole. I failed to spot one in time, and hit it at 40 mph or so, Raphs was exhausted, and went straight to bed generating loud complaints over the intercom. after a shower, while I went out to explore. The city was packed with young people walking up Very relaxed Bosnia border – a single checkpoint and down the pedestrianised streets, which were from Serbia followed by a mile or so later by another full of brightly lit shops, but not many restaurants. one into Bosnia manned by a single policeman who It was dark, and I should have brought a torch to politely suggested we needed to buy a green card read the guide, as there were plenty of restaurants – costing 20 Euros. The remaining 50 miles to listed. After an hour or so I gave up and returned Sarajevo was absolutely wonderful – empty but to eat in the hotel. well surfaced roads going through wonderful scenery in brilliant sunshine – this time with me After breakfast, we got the bike out without any riding pillion and Raphs driving. Once in Sarajevo, problem, using the engine to climb the steps out of we swapped over, and I negotiated traffic lights, the courtyard & through the entrance door. As he’d one-way systems and cobbled streets in the hunt seen nothing of the city, Raphs decided to explore for a hotel. The LPG warned about high prices, so the city before continuing our journey. Being the we gritted our teeth and accepted an offer of 85 dutiful Dad, I naturally agreed, and we walked Euros for a twin room in a smart new small hotel down the steep hill from the hotel into a deserted 10 minutes walk or so from the city centre. With city – very unlike last night’s experience. The view dire warnings of hordes of motorcycle thieves was exactly as I remembered in those fearful looking specifically for a 12 year old K100RS, I television scenes of a battered centre surrounded was persuaded to park the bike inside the hotel on all sides by wooded slopes which had courtyard, which meant negotiating down several contained gunmen shooting the besieged quite steep steps, which we managed with some

32 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 residents. Many houses still had bullet holes, and road entered more spectacular scenery with steep there were memorials and grave stones valleys, tunnels, lakes, mountains and the like. everywhere, although the city had a very vibrant Raphs had calmed down by now and was atmosphere - a real tribute to human nature. After snapping away with his camera as we rode, and we’d walked along the main street and had a coffee even managed to change a film. As we approached in the Turkish centre, my left leg started to ache, the outskirts of the city, evidence of the war was and it became increasingly difficult to walk. I much more apparent. There were many buildings, remembered feeling a slight twinge when we which had been totally bombed out, and graveyard negotiated the bike up the steps, and guessed that after graveyard. Although we had planned on I’d pulled a muscle. So we walked slowly back to seeing the famous bridge, now just rebuilt, and the bike, and set off for our next destination - even spending the night, we both felt slightly Mostar. No detailed map, so we used the compass ashamed at sightseeing in a place where there technique and headed vaguely West. This worked had been so much suffering. Also, because driving OK until we came to a t-junction, and Raphs said at slow speeds round a city in full gear in the turn left, but the next door taxi driver said turn blazing sun is not much fun, we decided to push right, and we decided to ignore the compass and on and try to reach Split, in Croatia, and have a follow his advice. In the excitement I forgot to day’s rest. keep right, and turned into the path of a very surprised bus. Fortunately the bus wasn’t moving We followed the river from Mostar all the way fast and there wasn’t much traffic (It was Sunday down to the Adriatic, changing from fast flowing mid-morning), but my pillion (“For Christ sake Dad”) with steep sides and clear water to sluggish and was extremely alarmed. We got the bike smartly wide with the odd boat and finally spread out into up onto the pavement - out of the path of the bus, an extended estuary into the beautiful Adriatic. The turned it round and headed up for the nearest Croatian border crossing at Metkovic was a available place to do a U-turn. The taxi driver was refreshing formality - requiring a peremptory glance bang-on, and very soon after that we started at our passports on leaving Bosnia, and only a getting signs to Mostar. Once out of the city the

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 33 34 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 keep the heat down low otherwise the bread sticks to the hob and then burns - as I discovered when I tried it.

We decided to spend 2 days in the flat in the hope that my leg would improve, as well as take advantage of the wonderful location. We explored the village on the bike, which was quite exciting as the narrow wiggly roads were extremely steep in places where it would have been difficult to stop and remain upright. After several trips, though, self-confidence improved, and riding down to the beach, up to the church and down again to the supermarket was good fun - even on a 250kg A snack on the Asian side of the Bosphorus K100RS with 2 up. We tried to find some fresh fish and vegetables for our supper, without brief nod as we approached the very bored guard success, so we made do with the little to get into Croatia. The Split/Dubrovnik road, which supermarket’s limited selection. I spent much of we joined half way up, was great fun as it wound the remainder of the time in the flat, while Raphs its way along the coast, and although there was a did long distance swims across the bay, sunbathed significant amount of traffic, it didn’t become a and explored the surroundings. On the second strain. Time was getting on, and we started looking night, Raphs suddenly produced some Vallium, for somewhere to stay 40 or so miles South of which, with the wine we’d had with our dinner, Split, pulling off the main road onto a much smaller meant that I did get some sleep. and more twisty road which wound its way down to a village called Zirogosce. Loads of signs for After paying the bill to our hosts - who had been rooms to let, and Raphs chose a gorgeous rather distant, we set off North to Split along the apartment overlooking the sea, complete with steps coast road, with the plan of getting as far as we down to a beach. I was a bit dismayed by the could get towards Italy. On the bike, my leg was double bed, but as a casual mention of this resulted fine, but as soon as I got off, it became very painful. in getting my head bitten off, I didn’t push it. We Stopping off at the motorway services, I was trying also didn’t haggle as, at 35 Euros a night for an to have a pee in the gents and emitting loads of apartment big enough for a family, it was half the s*** and f*** as standing up was painful, when I price of Sarajevo, and we were tired. We did our heard a noise behind me & there was a young usual rapid conversion of clean and empty hotel woman who was cleaning the loo. Fortunately, I room into a motorcyclist’s tip before heading straight don’t think she could speak any English, so I smiled down to the sea for a swim. I couldn’t use my legs, sweetly and hobbled away. We got as far as but was able to splash about with my arms a bit, Opatija, and found a rather dingy B&B for the night, and R did a macho swim 100m or so out to sea and close to the harbour. Raphs wanted to check his back. Showered and then rode the bike in our emails, and went off to find an Internet cafe, shorts & tea shirt into the village to buy our supper leaving me ensconced in a restaurant drinking the at the local supermarket; a tin of rather dodgy stew, local beer in large quantities. with another of processed peas, a jar of delicious roasted peppers, some bread, beer and wine. Raphs had found a local map, and it was very useful in getting us out of the town, briefly into My thigh got steadily worse through the night, and Slovenia and then into Italy. It was raining by mid- I could not get comfortable - lying down, sitting or morning, which meant that we put on the standing (I found out when we got home that I’d overshoes that I’d carefully packed but not yet done something to the sciatic nerve - nothing to do used - whereupon the rain immediately stopped with the leg muscle). Morning came after an age, and the sun came out. The ride across the top of spent mainly listening to my son sleeping the sleep Italy was not fun, along a very busy two lane of the dead. Rather than hobble to the nearby motorway rather similar to our A1. We turned off cafe 1/4 mile away, Raphs took the bike back to towards the Alps just North of Turin at around tea- the supermarket to buy our breakfast, and prepared time, and started looking for somewhere to spend an excellent meal, using the electric hob as a toaster the night. The first town we came to had no hotel, - a trick he learnt at university. The secret being to BMW Club Journal • July 2005 35 Coming home - lunch in Bulgaria but the helpful newsagent gave us directions to the Lago Viverone where there were several. As it was out of season the place was deserted, although the first hotel we found was full - I think a coach load of retirees had just arrived. The The AGM 2005 Reprised other hotel gave us a lovely welcome, and we accepted their offer of 60 euros for a twin room. Almost immediately, I sank into a lovely deep hip for various reasons - our new editor’s bath, which soothed The Leg, and agreed with inability to master Photoshop being one .. Raphs that we would eat in, as I couldn’t face we couldn’t print these together with the staggering round the village. Although the hotel AGM minutes in last month’s Journal . So had a very run-down feel to it and was quite big here for your discernment and enjoyment (around 50 rooms), it was a family run business, are a selection of scenes that capture the giving it a very jolly and relaxed atmosphere - I’d spirit of the day. been disturbed in the bath by a cheerful plumber with replacement for some missing fittings, who And no I’m not going to print the photo of turned out to be the hotel owner. Leaving Raphs Dave Bertram handing over the Editorship soaking in the bath, I went down to the restaurant to yours truly : any photo with me in it for a glass (or two) of delicious red wine and tends to frighten the horses and induce surveyed our hosts and surroundings, before nightmares in those of a nervous Raphs joined me, and we changed the order to a disposition. Chris ( new Ed ) bottle of the wine with pizzas cooked by the son.

Raphs gave the breakfast a three star rating as you could have as many hot pains-au-chocolat as you wanted, and you could have seconds of freshly made expresso coffee. The family made us feel very welcome, and suddenly said that I need only pay 40 euros. Viva Italia! We then had a chilly but breathtaking ride into the Alps and up to and then through the Mont Blanc tunnel, which was rather an anti-climax, but at least we could warm up a bit. Into France and up to Normandy for the night, and then down the Seine valley to Le Havre and a ferry across to Portsmouth. I’d been away for three weeks, travelled just under 5000 miles, and had a really wonderful holiday. The bike performed faultlessly.

Safety in numbers

36 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 Our former Editor and our President realise they’ve plugged the Secretary in rather than his PC ....

Our President and Treasurer, discussing who’s Mr Bensley, fundraising for That @!?* Ticket going to buy the first round

The Top Table - In Full Flow Mr Preston leading the community sing-song

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 37 Adrian Williams receiving the Eric Rosenthal Pam Kay receiving the Mary Dudgeon Trophy Memorial Trophy

Mike Warrilow receiving the Fred Secker Former Editor Dave Bertram is released “on Trophy - Presidents past and present ! parole for good behaviour” and is presented with his demob suit. 38 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 CYNTHIA MILTON claims her breathing is improving but she has been told not to ride for at least four weeks S MANY OF YOU KNOW, our Vice-President which is unlikely to be possible anyway. A(Aunty) Cynthia had a spill on Friday 8th April, It seems that the Doctors wife is insisting that while riding dirt roads in Argentina with a group she stays for a while and I got the feeling that of Dutch riders. The results of the spill are four Cynthia is enjoying making friends with the real broken ribs, a broken collar bone, a punctured people of Chile and is so far highly impressed lung and a bike that is possibly written off. She’s with the friendliness and hospitality of the people currently staying as a guest of the Doctor that she’s met so far - these memories are what a treated her (many thanks to him for looking after trip is all about and will remain with her for life our friend) and it’s likely to be a few weeks as, I’m sure, will all the new friends she’s making. before any decisions can be taken as to whether or not the trip continues. Apparently the GPS shows that Cynth was travelling at 50 mph when she hit the rock - if Phil Hawksley is in regular contact with Cynthia she went into the soft stuff first I dread to think and has organised a rescue and repair of the speed before impact.” programme thanks to generous donations from club members and bend-over-backwards efforts More information can be found at : from Pidcocks. http://www.crypticide.com/dropsafe/articles/ He reports that “she sounds in very good spirits bikes/post20050412223303.html – one or two bottles of Chilean Red may have been of help here. I think she’s kind of staggered and and embarrassed by the interest and generosity that everyone is showing here and, I don’t think, http://www.cynthia.boxerman.co.uk/ realised how many of of us have been sharing pledges.htm her Journey with her. She sounded well and

expensive) action was required and attempting to Spike Speaks : solve it would lead me into a strange new world. “BIKE AND THE MECHANICS” An advert in a magazine offered a secondhand pair of discs, callipers and all the other necessary bits and pieces. A phone call and visit secured the parts. A lengthy conversation with the seller about HE LAST TIME I SPOKE mention was made performance and handling followed. After seven of my first “beemer”, an R60/6. Getting to years I was outgrowing my baby beemer, although Tknow it revealed a couple of vices, serious we had shared 50,000 mainly trouble free miles detonation under load, common on this model due together travelling around Western Europe I needed to its 9.2:1 compression ratio, and the front drum more power, and better handling & braking. I had brake which while reasonable in dry conditions acquired a catalogue from Ultimate Source listing could be lethal in the wet. Curing both these “specialist components for BMW’s”. I have at least weaknesses introduced me to the worlds of two weaknesses, a fascination with illustrated “performance parts” and independent mechanics. catalogues, and limited knowledge of all things mechanical, mix these two together with a man After reading an article in a 1978 issue of the who says he can build a bike to my own journal which detailed how fitting an American made specification and you have an unpredictable Andrews coil would provide a fatter spark thus cocktail. improving starting and banishing the “pinking” problem. I bought and fitted one and hey presto! It After what seemed like years (maybe it was) the worked, and a small improvement in performance man announced my “dream bike “ ready for as a bonus. Solving the braking problem was more collection. In the intervening period I had written complicated. Having tried shimming the shoes off the 60/6 so I was eager to get back in the leading edges (another journal tip) without any saddle. The first visual impressions of my dream discernible improvement more drastic (and bike were very favourable, a naked post 81 R100 in gleaming classic black with white pinstripes, a BMW Club Journal • July 2005 39 90S tank, twin plugged heads (a fairly new Despite continuing problems and various rebuilds innovation in 1982). Mikuni carbs and braced the R100 did over the years prove to be a useful if swinging arm - all ideas gleaned from the catalogue expensive testbed for my experiments and - plus double discs up front. Everything appeared increasing knowledge, and for understanding the to run fine until 50 miles into the journey home an mindset of mechanics and spotting rogue traders, almighty bang brought everything to a halt, even a like the character who tried to sell me smaller carbs mechanically challenged idiot like me knew big end because the 40mm Bings were suffering fuel failure when he heard it. starvation at wide throttle openings when the problem was simply incorrect float heights. And Having dragged the man out of bed to collect me despite greater overall knowledge, electrics remain and the bike and insisted he pay for a hotel room my Achilles Heel, so when after being involved in for the night, I returned home and waited. Weeks a major accident in 1997 and having repaired / later the man personally delivered the bike to prove replaced the damaged parts I decided to renew it was fixed ok. With my faith in “back garden the wiring as the electrics had never functioned mechanics” seriously tested the bike was let loose properly. on my local unsuspecting franchise dealer, what they found would fill the pages of this journal, worn Armed with a brand new wiring harness it was parts, wrong parts, and incorrectly installed parts. simply a matter of finding a “man” to do the rest, When presented with the evidence the man blamed “its straightforward just follow the wiring diagram”, his marriage breakdown, needless to say he was but I don’t understand it, “sorry cant help you”, but not paid the you advertise agreed amount. yourself as It’s interesting undertaking all how when repairs on dealing with BMW’s, “ do it “experts” working yourself it will out of a shed or only take a garage their couple of personal hours”, but I problems have want to pay been a factor in you £60 to do getting (or not) the job for me, work done. A few “sorry mate”. years ago when One of the needing a paint things I love job done on a tank, mudguards & side panels, the about Americans is their no nonsense attitude to “first man” got as far as the primer before his wife business, “no problem sir”, but I was not about to booted him out leaving me to retrieve the parts, the ship my bike Stateside to get it wired. “second man” seemed to experience a nervous breakdown before eventually delivering the parts Eventually I found a man who did the work but as professionally done but months late. he was overloaded with jobs it took a couple of months. Now after many years of searching I have My 15 years of owning the R100 was a very steep found a man who will carry out any repair I cannot learning curve regarding the “art of motorcycle manage myself, he knows his stuff, charges maintenance “ and what I wanted from a bike. As reasonably and never turns work down. the specialist parts catalogues grew so did my understanding of what those parts were supposed When I come to purchase a new beemer in the to achieve, Mikuni flatslides increase throttle near future I guess doing my own maintenance response but gulp fuel, twin plugging and gas will be out of the question due to the complexities flowing improve engine efficiency, lightweight of the latest technology, but I can take comfort that gudgeon pins with a balanced crank, rods and the Motorad dealers with their high tech workshops flywheel can transform a shuddering and vibrating and fully trained staff will be able to deal with any 1000cc motor into something as smooth as a baby’s problems. Won’t they? bum - well nearly. I learnt about valve and cam timing & the affect that changing them has on performance, plus lots more.

40 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 Diary of Events - July 05 1 N.East Fish’n’Chip Run. Leave S.East Club Night at ‘Riano’s’, Bowburn Services Maidstone. 8pm. Durham.7.00 p.m. Graham Southern 12.00 Station Cafe, Alton. Walker, 01207 528426. “Old Gits Run”. Northern 8pm. The Briars Hall Hotel, Ulster Wednesday Evening Run - Vera Hunt, 01257 464429. Meet at Corr’s Corner 19.00 Midland Camping Weekend Ancaster, 7 Oxford Natter night, George & Lincolnshire. George Gibson Dragon, Erlestoke, 19.00. on 01476 400574 8 S.East The Green Man, Ringmer. Northern How Caple Grange Hotel 8pm. Weekend, Herefordshire. Irish N.W. Camping Weekend in Tony Cartmell, 01253 Ballykeeran. 3 mile N. of 768421. Athlone Bypass. Jim Scottish Camping Weekend Dunnet O’Connell 086-2805974. Bay, Steve on 01796 472551 9 N.East B-B-Q. Families and friends Western 6th Disserth Camping at Rowlands Gill, 4.00 p.m. Weekend. Disserth Camping Contact Phil Oughtred. and Caravan Park, nr. 01207 544851. Newbridge-on-Wye. Off 10 Irish Leinster – Sunday Run – A470 North of Builth Wells. from Merrion St., Dublin City Brian Harrison 01594 10.30 am – A McDonald (01) 530264 2865471 2 Southern Garmisch BMW Rally. Irish Limerick Meet at Texaco 3 London Run to the river Yare in Station near Parkway Norfolk, 09:30 lay-by under roundabout 11.00 am – run M25 Junct 26 to Crag Cave near Castle Mercia Bakewell bike museum run Island, return by Tarbert and depart Rugeley Little Chef Estuary. Peter Deevy 087 10:30 2570855 S.East Ron’s Run. Depart 9.30am Northern 2pm. Section Gathering at from lay-by on A20 at Jct Hale Barns. with M26. (Ron Rugman Oxford Ride out; Steve & Catherine 0208 302 2905). Moxey 07771 663915 4 Scottish Monday Natter Night at the Scottish Sunday Bar Lunch at the Meldrums Hotel, Ceres, Log Cabin Hotel, Kirkmichael. 19.30 12.30 Scottish Monday Natter Night at Southern 09.30 Run to Bath; meet Lily Cottier’s, Hyndland Street, Langtry’s café Stockbridge. Glasgow, G11. 19.30 Bill Kennedy Tel. 01329 5 Mercia Four Counties Inn, No Mans 318504 Heath 7:30pm Western Brockweir Meeting. 14:00 Midland The Fox at Ropsley. Evening 12 London The Old Guinea, Ridge 20:00 pub meet 7.30pm N.East Lucky Few Run. Dep. Southern 20.00 Phoenix/Saddlers Safeway car park, Hexham. Arms 10.00 a.m. Peter Ulster Club Meeting - Corr’s Corner Cullen.01434 674295. 8.00 pm Oxford Natter night, Waggon and Western New Inn, Claines, Worcs. Horses, Southmoor 7.30 pm 19:30hrs. 13 Mercia Bull & Swan Inn, Diseworth 6 N.East Belmont Community Centre 7:30pm 7.30 p.m. Summer’s Evening Ulster Wednesday Evening Run - Ride Out to Punchbowl, Meet at Corr’s Corner 7.00 Edmondbyers. 14 Mercia Cross & Bowling Green, Northern 9:30am. Midweek Run meet Branson Cross 7:30pm Tesco Car park, Clayton by- Midland Green Dragon at Oxton. pass, Congleton, Paul Nadin Evening pub meet 7.30 01260 279443. Southern 20.00 The Spread Eagle.

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 41 15 Northern 8pm. The Glory, Alan Southern 20.00 True Lovers Knot Stretton, 01706 656606. 23 S.East Evening Run. Depart 6pm f 17 London Ride-out to the Bell at Stilton rom West Malling town for lunch, 10:00 am from centre, just off A20. (Mike South Mimms. Shaw 01634 727339). Midland Bletchley Park. Start 9am 24 Irish Leinster– Sunday Run – Donnington services from Merrion St., Dublin City junction 24 M1. Richard on 10.30 am – A McDonald (01) 07710 834439 2865471 N.East Ridewell. Visit with Bill Midland Founders Day Stanford Hall Creswell. Washington/ Ian Griffin willing to lead run Birtley South. Dep. 10.00 Depart At 9.30 from 0191 4161078. services Junction of A1 Northern 9pm. Run to North Yorkshire A605 West of Peterborough meet Carnforth Railway Northern 9am. Weardale Wander Station, Charles Morrish, meet Bulbeck Picnic Area, 01524 782380. Caton, East from J34 M6, S.East Brian’s Bash. Depart Geoff Thompson, 01706 9.30am from the Hog’s Back 629206. Café on the A31. (Brian S.East The Bull, East Farleigh 12.00 Shears 01474 566142). Scottish Sunday Bar Lunch at the Southern 12.00 Paella with Alan & Hopeville Social Club, Carol Steed Tel. 01243 Harlaw Road, Inverurie. 862261. Booking essential. 12.30. Ulster Geoff Lomax’s Birthday Southern 10.00 Run to the Royal Bash Run Meet at Marines Museum at Sandyknowes Roundabout Southsea.. Meet SPC. Dave 10.30 am and Leslie Goldsmith Tel. Western Crime through Time Museum. 01323 423611 Newent, Gloucestershire. 25 London Ace Cafe, 8:00pm Meet 11:00 in car park. Northern 7:30pm. The Haraby Inn, Martin Eaves 01454 313458. John Bell, 01228 535173. 19 Midland Queens Arms, Orlingbury. 26 Oxford Natter night, Dog & Pub meet 07.30 pm Partridge, Riseley, nr Midland Park Hall Tavern, Mansfield Reading 8.00pm. Woodhouse. Pub meet 07.30 27 Mercia The Chetwynd Arms, pm Brocton 7:30pm Southern 20.00 Phoenix/Saddlers Mercia Four Counties Inn, No Mans Arms. Heath 12:00 noon 20 N.East The Waggon Inn, nr. Ulster Wednesday Evening Run - Ponteland. Informal Club Meet at Corr’s Corner 19.00 Meet at 7.30 p.m. 28 Mercia Whipping Stocks, Nr Northern Midweek Run, meet at Knutsford 7:30pm Devil’s Bridge, Kirkby N.East Jackson’s Wharf at Lonsdale 10.00am. Mike Hartlepool Historic Quays. Gibson 01229 582787. Informal Club Meet at 19.30 S.East Best Bike Competition at ‘ Northern 8pm. The Whipping Stocks, Riano’s’, Maidstone. 8pm. Mal Wagstaff, 0161 747 Ulster Wednesday Evening Run - 4443. Meet at Corr’s Corner 19.00 S.East The Wagon & Horses, 21 London Club track-day Mallory Park Charing. 8pm. Mercia The Bull & Butcher, Corley Southern 20.00 The Spread Eagle. Moor 7:30pm 29-31 Midland Camping Weekend Weston Midland Kings Head Tealby. Evening Park Long Eaton Notts. Free pub meet 7.30pm camping for those prepared National Mallory Park Track / better to support the club stand. riding day, Garth Forbes Martin Ellis 01623 401405 address page 7 30-31 Mercia Long Eaton Steam Rally Southern 19.00 Fish and Chips at Southsea. Dave and Myfanwy 01428 751756

42 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 31 S.East Picnic Run to Boughton on 7 London ‘Run to the South’ with Big Water. Depart 9.30am from Jim Burrows, 10:00 am from BP Station lay-by on A20 at junction South on A3 from M25 junction 10. with M26 and 10am from Mercia Leeds Armoury Run Godstone Duck Pond. (Mick Leave Roman Way 9:30. N.East Corbridge Classic Bike Foxwell 01474 568757). Show (with BMW Club Stand). Scottish Sunday Bar Lunch at the Saturday night camping, Sunday Crook Inn, North of Moffat morning Ride Out. Contact Graham on A701. 12.30 Walker, 01207 528426 Western Lunch/Pub Meet. Anchor Northern 9:30am Phil’s Sticky Bun Hotel, Tintern. Meet 12 noon Run meet Little Chef A6 North of Carvery lunch. Brian Garstang. Phil and Linda Selby, 01772 Harrison 01594 530264 312129. S.East West Kent International Rally. Show off your bike and support the event. For details contact John AUGUST 2005 Smith on 01322 342320. Southern 10:00 Run & walk Meet 1 Irish Boreen Run The Seven Stars. Phil Raymond Tel. www.boreenrun.com bookings: Claire 078999 54555. Mullen 071 9170887 [email protected] Western Army Flying Museum. S.West 1930 hrs. Jamaica Inn, Middle Wallop, Hampshire. 12 Noon at Bolventor. Natter Night Museum. Arthur Withey 01179 778295. Scottish Monday Natter Night at the 9 London The Old Guinea, Ridge, Meldrums Hotel Ceres19.30 8:00 pm. Scottish Monday Natter Night at Oxford Natter night, Waggon and Gairdener’s Arms, 232, Paisley Road, Horses, Southmoor 7.30 Glasgow, 19:30. pm 2 Mercia Four Counties Inn, No 10 Mercia Bull & Swan Inn, Mans Heath 7:30pm Diseworth 7:30pm Midland The Fox at Ropsley N.East Lucky Few Run.Yorkshire Evening pub meet 7.30pm Dales. Meet 9.30 a.m. for 10.00 a.m. Southern 20:00 Phoenix/Saddlers departure. Wynyard Services on A19/ Arms. A689. Contact Peter Holly, 0191 Ulster Club Meeting - Corr’s 5867944. Corner 8.00 pm S.West 1900hrs. Fish & Chip Western New Inn, Claines, Worcs. Night. Meet Little Chef (8 miles west of 19:30hrs. Bodmin) Ride to St Merryn for supper. 3 N.East Belmont Community Robin Wale. 01726 824108 Centre 7.30 p.m. Summer’s evening Ulster Wednesday Evening Run - Ride Out to The Waggon Inn. Meet at Corr’s Corner 7.00 pm Northern 9:30am Midweek Run 11 Mercia Cross & Bowling Green, meet Tesco Car park, Clayton by-pass, Branson Cross 7:30pm Congleton, Paul Nadin 01260 279443 Midland Green Dragon at Oxton. S.East Club Night at ‘Riano’s’, Evening pub meet 7.30pm Maidstone. 8pm. Southern 20:00 The Spread Eagle. Southern 12:00 Station Cafe, Alton. 12 S.East The Green Man Ringmer “Old Gits Run”. 8pm. Ulster Wednesday Evening Run 13 S.East Section BBQ. Meet 5pm Meet at Corr’s Corner 7.00 Little Chef A20 Charing or Bill Laing’s 4 Oxford Natter night, George & place, Lyminge, at 5.30pm. Camping Dragon, Erlestoke, Wilts available. For map and details ring 7.00pm. Margaret on 01474 566142. 5 Northern 8pm The Briars Hall Hotel, 14 Irish Leinster Run 10.30 Vera Hunt, 01257 464429 A McDonald (01) 2865471 5-7 S.West Slimbridge Camping Irish Limerick ‘The Estuary Weekend. Tudor Caravan Park, Patch Run’ - Meet at Davin Arms Ennis Road, Bridge, Slimbridge. Pub near site Caherdavin 11.00 am – destination Loop entrance. £5.50 per night per small 2 Head (pick up Clare riders at person tent. Keith Hackett 01803 Clarecastle 11.30 am at pedestrian 527760. crossing) Peter Deevy 087 2570855 5-7 Scottish Camping Weekend with N.East BikeWise. Durham Police Dick Boyd, 01343 870602 Motorcycle Division (with BMW Club 6-14 Midland Week in Ireland Contact Stand). All day extravaganza at Aykley Gilbert Thomas on 01572 812734 Heads Police H.Q. Durham.

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 43 Northern 2pm Section Gathering at Western Drovers Road Run. Meet Chipping Village Hall. Nr. Longridge Elan Visitor Centre on B4578 west of Oxford Ride out; Ian Dobie 01793 Rhyader. 12 noon for lunch/picnic. Ride 706463 afterwards. Colin Ross 01562 820458 S.West 1030hrs. Food on the Run 22 London Ace Cafe, 8:00 pm. Brunch at Deva Donno’s Home, Par. Tea 23 Oxford Natter night, Dog & at Helen Beer’s Home Budleigh Partridge, Riseley, nr Reading 8.00pm. Salterton. Deva 01726812471 and 24 Mercia The Chetwynd Arms, Helen 01395 443246 Brocton 7:30pm Scottish Sunday Bar Lunch at the S.West 1930hrs. Fish & Chip Log Cabin Hotel, Kirkmichael. 12.30 Night. Meet at Lower Wharf,Bude. Near Southern 08:30. Visit to St Regis pulp The Falcon Pub. mill. Meet SPC Dave and Myfanwy Ulster Wednesday Evening Run - Williamson Tel. 01428 751756 Booking Meet at Corr’s Corner 7.00 pm essential. 25 Mercia Whipping Stocks, Nr Ulster Jack Weir’s Sunday Run - Knutsford 7:30pm Meet at Sandyknowes Roundabout N.East Jackson’s Wharf at 10.30 am for 11.00 am Hartlepool Historic QuaysInformal Club Western Brockweir Meeting. 14:00 Meet at 7.30 p.m. hrs. Northern 8pm The Whipping Stocks, 15 S.West 1930hrs. The Globe, Mal Wagstaff, 0161 747 4443 Sampford Peverell. Natter Night Les S.East The Wagon & Horses, Madge 01647 24523. Charing. 8pm. 16 Midland The Queens Arms at Southern 20:00 The Spread Orlingbury. Evening pub meet 7.30pm Eagle.20:00 Midland Park Hall Tavern Mansfield Woodhouse Evening pub meet 7.30 pm 26-29 National National Rally. Kelso, Southern 20:00 Phoenix/Saddlers Scottish Borders. Don’t forget your Arms. membership card otherwise its a 17 N.East The Waggon nr.Ponteland. £22 admission charge! See the Informal Club Meet at 7.30 p.m. advert on page 15 for more details Northern Northern Midweek Run, meet at Devil’s Bridge, Kirkby Lonsdale 10.00am. Mike Gibson 01229 582787 S.East Section Birthday Party at Please note : entries for next month’s “Diary”, ‘Riano’s’, Maidstone, 8pm. “Compass” and ”Other” events should be Southern 19:00 Fish and Chips at sent to Dave Bertram (Features Editor - details Pagham. Nigel Page Tel. 01730. 817782. on page 3) as Chris is going to Garmisch- Ulster Wednesday Evening Run - Meet at Corr’s Corner 7.00 pm Partenkirchen for the 2005 BMW Bikerfest that is 18 Mercia The Bull & Butcher, Corley taking place over the weekend of 2-3 July and Moor 7:30pm then he’s meandering home through France. Midland Kings Head Tealby Evening pub meet 7.30pm Southern 20:00 True lovers Knot. 19 Northern 8pm The Glory, Alan Stretton, 01706 656606. 20-21 Southern Popham Airfield Bike Rally – Camping Nigel Page. 01730 817782 21 London Ride-out to The Shed Mersea Island, 10.00am from lay-by under M25 junction 26. Mercia Reg’s Foxton Locks run meet 9:30 services J11, M42. Midland Raptor Centre, Huntington Start 9am Donnington services junction 24 M1 Start 10 am Services A1/A605 West of Peterborough - Richard on 07710 834439 N.East All Steamed up with Jack Lawrie. A1 Bowburn’Durham Services, 10.00 Start. Jack, 0191 4105369. S.East The Campbell’s Ride Out. Stephane Mertens in action winning the first Depart 9.30am Little Chef A20 Charing. round of the 2005 BMW Power Cup series held (Ian Campbell 0208 693 0329). in Le Mans

44 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 AROUND THE COMPASS These activities have been arranged as agent for and on behalf of The BMW Club

1-3 July Camping Ancaster, Lincolnshire 9–11 Sept, Warren Caravan Park, Waren Mill, (based on this popular Tattershall event) George Bamburgh, Northumberland, just North of Gibson. 01476 400574 Bamburgh. Friday to Sunday. North East Section 1-3 July Dunnet Camping weelend, Scottish Camping Weekend. Full site facilities with bar and Section. Brave the winds at Dunnet Bay. Details restaurant. A lovely and interesting location. Single from Steve Shepley on 01796 472551 tent £6.00, double £9.50. Graham Walker 01207 528426, or Tony Seed 01642 785880. 24 July. V.M.C.C. Founders Day Rally, Stanford 9-11 Sept. The Rabbit Rally. Waterside Holiday Hall, Nr. Lutterworth, Leics. Club Area. Park, Bowleaze, Preston. Event off A353 Nr. 29-31 July Camping West Park lei- Weymouth. Facilities include bar, heated sure centre, Long Eaton, Notts. Op- pool, restaurant, sauna and gym. Mike tion to exhibit in Long Eaton (Erewash) Groves 01305 815361 Steam and Vintage rally, 2 miles from June11th 18-24 Sept, Swiss Tour. J25 M1. pre book and get free camping. to 14th Hotel Week-End in Grindelwald. Southern Section with Midlands website or Martin Ellis 01623 Cumbria MSL Tours. Price incl return ferry Dover 4014055 Ride outs Calais. 6 nights dinner bed & breakfast 5-7 August. Slimbridge Camping in quality hotels. 2 persons 1 bike shared Weekend. Tudor Caravan Park, Patch room £485 per person. 1 person 1 bike Bridge, Slimbridge. £5.50 per night/unit shared room, £565. 1 person 1 bike sin- for small 2 person tent. Pub by gates to camp. gle room, £625. £75 deposit. Bookings/details Alan Keith Hackett 01803 527760 Steed 01243 862261 5-7 August Bunk house weekend Cranedale 18 Sept Stinkwell Classic Show, Beaumanor Study Centre, Kirby Grinalythe, Malton, North Yorks, Hall, Woodhouse, Leics. Club Area. 01908 216623. Peter Wright 46 North Street,West Butterwick, North 23-26 Sept Thatch Rally - Irish Section. Surf- Lincs DN17 3JW e-mail [email protected], ers Cove Holiday Homes, Bundoran, Co. Donegal. 01724783770, limited places £30 per night per per- 3 nights sc accomodation, dinner Sat. night. Irish son, Bed, breakfast and evening meal included. stew and Irish coffee on arrival plus complimen- 3 Sept Sleaford Historic Car & Motorcycle tary polo shirt all for E110 or Stg£80 pp. Details/ Show. Bill Rodgers 01526 834480 bookings Claire [email protected] or phone 00353 3 - 10 September Holiday in PULA, Croatia. (0)71 9170887. Beautiful scenery and great “craic” Frame tent or mobile home in coastal holiday guaranteed! complex. Contact Arthur Allen 01745 550239

without a clutch after the half way point, crashing the gears on the downchanges and battling the bike into the corners left his hands red raw with blisters come the finish, where he was just 0.16 seconds ahead of Italian hero Roberto Panichi.

It was yet another very close race with the top 8 riders separated by just 1.1 seconds with just five laps to go of the 5.2 kms Tuscany circuit, and although Fuertes led the majority of the race, Panichi and Christer Lindholm (S) also had their turns at the front, only for the unfortunate Swede HE SECOND ROUND of the BMW Motorrad to crash at the final corner when battling for a TPower Cup 2005 took place on the 5th June at podium place. Winner from Le Mans three weeks Mugello, (Italy). A sunburnt crowd saw one of the ago, Stephane Mertens (B) was fourth, just 0.02 best rides seen in recent times in a BMW race seconds from tasting the champagne, but his 13 when Spaniard Sergio Fuertes won for the first points still keeps him at the fore of the table time in the new BMW K 1200 R series. Racing BMW Club Journal • July 2005 45 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

Social Sec’s Notes 5-9 July, 9th International Pheonix rally, Hovezi, Czech republic. The Dave Gilbert (BMW Club member) Memorial Rally (30 years). Camping Many thanks for the confidence shown in me or Chalet accomodation. Pheonix MCC Michal at the AGM by my re-election. Hamsik tel: +420 57 7220721 (evening) or Vaclav Hamsik +420 57 7222539, e-mail [email protected]. As there is not a slot at the Car Club’s 22-24 July Kells Road Races, 22nd: Classic Run Cadwell Park day this year, I shall be in aid of charity 7p.m; 23rd Practice - roads closed at 1pm; 24th Race Day - roads closed at 11am attending Club member Martin Hopp’s Rider There will be 15 races for 125 cc up to 1010 cc. Training Day at Cadwell on Tuesday, 21st 7–11 August “Improve your Driving Skills with June. For me it is an opportunity to enjoy the BMW”, International Driver’s Training Course, track and receive some expert training. I Nürburgring, Germany. There is a report on the 2004 course at page 45 of the January hope a good number of both Cadwell 2005 issue of The Journal and more infor- regulars and novices will attend; it will mation at www.bmwmcc.co.uk/london/ definitely be a good day. Check him out on ring2005.htm including a link to the online booking facility. Alternatively call Dave www.hoppridertraining.co.uk or contact him Ensor on 020 8508 5223 or contact him at on [email protected]. [email protected]

I have noticed the entries in “Around the Compass” are too numerous. “Around the Compass” was set up to draw members’ attention to special events, particularly those where advanced planning might be required. It now includes a substantial number of camping week-ends which are listed in the annual list of Hotel and Camping Week-ends and, for these events, I would expect the two month listing in the “Diary of Events” to provide sufficient reminder. I am sure every organiser considers his event to be special so I shall apologise in advance to those whom I upset when I wield my deleting button.

Also, with a new Editor, a timely reminder that entries for “Around the Compass” will only be accepted from section social secretaries and section secretaries. This is to safeguard the Club against the inadvertent publication of any unauthorised event.

Garth Forbes

46 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 German Jottings by John Bentall

OTORRAD RODE THE NEW K1200R at its from the “S” with a steeper steering head angle and 10mm Spanish press launch. The unfaired machine less trail, and this works well despite the test machines Mdevelops 4PS less than the “S” version due to an optional 6” rim and 190 section rear tyre (5.5” and 180 altered induction system and is lower geared to favour section as standard). Naturally the bike can be equipped acceleration rather than top speed. The engine can be left with all the usual BMW extras such as luggage, ABS, ESA in 6th gear for most of the time and 4th gear is there to and Sat-Nav. indulge in some gratuitous acceleration out of speed limits. The R is not inclined to lift its front wheel and in normal Motorrad used a Honda Varadero to test six trail-type and use displays abundant traction and exemplary throttle also two road tyres – on the basis that such large machine response, though it does not quite achieve the perfection are seldom used off-road. The bike uses 110/80R19 of the Suzuki GSXR1000. The test machine was evidence section tyres at the front and 150/70R17 at the rear. Of that that almost silent BMW gearboxes, final drives and the road tyres, the Michelin Pilot Roads tyres were vibration-free motors – at least up to 6,500 rpm - do exist. markedly superior to the Bridgestone BT020 producing top There is some buzzing at around 7,000 rpm than subsides results in both wet and dry conditions. Amongst the dual- again at 8,000 rpm. purpose tyres, the Avon Distanzia and Pirelli MT90 Scorpion performed well in the dry but offered mediocre wet road The “R” and “S” do differ significantly in their ergonomics. grip and handling. The Dunlop Trailmax D607 offered The “R” offers a better grip on the bike, with an automatic blinding performance in the dry, outperforming the BT020, forward lean, helped by a seat that is slimmed down at the and good grip in the wet making this a top choice for those front, though sometimes the right foot makes contact who push hard. The Bridgestone Trailwing TW101/152 with the massive clutch housing. The bars are set slightly performed well in both wet and dry conditions. The editorial higher to give a more comfortable riding position, giving team felt that the Metzeler Tourance and Michelin Anakee the feel of grabbing a bull by the horns and making it do were unsuitable choices for the Varadero. The latter has ones bidding. Despite the long 1500mm wheelbase, the soft tread blocks extending into the shoulder of the tyre “R” responds well to steering inputs and swings readily and flexible carcass that upset the dry handling but offer from bend to bend. The steering geometry differs slightly the wet grip characteristics of the Pilot Roads.

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 47 48 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 possibility. Who’s the old geezer now? And isn’t it Making the Change strange how old-hat the secondhand bikes look when you’ve just been riding the latest? Clive Jones trades his GS for an 1150 RT, and finds that being an old Of course, if my love was to be requited I had to get Management on my side. I played it cool, plied geezer isn’t so bad. her with wine and then recalled for her that moment in Fussen. She was invited to ride such a fine T ALL STARTED last summer in the romantic machine this very weekend. Management can little town of Fussen, southern Germany. We sense when she’s being duped, but she will Ihad ridden from Baden Baden that day, through sometimes play along just for the hell of it. the Black Forest veiled in mist and thin rain, then alongside Lake Constance in the sunshine, but The ride was taken, she was won over, suddenly tangled up in dense traffic. negotiations were being entered into. Curiously enough, it appeared that Balderston’s could supply The hotel was in the centre of town, found by exactly what we had in mind, brand spanking new, riding through what looked like a pedestrianarea, in that nice silver metallic, for hardly any more but we were too tired to worry about niceties. We money than a used one. Too good to resist. parked the GS in the courtyard, alongside a silver RT. We were keen to get checked in and hit the OW THERE’S a few hundred miles on the clock, shower. Feeling generally decrepit and sore-arsed, Nhere are my impressions. Any BMW has road we were getting the luggage off the bike (inner presence, but the RT has more of it: seemingly, bags by Journey Designs – little blessings!) when car drivers give me a bit more room, cause me less the owner of the RT came out. We noticed the hassle. Perhaps my upright posture fools them into spring in his step. Where was he from? Near thinking it’s a police bike, although I haven’t seen Aachen, on the Belgian border, he cheerfully replied. such a thing for some time myself. If riding the GS was like a scramble up Tryfan, the RT is a walk in ‘You’ve just ridden from Aachen today?’ ‘Oh yes.’ the Dales - both are fine in their own way. For ‘That’s quite a way,’ I suggested. And then the distance riding, though, the RT is tops. I thought pivotal moment: he waved towards the RT and the full fairing would make riding incredibly dull: it said carelessly: ‘It’s a touring bike, no problem.’ doesn’t. I thought the extra weight would be a Cut to my dear wife’s face, which silently said: handful: it isn’t. I thought I’d look a right pillock ‘Why the heck are we riding this mobile hat-rack hanging on to those sit-up-and-beg handlebars (so and feeling like we’ve just been run over, when like my old Triumph), instead of flat like an RS or we could be on one of those?’ sticky-out like the GS - you decide that one. A few weeks later I was hanging around the house… a dangerous kind of time when I’m liable I do have two little niggles, however. First: you to do something reckless, and I did. I phoned the know that vulnerable feeling when you’re riding a local dealer, Balderston in Peterborough, and asked fast main road in really mucky weather – when for a test-ride on an 1150 RT. Not that I was going normal rear lights are practically invisible and you to buy one, of course. An RT was an old geezer’s wish you had a rear foglight like everyone else? bike. Just to have a ride, that’s all. And maybe look The RT has a switch bearing the customary rear at the used RTs to make sure I couldn’t afford them. foglight logo. ‘Hurray’, I thought, ‘Smart thinking.’ Having bought the bike, I discover that the switch It was great riding weather - apart from the fenland only works front foglights. Nothing at the back. Big wind, which always gave trouble on the GS. I disappointment. What would it cost them? Second: rolled up to Balderston’s and took off on the RT. love the heated grips. Now what about a heated Wind? What wind? I did sixty miles and didn’t want seat? to give it back. Bad sign. I was in love. The handling is not exactly better, just easier I LOVED its extra poke, its comfortable seat (you somehow, which makes progress more relaxed. can’t ride everywhere standing up – even on a GS), Legging it around, likewise - even though my legs its up-down windscreen, its roadgoing horn, its are long enough to stick out over the end of the sheer relaxedness, especially when that sixth gear marital bed, the GS gave a few anxious moments, snuck in. Aachen to Fussen seemed a distinct especially with a full load on. It always felt a little

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 49 too high and wobbly, a hernia waiting to happen. I had lunch with a group of BMW riders, as I often The lower seat of the RT affords plenty of boot/ do, and they asked if I could give a talk to few club ground grip and a feeling of greater confidence. members. It was in a Mexican restaurant and the This may be just me – a good friend several metres few members I was expecting turned out to number shorter than myself copes with his GS just fine. over 100! Brenda and myself enjoyed a great evening and I talked about our club and also about Just as there are mountain bikes that never see a riding in South Africa, New Zealand and Europe. mountain and off-road cars that never leave the Even though it was early January quite a few people tarmac, so, I suggest, there are GS’s that are over- turned up on bikes. Two of the guys there I had engineered for what their owners really use them met the year before as they were preparing to ride for. Mine was one of those – a silly choice really, up to the northwest of the country and ship their for someone who secretly thinks that green lanes bikes to Vladivostok and then ride to the furthest and bridleways are better off without motorised point west in Europe, following the Trans-Siberian vehicles on them. But now, I’m an old geezer with Highway. They completed the trip last summer and an RT and the honeymoon ain’t over yet. Not by a loaned us the video. Much of the Trans-Siberian long way. could have been mistaken for a section in the Lands End Trial and it was a really tough trip.

Their helmets were stolen before they left Vice-President BRUCE PRESTON is no Vladivostok but their BMW GS’s coped with the lover of an English winter and is happy going well. It was a ride that would have tested a young rider but both of these were well past to fly to the Southern Hemisphere every retirement age. I doff my helmet to them. year to lead a motorcycle tour of New Zealand for the American Motorcyclist SUNNY NEW ZEALAND Association. On the way there he also E HAVE visited NZ a dozen times now and stopped off in Denver, where he met a W this might well be our last; if it is we couldn’t group from the BMW Club of Colorado. have chosen better weather, just one hour of rain in the three weeks. Perfect. DAZZLING DENVER Waiting for the ferry in Wellington we met up with F I HAD to choose one place to live in the USA it a group of BMW riders on their way to a BMW/Kiwi Iwould be in the Denver region. Stunning scenery, Rider sponsored off-road ride. Many of them were nice people and, even in winter, a great climate. It in the BMW Club of NZ and they, too, had been can snow one day and be 65F he next. When we forced by BMW to change their club badge. As landed the temperature was one degree Fahrenheit. with our own club it had left a great deal of bad The next morning the whole area was covered in feeling amongst some members and had done BMW a white blanket. Two days later it had all gone and nofavours. we were enjoying warm sunshine. When we reached Queenstown near the finish of the off-road event we saw quite a few bikes looking less than pristine. Some even did with passengers. We had twelve bikes in our group ranging from five BMW RT’s to a Gold Wing and there were few problems in the 5,000-kilometre tour, although most RT riders invested in sheepskins to try and improve seat comfort.

These NZ roads do like to gobble up tyres though; all the bikes had new Tyres when we left Auckland, they were reaching the end of their useful life by the time we returned the bikes three weeks later. Brad and Monique Kohler, who, readers might recall, punched a hole in the rocker cover of an R1200GS when we were in Spain, used a Harley

50 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 Davidson this time. They covered 7,000 Kms and there was precious little tread left when The HP2 enduro theyfinished. by Dave Bertram RIDING A BEEZA

VERY YEAR Uncle Bob, a relative by marriage, WENTY-FIVE YEARS after it created the ‘big Emeets us off the ferry and brings an interesting Tenduro’ off-road genre, BMW Motorrad is bike for me to ride the 150 miles to Christchurch. launching the HP2 enduro (‘High Performance 2- In the past I have ridden a Velocette Venom (my cylinder’). This is to use BMWs words favourite), a Silk, a Scott and an Indian Scout. This “uncompromising, sporting and exceptionally light year it was a BSA B31 of 1952 vintage. road-legal off-road motorcycle. The HP2 is the first model in a new, independent category of Now my allegiance in the 1950s was to Velocette motorcycles being developed by BMW. This new and we were a little bit sniffy about the ‘boring’ range will be extremely special, exclusive and 350 plodder. Perhaps age has mellowed me but authentic - and will remain relatively rare.“ this bike was really pleasing to ride. It did, I confess, make hard work of stopping but they all did in those Hmm. I presume that means “dear” ...!!! days. The price of the machines will be determined by The old Beeza happily chugged along at 60/ 65 their outstanding range of features; a much higher mph with the spring saddle absorbing most if not level of product substance; and comparatively all the bumps. Sadly the old girl had lost all it’s small production volume. The HP2 is the most primary chain case oil before I took over; the dry powerful and dynamic offroad boxer twin yet, and chain succeed in wearing out all the teeth on the will be the most powerful enduro bike in the clutch sprocket and we lost all forward motion. I marketplace. When ridden on rough terrain the HP2 had enjoyed over 100 miles of exhilarating riding capitalises on the boxer concept and its low centre following the wonderful coat road. Once again I of gravity, with agile handling, low weight and a was reminded once again how much fun riding high-performance power unit. It also offers an old bike can be. supreme on-road riding capability.

HELMETS IN OZ Consistent lightweight engineering of all components on the HP2 has resulted in an overall N MY way home from New Zealand Brenda dry weight of just 175 kilos. This low weight and Oand myself took a little break in Perth, Australia high power should make for an interesting ride where, at that time of the year you can be sure of over rough terrain. With the low centre of gravity wall-to-wall sunshine. Naturally there had to be of the Boxer engine, and powerful acceleration some motorcycle involvement and I visited a guy from low engine speeds, the HP2 is superior to who had just ridden around the coast of Australia even the toughest single-cylinder machines on on his Honda Pan European. demanding tracks.

There is a fair bit of agro between the police and To highlight the sporting enduro qualities of the some of the outlaw clubs and the papers always new HP2, BMW Motorrad is supporting a private seem to have stories about the antics of a club racing team, which will enter HP2s in off-road called the Coffin Cheaters. They had arranged events such as the German Cross Country special dispensation from the police to accompany Championship (GCC). the cortege of one of their members, who didn’t cheat the coffin, without wearing their helmets. Outside Germany, the HP2 has been entered in the Fair enough if that is their way of doing things. As Baja 500 and the Baja 1000 races, and there are it happens the Pan European rider whom I was plans to participate in the prologue of the Erzberg visiting had occasion to ride his pedal cycle into Race in Austria. BMW Motorrad will supply the Perth the same day of the funeral but he was machines, and support and service private teams stopped by the police and fined for not wearing a at these events. Other races are also being helmet! They are compulsory for bicyclists in considered. Western Australia. He wasn’t very pleased.

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 51 RIEFLY, THE HP2’s key features are as ... a seat height of 920mm. A lower seat (900mm) Bfollows is available as specialequipment ... on-board network with CAN-bus technology :... 1170cc flat-twin engine (as perthe R1200 GS) (Controller Area Network) as per the R1200 GS but with an increasedmaximum output of 77kW ... instrument cluster as per the R1200 GS but with (105 bhp). Maximum torque remains unchanged at no rev counter. As an additional display, the rider 115Nm (85 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm can select the number of operating hours the ... new silencer construction almost two kilos motorcycle has run (important for changing the air lighter than before (the HP2 is not designed to carry filter at appropriate intervals when riding off-road hard luggage). Wot no butties and Little Chefs on dusty tracks) closing everywhere!! .... side components on the tank and front wheel ... The frame’s tubular space-frame structure is mudguard are made from fully-coloured, grained based on the R900R racing machines used by plastic (without paint) so that scratches and marks BMW works teams from 1999-2001 in the Dakar remain virtually invisible Rally ... upside-down telescopic forks with 270mm ... a wide range of specialequipment for retrofitting of spring travel. (This level of spring travel cannot is available for customisation, allowing the owner be provided by conventional Telelever to broaden the HP2’s range of features and configuration) equipment. ...redesigned Paralever, now 30mm longer than on the GS The worldwide market launch of the HP2 will be in ... the world’s first spring/damper system running September. More details, including the on-the-road exclusively on air. Weighing just under 2.3 kilos price are promised soon, so start saving now. It the air/spring damper system is approximately 2 looks like good old BMW is going head to head with kilos lighter than a conventional component KTM in Off Road events - this could be very ... cross-spoke wheels for the toughest conditions. interesting and if successful ought to gain BMW a The front wheel features a 305mm semi-floating lot of positive publicity. ( Editors note : In fact single-disc brake with floating calliper. At the rear the new bikes did rather well over the May is a 265mm singledisc swing-calliper brake. The Bank Holiday weekend’s Erzberg climb in HP2 is not presently offered with ABS Styria, coming in 1-2-3 overall on their first ... the fuel tank is made of extra-tough, semi- major outing ! ) transparent (for viewing fuel level) polyethylene and has a capacity of 13 litres 52 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 General Biking and Camping Tips Compiled by Tim Woodroffe of the Midland Section

General Tips

Sitting on a towel or sheepskin on long rides can improve time in saddle before a BSA. A bike on the road is worth two in the shed. Pies and coffee are as important as petrol. Riding faster than everyone else only guarantees you’ll ride alone. Pitch tent near brambles. Fresh fruit on tap, Never ride faster than your guardian angel can and free, but remember the brambles for your fly. 4am pee. (Nog) When everything’s coming your way, you’re Tent Care. Rub a candle on the zips to help them in the wrong lane. slide easily (works on trousers too!) If you have a Never trade luck for skill. canvas tent, loosen the guys at night (dew shrinks Before you laugh at someone’s bike, look at it). For nylon tents tighten them. Always ensure your own! tent is dry before packing. If not possible, dry it If you crash because of weather, yourfuneral within a week of arriving home. will probably be held on a sunny day. Carry spare rubber loops, they always break I couldn’t repair your brakes, so I made your when it’s most windy. horn louder. Carry a roll of Gaffer / Duct Tape. For emergency I remember when sex was safe and riding “canvas” repairs. (Ask Steve about squirrels!) was dangerous. Pitching Tent, Try to avoid hollows, with door If you really want to know what’s going on, away from wind. If ground slopes, make the bottom watch what’s happening at least five cars ahead. of the bed lowest. A friend is someone who’ll get out of bed at Pegs should be driven in at 45 degrees, NEVER 2am to drive his pickup to the middle of nowhere vertically. to get you when you’re broken down. On stony ground, try pushing the pegs in at People are like Motorcycles: each is a shallower angle. (useful in the New Forest) customized a bit differently. (See peg sharpening). Well-trained reflexes are quicker than luck. Label different sets of tent poles with Keep your bike in good repair: Motorcycle coloured tape for easier identification. boots are NOT comfortable for walking. Carry extra Guys (not boys) to use as a Catching a wasp in your goggles or bee down washing line between tent & bike. Take a few your shirt @ 70 mph can double your vocabulary. pegs. If you ride like there’s no tomorrow - there won’t Pegs are more easily straightened if you find be. a hole in substantial material to bend against. Everyone crashes. Some get back on. Some don’t. Sharpen pegs, helps them slide past stones. Some can’t. A spade end is better than a point. But not so Grey-haired riders don’t get that way from pure sharp as will cut the bag, remove all burrs. luck. Pack groundsheet with tent, helps no end Don’t lead the pack if you don’t know where in wet weather & protects material whilst you’re going. travelling. Young riders pick a destination and go... Old Waterproof the inner tent, Fabsil is a silicon riders pick a direction and go. liquid, it also helps prevent mildew from condensation. Tent Tips Applying Fabsil, Use an old kitchen cleaner spray gun, Outside. Most economic method so far. Choose a tent with a larger living area than Warning, Protect the lawn. Fabsil treated grass sleeping section. On wet days you will be thankful. DIES. (Alan Meredith, Essex)

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 53 Some Owners reckon that it’s better to remove the Top Box & have a BIG bag on the rack.

Warm & Dry?

Over-trousers can be fabricated from three bin bags: First open one long side and the bottom (i.e. make a strip), then wrap around legs and over boots, use strips of gaffer/ parcel tape to hold in position. Repeat with the second bag on the other leg. Then cut the bottom corners off the third bag at an angle of approx 45 deg – you need to leave a reasonable amount of plastic to ‘sit’ in, slide one leg through each corner, pull bag up to nether regions et voila over-trousers (Mike in Little Carlton). Shorts in the rain, Hairy legs dry quicker than trousers. (Barry, owner of hairy legs) Sandals in the rain, Feet dry quicker than socks, sandals much faster than boots. (Me at BMF) Wet Gloves & Neck warmer, Place on top of inner tent overnight to dry. The inside pocket of a jacket with a removable lining is very easy to miss with your wallet. Keeping warm. A newspaper across the chest helps no end whilst riding. Most heat is lost from the head (mines now a sunroof) & neck. A titfer & scarf in bed helps. If you can afford the space & If you cook in the tent, be at least 2 feet from weight, a blanket beneath the Bug Bags is canvas, fat splatters go miles! Not to mention fire. worthwhile. As is a cotton Bug Bag liner. Anti Slip mat (see tank bag) placed under bug bag. It has the properties of a string vest. Loading the Bike Boots, They will not be truly comfortable until they have been wet through, dry slowly then treat with Panniers will not hold all you want, but they dressing oil. Put two stakes in the ground & store can hold all you NEED. them upside down to dry. Use Fabsil The more you take, the longer it will take to (waterproofer) on your rally hat. pack. Winter Camping? Keep your water bottle inside Tank bags. Usually overpriced & small, try using the tent. (Barry again) Winter Camping? Place a small rucksack (I have a Regatta 25 Ltr). The your disposable BBQ on a flat rock. After use put shoulder straps hook over the tank & the belly belt the rock in your tent. can be tightened under the back. This has worked Panniers always leak. Pack everything in old well on the Norton & BMW. Particularly useful for Tesco bags, Bug Bags need two, they are Fibreglass & Aluminium tanks. Use anti slip mat cheaper than inner bags & afterwards can (Wilco or B&Q) under tank bag. be used for:- rubbish, to separate dirty washing, Try to balance the weight i.e:- tins in tank bag, to put over dry socks in wet boots, to hang food tent on front. off the ground etc. See also over trousers. Try also to keep the weight low i.e:-Li-Lo, Re-sealable plastic bags & Desiccant packs, Cooking Stove in panniers. radio’s, camera’s, GPS, etc. See toilets & kitchen Try to make everything you take, essential roll. or dual purpose. We always come back with Before putting on over trousers. Put a plaggy unused clothes, so we aren’t perfect. bag over each boot, see how easily they slip Loading Tent, If it won’t fit packed, try removing on. poles & pegs, fold it, stow them separately. 54 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 General Camping Results: a nice-smelling tent and no mozzies for days. (Nog) Lighting. I have a 12-volt fluorescent, packed Lemon, In summer, rubbed on arms as an in a plastic drainpipe (Steve’s idea). Runs from insect repellent. (Thanks Barry) bike with long lead & switch 2 feet from lamp. Will Keep your beer cool in the heat, soak a towel not flatten battery unless forgotten. or used t-shirt in cold water, drape over bottles. Carry Jump leads (2 Metres of 2.5 sq mm will As the water evaporates it draws heat from them. suffice) In case you forget the light switch & have Not fridge temperature, but cooler than the ambient an electric boot. atmosphere. (Nog) Collect old 35mm film canisters. Use them for Ear plugs, whilst asleep, if unusual sounds condiments, herbs, spices, matches, emergency wake you. The ears never sleep. (Barry) tea, coffee & sugar rations, tablets, spare torch If riding to camp alone. Take an emergency meal bulbs, fuses, Swarfega, fairy, soap powder, jam, & a pint of water; a Credit Card won’t feed you. gravy. (Suggest tinned mince, potatoes, veg) then if you A Tupperware tub in the tank bag to hold the do break down in the middle of no-where, you can 35mm canisters, pegs, scissors, cutlery, bog survive till Carole Nash arrives. roll, sharp knife, scrim, shampoo, soup, glue, Carry Sachets of porridge, pasta, beanfeast elastic bands. ( Use your imagination). or soup, little space taken. If you use a petrol lighter, keep spare flints Pack a torch in your tent bag for late arrival under the wadding. on site. Vinegar, for insect bites, whitening washing, Torches are tubular metal containers kept in a dandruff, heartburn, & chips. (Thanks Barry) pannier for the purpose of storing dead batteries. Pull up some lavender, crush the foliage in the Put an elastic band around the torch switch to palms of your hands, rub it around the zips on the stop it being turned on in transit. door to your tent; light the lavender stems, allow Lilo’s, I have air horns, I put a long hose on the the smouldering smoke to permeate your tent (from compressor to blow my double bed up in 4 Mins. the inside is best, but try not to set the tent alight). Or Halfords sell a (reasonably quiet) inflator with a dual type (fag lighter / Hella) plug fitted.

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 55 Badges, Put them on your rally hat or jacket lapel, pint of water before retiring & when you get but never where they will cause leaks. up to pee at 4 AM. I take a 1/8" thick Ally sheet; to stand bike on, stand stoves on or as a stove windbreak. Tie a yard of string to your prop stand pad to Tongue placed firmly in cheek! save falling off whilst trying to pick it up. Touring Abroad? Take first aid kit, spare lamp In an emergency, a drawstring from a parka kit, V5 (to prove ownership), bail bond. (BMF hood can be used to strangle a snoring tent mate. website) A two-man pup tent does not include two men I freeze Coke & milk in plastic bottles, great to or a pup. have a cold drink on arrival, keeps the bacon fresh Lint from your navel makes a handy fire starter. & the butter hard. Then use empty bottle as a water Warning: Remove lint from navel before applying container for the rest of the weekend. the match. Eggs, Remove from boxes, wrap in kitchen roll or When using a public campsite, a tuba placed bubble wrap & carry in your mugs or billies. on your picnic table will keep the campsites on Save plastic trays from the Chinese, use for slices either side vacant. of bread, bacon, mushrooms, etc then discard. Acupuncture was invented by a camper who Chop odd shaped food (mushrooms) found a porcupine in his sleeping bag. beforehand, it takes less space. Get even with a bear who raided your food Toilets are often devoid of paper; take the bag by kicking his favourite stump apart and last 1/8th of a roll, flattened in a sealable bag. eating all the ants. Kitchen Roll takes much less space if Modern rain suits made of fabrics that “breathe” concertina’d & flat in a sealable bag. enable campers to stay dry in a downpour. Rain Drinking, Alcohol causes hangovers by suits that sneeze, cough and belch, however, have replacing the water content of the brain, which been proven to add absolutely nothing to the shrinks. To reduce this effect, drink at least 1 wilderness experience.

56 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 Support bacteria - they’re the only culture some people have. Flatulence is nature’s contribution to humour. Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again. “It is unlikely there’ll be a reduction in the wages of sin.” Be nice to nerds. Chances are you’ll end up working for one. The Difference Between a Harley And a Hoover is The Location Of The Dirt Bag. Is it true that on a Harley the bike moves up and down and the pistons stay still :-) If it wasn’t for the rain, England wouldn’t be a All of us could take a lesson from the green & pleasant land weather. It pays no attention to criticism. You can duplicate the warmth of a down-filled If it can’t be fixed by Gaffer tape or WD40, bedroll by climbing into a bin bag with several geese. it’s a female issue. (see overtrousers) Do not substitute for sheep whilst camping in I love cooking with wine. Sometimes I even put Wales. it in the food. Never, under any circumstances, take a A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand. sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night. Where do forest rangers go to “get away Always wear a long-sleeved shirt. It gives you from it all?” something to wipe your nose on. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. An The best way to forget all your troubles is to onion a day should take care of everyone wear tight boots. else. Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ...... ”Holy Sh*t”...... ”what a ride!” Why is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a barbecue? Health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die. Q: What do a moped and a blond have in common? A: They’re both fun to ride until a friend sees you on one. Symptoms of stress, are eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That’s my idea of a perfect day. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken starter motor and a flat tyre. The darkest hours come just before the dawn. So if you’re going to steal your neighbour’s milk and newspaper, that’s the time to do it. Some minds are like concrete - thoroughly mixed up and permanently set. Never play strip poker with a nudist, they have nothing to lose. Mary had a little lamb, some white wine, and a salad. Salad is not food, but it is food for real food. Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 57 as the headlamp was removed, for the wiring inside the headlamp resembled a colourful bird’s TWIN-SHOCK BOXER nest immediately behind the headlamp unit. The HEADLAMP WIRING back of the headlamp had been pressed hard against the cables in order to be fitted. Needless by Mike Fishwick to say, the sharp edges of the flange into which the bulb is fitted had gradually cut through the LTHOUGH THEY HAVE not been manufactured insulation until a short circuit occurred, so Afor over twenty years, there are still a lot of generating heat which melted the insulation of other old twin-shock Boxers in regular use. They do not cables, causing more short circuits. deteriorate to a great extent with age, but much of the BMW Volklore relating to them is becoming lost This overload melted still more insulation, and also as they find new homes. An example of this lost the lighting and dip switches. Although the knowledge is the necessity to route the wiring symptoms can be spectacular, and the result inside the headlamp shell properly. serious, this type of cable damage can be easily and cheaply repaired – in this case an emergency These older models were originally designed repair took me an afternoon, aided by copious before the advent of fairings, and the most doses of beer! vulnerable parts of the electrical system were protected Unfortunately neither from the Haynes nor Clymer elements by stress the importance being fitted of these cables inside the following any headlamp particular route, and shell. This there must be lots of includes the these older twins contact plate, around which are on which the verge of serves as a selfcombustion! central Unfortunately many connection will have been block for recently rebuilt by virtually enthusiastic every circuit, ownerswho are not the headlamp aware of this relay, and the requirement. trafficator unit. As the / To do the job properly 5 Series is not difficult, for all matured into the /6 Series the electrical system the cables are colour-coded, as are their became more sophisticated, and the amount of destinations on the contact plate. Once the cables associated cables to be accommodated increased, from the main wiring loom are disconnected from while the space available – once the headlamp the unit was fitted – did not. This meant that the cables contact plate, make sure that the end of the wiring had to follow a particular route if damage was to loom runs around the headlamp shell – usually for be avoided. about half a turn – and is secured by the metal tab provided for this purpose. A good example of what can otherwise happen arose during the 2002 National Rally at St. Audries HIS IS AN IDEAL OPPORTUNITY to remove the Bay, when one member arrived after experiencing Tcontact plate and replace the small diode smoke from the left handlebar switchgear cables, soldered onto the back. Should this fail to an open jammed switches, virtually no lights, and a rapidly circuit (the usual fault) it will not be possible to discharging battery. start unless the clutch lever is pulled, while if short circuited it will cause the neutral lamp to illuminate The cause of these problems was obvious as soon whenever the clutch lever is pulled. New diodes

58 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 Melted switchgear and cables caused by short circuits can be readily obtained from any electronics shop, and fitting a slightly larger item is a good idea.

If you are not confident of your soldering ability, or wish to make an improvement, the answer is to cut away the old diode and fit the item used on an R45 or R65 of 1978 to 1980 vintage. This is also used by BMW in the Hazard Warning kit, and can be readily obtained under part number 61.31.1.358.268. This is a diode in a plastic case, connected by male and female connectors, marked with a diode symbol for connection with correct polarity as per the wiring diagram. This should be connected by suitable cables between This work is of course quite time-consuming and terminals 85b and LLK of the contact plate, as per must have been the reason that, on the R45 and the wiring diagram. R65 models of 1978, the R80G/S of 1981, and the Monolever range of 1984, the contact plate was This also has the great advantage that in case of abandoned. Production time was shortened by failure the diode can be easily replaced. reducing the fuel tank capacity to accommodate multiple plugs and sockets beneath the right-hand Sort the cables into two groups, depending on the front corner of the fuel tank, where on ‘naked’ side of the contact plate to which they will be machines they can be guaranteed to collect water, connected. These should be held together with salt, and associated corrosion. As can be imagined, small cable ties, and routed upwards around the this can also produce problems! sides of the headlamp shell behind the trafficator unit and the lighting relay before being plugged onto the contact plate.

The other cables, from the handlebar switchgear and the ignition switch, should be run above the contact plate and also secured by small cable ties. (B&Q sell tiny multi-coloured cable ties which are ideal for this task.)

Your cables should now run around the contact plate – not over it – so leaving adequate space for the back of the headlamp unit and the bulb connector. Good Wiring

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 59 For normal folk ( and I include Kevin, Julia, Ewen and Charley here ) to go around the world on a motorcycle in a year would be an adventure in itself. Mr Sanders did it twice. On a Yamaha R1. In one year.

The restless nature of the man shines through clearly - even when things are going relatively well in his life he seems to spend as much time dreaming about the NEXT challenge as dealing with the complexities of mundane day to day issues. You get the impression that although he enjoys organising his “Global Challenge” events, he is far more serious about his solo adventuring and that is where his heart really lies.

His love of motorcycling is obvious and undoubted although his relationships with his family and friends have suffered at times But, as he is prone to disappear off at literally a moment’s notice, this is perhaps understandable.

BIKE magazine has said that “this is the man who has put the sport back into motorcycle sports touring”. Such long-distance work on a Yamaha R1 should also make honourable mention of putting the endurance back into endurance racing as well.

A good read. Especially page 48 .... There I was, minding my own - or rather, the Club’s Chris Fleming - business at the BMF Show on a very wet Saturday, in the company of Rob Pearce, zeroing Loneliness of the Long Distance Biker in on potential and current advertisers, when we Motorcycle Diaries Volume 1 stumbled across this man who was about to set Nick Sanders off yet again to beat the 2-wheeled WTR record. On The Road Books 2004 The upshot was that Mr S. pressed a copy of this ISBN 0 9549081 0-4 book into my hands and asked if anyone would £7.95 review it in the Journal.

“Its a bit fruity in places!” he said.

THAT was enough for me - beating the multi- Norton Ghost 9.01 - An easy to talented Mr Pearce by a nanosecond I had captured use system backup sequence the volume and stowed it safely for subsequent review / heavy breathing ... for your desktop PC reviewed by the Editor And yes, while in some quarters various pages may well end up being well-thumbed and Last issue, our Commercial Display Ads Manager suspiciously sticky, the rest of the book is a Rob Pearce had a slight problem with his home PC fascinating read about a Driven Man. I didn’t and system. Not only didn’t it work, it had also chewed couldn’t read it “cover to cover” because the story up ALL of the Club’s commercial ad management wanders here and there. At the end of the day, systems, software and data in what is you still have no idea why Mr Sanders does what euphemistically termed a system crash. It took the he does but you have a remarkable insight into the combined efforts of yours truly, Mr Pearce, Dave trials and tribulations that can be expected from Bertram and Dave Ensor to get his PC system up being a Motorcycle Adventurer in the 21st Century.. and running again, set against a perilously ticking

60 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 deadline for the Journal’s printing. Although its easy to be wise in retrospect, all of this headache and hassle could easily have been avoided if a backup system for the PC had been set up beforehand.

I’ve had previous experience of the Norton Systemworks Professional “Ghost” program that although a little clunky, did what it said on the tin. Now in version 9.01 for 2005, in setting up the new editorial PC for Journal production purposes I was pleasantly surprised to discover that while the Ghost program still does what it says, the whole process of system and data backup has been made significantly easier and far more 2. The “Advanced” Ghost Screen display intuitive along the way. lets you copy the contents of one hard disk ( e.g the Master ) onto another ( e.g the Backup ) Norton Ghost really is very simple : the program copies the contents of one hard disk onto another, or onto a sequential series of DVD-R/W or CD-R/W disks if need be. All you have to do is tell it what, where, how much and when :

3. The “Hard Disk Copy Wizard” screen - friendly, isn’t it ? All its saying is that using this part of the system will copy the contents of one hard disk onto another. This assumes, of 1. The “Basic” Ghost Screen display. By using course, that you have a second hard disk rewriteable CD/DVD disks, you only backup files connected to your computer ... that have changed since last time

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 61 7. Then wander off for a few minutes and make yourself a well-earned cup of tea while the program gets to work.

Depending on your PC’s configuration - i.e. how much system memory is fitted, how fast the processor chip is and how quickly your CD or DVD rewriter is - data can be transferred between hard disks or CD/DVDs very quickly indeed. My new editorial PC system, for example, transfers about 2GB of data per minute between Master and Backup so my current 30GB of programs and data takes about 15 minutes to back up. Even when the disk gets full, 150GB of data will still only take an hour or so - giving you enough time to watch your 4. Tell the program which hard disk will be favourite TV program, perhaps ? providing the data - in this case its the disk called MasterHD. Guess who has a painfully literal As you may have noticed, although Norton Ghost mind ... can be purchased as an individual program, it also comes as an integral part of the Norton Systemworks Professional software suite. This includes a well-respected and updateable antivirus program and firewall system that will protect your computer each and every time you connect to the Internet, together with a collection of other utility programs that will help to keep your computer system running smoothly and effectively. It even gives you early warning of system component failures which would be a VERY useful addition to the latest crop of BMW motorcycles, I think !

Over the years Norton Ghost has established itself as a well respected and robust system management and backup utility program - I can 5. Then tell the system which disk will be wholeheartedly recommend it in theory and receiving the data - in this case its drive F: also practice. It would have saved us an AWFUL lot of known as the BackupHD. At least it keeps things time last month with the Display Ads system as all simple in the editorial world ! we would have needed to do was replace the Master disk with the Backup disk in order to get up and running again - maybe 10 minutes work !

Norton software programs are available from most PC retail outlets and as a secure download from www.symantec.com. Occasionally there are special offers to be had so shop around.

IGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially as hard Hdisks are relatively cheap these days - I’ve seen 60GB units advertised for £40 or thereabouts so it really is a false economy not to back up your entire PC system on a regular basis. Following Rob’s Unfortunate Experience it would appear that 6. Make sure the MBR (Master Boot Record) we need to discuss and implement a data/system box is ticked - this will ensure that the PC’s backup strategy for all club officials’ PC systems operating system will know what to do with the at a forthcoming NCM. backup disk’s contents if need be ! Chris Fleming 62 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 A Racing R1200ST Photos from Nigel Hearst

Here are some picture of Performance Bike’s Dale Lomas, club racing in the open 1300 series at Cadwell on Sunday 10th April.

It’s a stock, brand new R1200ST running with no silencer. Despite starting his very first race at the back of the grid, Dale made up five places before finishing 12th after 8 laps. Competing against Dale were full race tuned R1’s, GSX1000’s, VFR’s and Fireblades.

to contribute more articles, photos, captions, recipes (why not ?), tips’n’techniques and, in the nicest possible sense, not forgetting any “B*tching, Moaning and Whining” - well, we ARE the BMW Club after all !

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 63 The Caption Competition Win a £10 or a £5 Moto-Bins Voucher

Write your own caption for this photograph. A selection of the best will be printed in the September Journal. The prizes each month for the funniest - and PRINTABLE ! - caption will be

First : A £10 Moto-Bins Gift Voucher

and

Runner-Up : A £5 Moto-Bins Gift Voucher

Entries ( post only - no phoned efforts ) will only be accepted from BMW Club Members, so please don’t forget your name, address & membership number when sending your entry.

(Thanks to Chris Crocker for this month’s photo)

As you might imagine, the boundaries of taste and decorum were a little stretched this time around but here are the honourable mentions...

“New owners of uprated servo brake models are advised to grip the handlebars firmly before fierce application of the brakes “ Steve Thomas (Wirral)

“Today, BMW unveiled their prototype for their new Side-stand” John Unwin (Chestefield)

“If she had only worn the Wonder Woman knickers, she would have gone straight down the manhole and come back up someone’s pipe!” Cliff & Jenny Batley (East Anglia)

Winner : “A trial of a new style parking meter in Soho has proved a great success and users report that even putting money in the slot is now a pleasure!” Richard Glanville, La Janais, France

Runner-up : “ She’s just waiting for her better half ! “ Thank you for your contributions - please Brian Holmes - Northern Section keep the captions and the photographs coming !

64 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 Where we meet EAST ANGLIA: The Cossways, Scole Norfolk. OXFORD: George & Dragon, Erlestoke, Wilts 12:00, 1st Sunday ; The Chequers, Wimbotsham, 7.00pm, 1st Thursday; Waggon and Horses at Norfolk,12.00 2nd Sunday; The Shoulder of Mutton, Southmoor off the A420, 19:30, 2nd Tues; Dog & Fordham, Essex. A1124. 12:00, 3rd Sunday; The Partridge, Riseley (off end of Swallowfield by-pass Compasses, Littley Green, Essex. 19:00. Last [A33]) 19:30, 4th Tues; Village Hall, Uffington, Wednesday. Oxfordshire, 14:00 occ. Suns IRISH: Dublin Meetings, 2nd Weds, Strawberry Hall, SCOTTISH: Meldrums Hotel, Ceres, Fife, 19:30, Chapelizod, Dublin 15. 8.00pm. Jim Sweeney (01) 1st Mon; Gairdeners’ Arms, 232 Paisley Road, 6270613 (H) 6280969 (W). Limerick Meeting, 2nd Glasgow, 19:00, 1st Mon; The Log Cabin Hotel, Tues 21.00, Woodfield House Hotel, Ennis Rd, Kirkmichael, Perthshire, 12:30, 2nd Sun; Crook Inn, Limerick. Peter Deevy 087 2570855. North West A701 north of Moffat, 12:30, last Sunday; Hopeville meeting , 2nd Sunday 11.00am Coffey’s Cafe, Social Club, Harlaw Road, Inverurie. 12.30, 4th Carrick-on-Shannon. Jim O’Connell 071-9182464. Sun. South East Meetings, Last Sunday of every month SOUTHERN: The Phoenix Inn, Twyford, Hants, on 11.00am Martin Doyle at 053-41167 the B3335 1 mile south of M3, J11, 20:00 alt Tues; LONDON: The Old Guinea, Ridge (about 1 mile West The Saddlers Arms, Send Marsh, Nr. Ripley. 20.00 of M25 / A1 interchange at South Mimms) 20:00 alt. Tues; The Spread Eagle, Farnham Road, West second Tuesday. The Ace Café, North Circular Liss, Hants. North of Petersfield off A3 on B3006, Road, Stonebridge, London, at 20:00 4th Monday. alt Thurs;The True Lovers Knot at Tarrant Keyneston, Dorset, 3 miles east of Blandford on MERCIA: Four Counties Inn, No Mans Heath. 19.30 the B3082 Wimborne Road, 20.00. 3rd Thursday 1st Tues and 12 noon last Wed.; Cross & Bowling Green, Branson Cross, on A435 at junction B4101. SOUTH EAST: Riano’s, A26, Maidstone, 20:00, 1st/ Adj Q8 petrol station. 19.30 2nd. Thurs.; The Bull & 3rd Wed; The Green Man, Lewes Road (B2192), Butcher, Corley Moor, B4102 from Meriden towards Ringmer, East Sussex, 20:00 2nd Fri; The Bull, East Fillongley, right before Motorway bridge, 3 miles Farleigh, 12:00, 4th Sun; ‘The Wagon & Horses’, on left, 19.30 3rd Thurs; The Chetwynd Arms, A34 Charing, 20:00, last thursday. Brocton Nr. Stafford, 19.30 4th Wed; Bull & Swan, SOUTH WEST: Jamaica Inn: At Bolventor, off A30 Diseworth, Off A453 Nr East Midlands Airport 2nd east of Bodmin. (Signed from A30); The Globe: Wed. 19.30.; Whipping Stocks, A50 Peover, Nr. Exit M5 J27 to A361 for Barnstaple and first left to Knutsford – 19.30 4th. Thurs. (with Northern Samford Peverell. All meets 1200 as per calendar Section) of events. Good Knight Inn, Cheriton Bishop: off MIDLAND: Fox at Ropsley, on A52 halfway btwn A30 between Exeter and Okehampton as per diary Grantham and A15,19:30, 1st Tues; Green Dragon, of events. Blind Lane, Oxton. , 19:30, 2nd Thurs: Queens ULSTER: Corr’s Corner, Glengormley, Co Antrim, Arms Orlingbury, btwn Kettering & Wellingborough, 20:00 1st Tues; Wed. Evening Runs, Corr’s Corner, 19:30, 3rd Tues: The Park Hall, Tavern Park Hall 19:00 April, May, Sept, 19:30 June - Aug; Sunday Road, Mansfield Woodhouse, Mansfield, Notts, Just Morning Runs. Sandyknowes Roundabout (unless of the A60. 19:30, 3rd Tues: The Kings Head Tealby, specified), 10:30, most Suns, (July - Oct). 19.30, 3rd Thursday; Community Centre, Greetham, on B668 nr Oakham, Leics, 13:30, occ Suns; The WESTERN: New Inn, Claines, Worcester, 19:30 1st A5 Rangers Cyclist Club, 101, Watling St, Tuesday; Mackenzie Hall, Brockweir, Near Tintern Towcester, entry by Islington Rd, NN12 6AU. 12:00, 14.00 2nd Sunday; The Globe Inn, Somerton 12.00 Oct to March. Sundays as detailed in the Programme. NORTH EAST: Belmont Community Centre, YORKSHIRE: Cracoe Village Hall on B6265 between Sunderland Road, Gilesgate, nr Durham.19.30. 1st Skipton and Kilnsey Crag, 12:00, 1st Sun; The Triton Wed: The Waggon Inn, on A696, 3m NW of Inn, Brantingham, N Humberside, 20:00, 2nd Mon; Ponteland, 19.30. 3rd Wed: Jackson’s Wharf Pub, White Swan Blyth, 12:00, 2nd Sun; The Coservative Jackson’s Landing, Hartlepool Historic Quays, club, Town Street Gildersome, 20:00, last Tues of 19.30. Thursday following 4th Wed. the month. NORTHERN: The Briars Hall Hotel on A5209 near Burscough, Lancs, 20.00 1st Fri.; All Saints Church Hall, Hale Barns, A538, 14:00, 2nd Sun; The Glory, Loveclough, nr Rawtenstall, A682, 19:30, 3rd Fri; Please send all changes to Harraby Inn, Carlisle, A6, 2 miles west of M6 J42, 19.30, last Monday; The Whipping Stocks, south Where we Meet to the Editor Knutsford, A50, 20.00, 4th Thurs.

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 65 Section & Register News

Social and Register Secretaries

Club Europa eV: Peter Dunn, North East: Tony Seed, 101Station Road, Thatcham, Berks. RG19 4QH. 3 Friarswood Close, Yarm, Stockton on Tees. Tel: 07941 075165. e-mail: europa@bmw- TS15 9JG. Tel: 01642 785880. e-mail: club.org.uk [email protected] East Anglia: Sue Bullimore, Oxford: John Hillier, 5 St Wendreds Way, Exning, Newmarket. 27 Stephens Close, Mortimer, Reading. RG7 3TX. Suffolk. CB8 7HJ. Tel: 01638 578461. Mobile Tel: 01189 332152. 07780973050 Scottish: Steve Shepley, e-mail: [email protected] Donavourd Farmhouse, Pitlochry. PH16 5JS. Irish: Claire Mullen, Tel: 01796 472551. e-mail: 11 Knocknarea Villas, Sligo. Tel: 00353719170887, [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Southern: Nigel Page, London: Mick Miles, 6 Eversleigh Court, High Path, Easebourne, Shepherd’s Ley, Lamb Lane, Redbourn, St Midhurst, W. Sussex. GU29 9BP. Tel: 01730 817782. Albans. AL3 7BS. Tel: 015 8279 3188. e-mail: [email protected] Mercia: John Greene, South East: John Smith, “Charnwood”, Francis Green Lane, Penkridge, 12 Castleton Avenue, Barnehurst, Kent. DA7 6QU. Staffordshire. ST19 5HE. Tel: 01785 714474. Tel: 01322 342320. e-mail: [email protected] South West: Keith Hackett, Midland: Rob Harvey, 41 Primley Park, Paignton, Devon. Tel: 01803 33 Rochester Court, Bourne, Lincolnshire. PE10 527760. e-mail: [email protected] 9TW. Tel: 01778 393187. e-mail: Ulster: Michael Sweeney, [email protected] 34 Edward Street, Downpatrick, Co Down, Nr. Northern: Geoff Thompson, Ireland. BT306JD. Tel: 028 44 615692. 44 Bamford Road, Heywood, Lancashire. OL10 Western: Brian Harrison, 4TA. Tel: 01706 629206. e-mail: Poolfield Court Cottage, Hewelsfield, Lydney, [email protected] Glos. GL15 6UJ/ . Tel: 01594 530264/

IRISH SECTION private sponsors. The total raised at this moment is €25,000 that you have to agree is some total !. . I May proved to be a very busy month starting with think with regards to raising money for charity this the Mallen to Mizen run organized by Liam Quinlan month the Irish Section deserves a big pat on the and John Freely. This was a charity run to raise back (Consider it done! – Ed) funds for The Multiple Sclerosis society. 22 rider’s plus 2 Garda outriders left Mizzen on the Saturday Pam and Don Kay have asked me to thank the morning in great weather, at the Clarion Hotel the committee for sending them to the A.G.M to receive number increased to 45, later 2 from Limerick joined Pam’s “Mary Dudgeon Award” Pam has been biking in. All along the route the hospitality was first class, for 54 years, how many of us will be able to say that. the last stop being Claire Mullen’s garage in Rosse’s Point were Pam and Don, Jim O’Connell (straight The Sunday runs from Dublin will not start from from hospital) Noel and Peggy, great to see them Merrion Street due to the confusion that road works back on their bike, were all waiting with refreshments and the “Luas” cause. It will be on the web or and a very warm welcome. I have been asked to e.mailed where they are to start from or contact pass on heartfelt thanks to Claire, for a terrific Mike Ganly 0872578136. welcome. From there they headed of for the last There will be a camping weekend inBallykeernan part of the journey where they had an excellent Athlone on the 8th – 10th July this is a great weekend meal at the Malin Hotel, and where able to rest it has been running for about five years, while it is weary bones and bums. Tom Birtwhistle made it camping there are several B and Bs available in the from across the water fair play to you Tom, and immediate area. Contact Jan Browne 0872790899 Eileen McLoughlin did the full journey on her own for directions (could be fun, I am a great fan of GS 650, I know it’s a bit sexist to mention her just scenic routes). because she’s a women but credit where credit’s due!. A big THANK-YOU to all companies and

66 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 The May 11th Route 66ers talk/video/auction /raffle/ unfortunately I will not be able to make this run as I head and beard shaving/sock modeling, this is not a will be on a biking holiday in Sardinia. That’s all for typo that diverse amount of exercises did take place now - safe riding. all in one evening. €4,000 so far has been collected Grahame Marshall with still more coming in, for Temple Street Children’s Hospital. (Well done again ! – Ed) Great big thanks has to go to Ann MacDonald who has a great knack MIDLAND SECTION of just quietly taking care of all the things that whoosh right over my head. To Tony Barrett for stepping in Hello folks, this months jottings will be short as I as auctioneer just when Joe and I thought we were have been a bit busy with a new job, finalising a going to have to do it. And brilliant he was too, if wedding and a holiday. There has been a lot going you are ever looking for a new career Tony? Joe on in May. At the beginning of the month was the and I would like to thank all of you who sponsored us Wolds run. This was followed by Bill’s Edinburgh for this event, without you it would not have weekend. Then there was the Belvoir Steam happened, and a big thank-you to Tom Kavanagh Weekend and finally the camping weekend at for parting with all of his hair and lovely goatee Dolgellau. beard. When I return I will have time, new wife permitting, The Northwest this year was attended by six of our to contact the organisers of these various events members, who braved torrential rain and hail stones, and get the low-down on what went on. In the there’s dedication to racing. The Ulster section as meantime for July there is the camping weekend at usual were very hospitable with liberal measures of Ancaster, the run to Bletchley Park and the Founders Irish whiskey and a great BBQ. Pat Mansfield Day at Stanford Hall, If interested Ian Griffin is described it as the most sensationally wet weekend leading a run from Peterborough, details in last in history, I am sure we can all recall a few worse if months calendar. we try, especially after a few Jameson’s. Finally at the end of the month there is the camping We would like to offer our condolences to one of our weekend at Long Eaton. Please check the calendar members, Louise Carter, on the sudden death of her and web site for the latest info on these events. As mother Elizabeth on 1st June (may she rest in peace). I said this would be short - I will make it up to you. (It’s alright Rob – its us you’re speaking to – not Jan Browne your new wife …. ! Ed )

LONDON SECTION Ride safe Rob Harvey Two events to report on this month, the first is the run from Godstone duckpond to the Historic Naval MERCIA SECTION Dockyard at Chatham. I was going to lead this run but owing to an unfortunate incident on route I could Repton meetings are back, by popular demand, and not make it. With that in mind I would like to thank thanks to Keith for doing these. This month the Gordon Tuck for stepping into the breach at very meeting is at 12:00 on 17th July, next month’s is on short notice and leading the run.From the feedback the 28th August. I have received it would seem that everybody that attended had a good time crawling all over Unfortunately, I missed the first ride of the season submarines and the like. when Terry led a run to the Big Pit but Ray has sent me this report. Great day out, enjoyed by all I’m The second event was the sections annual foray to sure, 14 bikes in total + wives and partners, weather the continent, this time we went to Saint-Valery- could not have been better, great roads picked by Sur-Somme a delightful little town on the Somme Terry to suit all tastes, twisties, long bends, country estuary. Twenty members attended and spent the views etc. Welcome to Mr Braithwaite, a new member weekend exploring Picardie, on the Saturday I led on his first run with us. The destination was some a group of 10 over the Pont de Normandy to Honfleur 130 miles from the start point, a relief stop was where we spent two hours over lunch people organised at a Garden centre near Ledbury, The watching, and looking around the harbour. The Hotel Big Pit is now part of the Welsh mining heritage, was good and the food was a gastronomic delight, some members went down the Pit, some had lunch we would all like to thank Kidge Elder for organising and strolled round the sites on top as they say, the such an excellent weekend. ladies found it fascinating that there are no loo’s down pit, and asked “How do you do your # 2’s” Looking forward to this month we have another two asked Mrs Slack, to which the guide replied in a runs as well as our usual natter nights, the first is a chuckled voice, “With difficulty boy-o”. Great roads, ride out to the river Yare on the Norfolk Broads on great company and very good destination, thanks the 3rd for lunch and to watch the boats go by. The for a good day Terry & Sue. second is our yearly visit to the Bell at Stilton on the 17th this is an old coaching inn just off the A1 near Ray’s ride saw 7 bikes at the start with good weather Peterborough and the food is very good. This is also except for the last 10 mile homeward when it poured a first in as much as it will be led by our esteemed down. Everyone seemed to enjoy the birds of prey secretary Nick Fry please give him your support, and the flying display, marvellous to see these birds

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 67 even if in captivity, not likely to see them in the wild shops at Rheged.. We had nine bikes out, and we anymore, numbers are dwindling fast. Thanks to had a great day, and the bike cleaning kept the Ray & Lynne for organising and leading this run. memory alive for one day more.

For those of you wanting to do some long term I didn’t get to the Waggon, but there were a lot of planning, this year’s Christmas party is to be at The happy faces at Hartlepool; people who had enjoyed Appleby Inn on 3rd December. the run the previous day, Rob fresh from French wanderings including Le Mans, Mick gearing up for Only one club run this month and that is mine to a the Munich trip – lucky people going on that. And small bike museum in Bakewell. This museum only Tim and Ann planning for their French explorations opens to the public on bank holidays and is being – looking delightful ! opened just for us on Sunday 3rd July, so I hope we get a good turnout. The start point is The Little In July we have Phil’s BBQ on the 9th, and the run Chef in Rugeley and I shall be leaving at 10:30. It’s to Ridewell in Stockton on the 17th, the Belmont a shortish run through Derbyshire to arrive in night goes out to Edmundbyers for refreshments, Bakewell about 12:00 noon where we have some and there’s a fish and chips from Bowburn on the 1st parking arranged. We can then wander round the led by Graham. So come and join in at least one of town, get some lunch and return for the museum these. All the details are in the Diary. visit at 13:45. Coffee and tea will be served in the garden before departure. The museum charge is In August there is the Classic Bike Show in Corbridge £1.50 and the tea /coffee is £1 with all proceeds – is it in YOUR diary? going to local charities. The museum has around Our September Camping Weekend at Waren Mill 50 bikes in its collection dating from 1901 to the has got a subsidy from Central funds. We hope that 1960s. other sections will join us in numbers as previously.

Must finish now as I’m off to the Alps to see if you Finally, the Section AGM will be held on 5th October. really can scrape the pots on a GS! John Greene Any nominations for posts should be made on a standard format which you can get from any NORTHEAST SECTION committee member, including me, and should be proposed in good time! The month started with the evening at Mill hosted by Paul Grey who left us to hop on and off the bikes, So I hope you are getting out, and enjoying the and then presented us with a large buffet. It was a local sights and the lovely days and nights. pleasant evening with a good turn out, and time to Tony Seed look at all the wares, especially the K1200 and some varieties of the R1200. The K1200 in touring form is NORTHERN SECTION what I’m waiting for. Bob & Pam Harrison’s Chateau Weekend in Normandy over the early May Holiday weekend went Tim led a mystery tour and he summed it up as very well! Nineteen Club Members, blazing sunshine, follows; “All went well. Weather dry, cool and overcast smooth traffic-free French roads and then there’s at start, but got warmer and sunnier as the day the food…… motorcycle heaven. Bob reported that progressed. Eleven bikes turned out, with 3 carrying by various means and adventures en route they pillions. Left Wolviston services and had a gentle joined together for yet another memorable Chateau run down through Bilsdale and across to Pickering, weekend. Didn’t think anything could be as good as then up to Goathland for lunch stop. At this point, 2003, how wrong can you be – IT WAS EVEN Carol and I had to leave early (Carol had a plane to BETTER. Thanks to all the Northern, Yorkshire, catch!) and so Peter Holley kindly offered to shepherd Mercia and Scottish section members for coming everyone home. Please mention this in your section and bringing their sense of fun to this unique venue. news report and thank Peter for taking over. Thanks Guess we’re going for a third term in 2007! also to Ann and Mike for being ‘tail-enders’ for the day. Feel free to edit/amend as appropriate!” Well, Bill Smithson told me that 15 bikes and their riders there is a bit to add; I wasn’t there so have to go on and pillions left Carnforth railway station for Charles lore, but Graham varied the route unconventionally and Rachel Morrish’s first run as organisers. At Devils and had a bit of remedial work to do for himself – a Bridge 4 escapees from the Southern Section, Bob time related treatment only, and the bike was soon Denman, Dave Walker, Terry Hartshorn and Colin “together” in a colour uncoordinated state but Notso Young joined us. So 19 machines in total operational and he was able to get to the BMF on it. enjoyed a run of around 175 miles through some of A real fighter! our area’s finest scenery. A stop at Cawfields Milecastle on Hadrian’s Wall gave us the opportunity Jack Lawrie had a good turn out for the fish and for a photo stop, have a natter and then make our chips in North Shields; I should have gone as it was way independently to Corbridge for the lunch stop. a lovely night, but I had a wet day sorting out for my We re-convened at 2.30 for the remainder of the run the next Wednesday. The run I led to Penrith run, which completed the circuit ending at Devil’s went well too, though the forecast was giving P Bridge. Thanks to Charles and Rachel for a well Holley – and others - a headache beforehand. It planned and executed run, with no motorway miles wasn’t too wet however, but misty and windy and we involved, using a good combination of roads. An got to new places, some wild, some little havens such as Allenheads , and the ladies liked (??) the 68 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 excellent first success. Thanks also to Gerry for back Oxford BMW for holding the open evening and I am marking the Drop-offs. sure everybody will look forward to next years.

Mike Gibson’s first mid week ride was a great success This month on the 2nd and 3rd we will be running a too. Six Boxers and a Brick met at Kirby Lonsdale check point at Carterton for the ACU/BMF National and we spent a very pleasant few hours exploring Rally, helpers will be needed, contact Dave and the lanes of South Cumbria and were treated to Rosemary Hicks on 01869 240529. tantalising glimpses of sea, mountains and lakes. We lunched in the picturesque village of Cartmell On July 10th we will have Steve and Catherine and set off home just as the rain started. Moxey’s ride to Ironbridge in Shropshire, the cradle of the industrial revolution. The meeting place will Bill Smithson organised a super day for the section be Oxford services at J8 of the M40 at the lay-by at the Hub at Alston which is a heritage and transport near the filling station in the service area, meeting museum. It is run by volunteers and is a non-profit at 8.40 to leave at 9.00. organisation that strives to keep the local history of Alston Moor alive through remarkable photo history The camping weekend in near Canterbury is on from and a wealth of locally restored vehicles. There is the 15th to 17th of July, the campsite has been also an extensive archive of photographs, many of changed to Yew Tree Park, Stone street, Petham, which have accompanying stories and are often Near Canterbury, CT4 5PL. contact me on 01189 connected to the cars and bikes on display. We 332152 for more information. There will be local were made to feel really welcome with free tea and B+Bs for those who don’t wish to camp. biscuits and no matter which route you took there the views were terrific. Peter Mapes and I will be going to the track day at Mallory Park, anyone else going? Early June saw the second of Paul Nadin’s mid- John Hillier week runs but unseasonal weather made the trip to North Wales hard work. Paul reports six stalwarts set SCOTTISH SECTION off on a very wet and dark morning. It was improving a little by the time we got to Llangollen, so we took I couldn’t make the Round Scotland Rally ‘cos the heart, but up at the top of Horseshoe pass it was just IAM changed the date of their Motorcycle horrendous, so two took their leave after coffee and Conference and I can’t be in two places at once. I the rest of us headed off in to the fog and the rain to hear from the few who turned up that it was a good the pub near Ffestiniog for lunch and a drying out run and our collective thanks go to Nick Heywood for session. The forecast was that it would improve organising it. If you do it again next year I’ll try to about lunchtime, but it was wrong a as usual, so we make it. battled back using the same roads through torrential rain. We couldn’t see a thing until we were back at I did, however, get to Lochearnhead for the Llangollen when the sun came out and we rode bunkhouse weekend, just as well because I was chief home drying out and in some style. cook but let others wash the bottles. Gerard’s bambi stew (prepared earlier in best Blue Peter fashion that was in fact started by Fanny Craddock, that’s the Derek Irvine needs numbers for the Graham Arms at expression, not the stew (now I’m beginning to sound Carlisle weekend, 2-4th September as soon as like Robert Bensley, who didn’t turn up although he possible, so if you are thinking of going let him know said he probably would) went down a storm and all on 01524 770862. my cull and skink (I used the wrong fish ‘cos that was Geoff Thompson what Tesco had on offer so can’t really call it by its proper name) and mince and skirlie was finished OXFORD SECTION too; even the custard to accompany Dick Boyd’s famous apple pies wasn’t lumpy. I’d gone in the car We had a super ride out to the Air display at Duxford to carry all the food so gave the runs out a miss; I on the 8th of May, John Broad led it and I did the didn’t want anyone being unable to keep up. As luck tail end Charlie’s job. The ride up went very smoothly would have it, Hugh Killin’s nice new (to him) 650 with everyone doing their part. The air show was through a wobbly and blew fuses so he had the day very good with plenty see and wonder at. off too. It was nice to see Drew and Annie and friends For me the best thing was getting aboard the Sally on the Saturday, they had ridden over from an old B, Flying Fortress and just wondering what it was bike(rs) meet in Pitlochry so we gave them tea and like to fly in such an aeroplane and being glad not biccies and sent them back to their plush hotel. to have to do it!! If this Journal gets to you in time then come along The open evening at North Oxford BMW was very to Dunnet Bay on 1-3 July for Jim Wright’s camping well attended, the full range of bikes were there for weekend. If you miss that then the next one is Dick demonstration rides, I had a go on a K1200S a very Boyd’s back garden camping event on 5-7 August different type of BMW in some ways closer to powerful followed hotly by the National at Kelso. I still need Japanese bikes but in others very much a BMW. Our loads of little helpers on the event so if you have Chairman Colin was doing a great job at the nothing better to do or the mother-in-law is coming barbeque keeping everyone fed. Thank you to North to stay then come over and help me. Steve Shepley

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 69 SOUTHERN SECTION swim in the sea afterwards. The run leaves SPC at 10.00 hrs. May has been a relatively quiet month, which is just as well looking at the schedule for June, July and The 7 August see Phil Raymond (07899 954555) August. leading a walk; meet at the Seven Stars at 10.00.

It struck me that I have not heard from any old gits Dave and Myfanwy’s visit to the St Regis pulp mill lately but perhaps I should count my blessings! Are (just W of the Severn Bridge) on 14 August is full those who usually frequent the Station Cafe saving with a waiting list. The number allowed around the their energy? When they do arrive they will talk at mill is strictly limited for health and safety reasons. each other, hear nothing and then disappear in If you cannot make it please phone 01428 751756 different directions despite having arranged a group so that your space can be reallocated. Remember it ride out. It was ever thus, but remember there is is an early start; we will be leaving SPC at 08.30 another opportunity on 6 July. PROMPT as we have to be at the mill for a certain time. Richard Tavener writes that the fish and chip evening at Bagshot was well attended and Nigel suggests Why not dine out with Nigel Page (01730 817782) that the venue could be used for one of his famous at Pagham for fish and chips on 17 August. breakfast meets. Sell your TESCO shares everyone! The Popham Airfield Bike Rally is on the weekend Pat and Mick report that 13 bikes and 19 people 20-21 August; come and camp and enjoy the fun. supported their run toThe Royal Signal Museum at Phone Nigel Page 01730 817782 for details. Blandford. Apparently the run went to plan with no wrong turns so well done Mick and not a rail in sight. Finally in August, if you have the strength, the However, a marathon run in Winchester halted National Rally at Kelso runs over the weekend 26- progress for about 15 minutes, but this did allow 29 August. Mick the opportunity to ask spectators for directions. David Williamson, for your social team. The weather was dry until Blandford when Alan (Steed) discovered that he had apparently forgotten to pack Carole’s waterproof trousers so you can imagine the earache he received. It turned out that SOUTH EAST SECTION he hadn’t, but we all enjoyed the spectacle. This Events for May started with Colin and Sheila Blissett’s rain was despite the section’s weather talisman (Jean Camping and B&B Weekend in Derbyshire, which Kennedy) being present, must have dozed off. But was well attended. For a Bank Holiday weekend the despite all the drama Pat describes another weather was typically variable but there was a fair successful execution of the drop off system. It won’t amount of warm sunshine. Unfortunately, Colin’s last. excellent ride-out on the Saturday suffered from a bit of mist and rain but it didn’t seem to dampen the Richard Tavener contributes that the museum was cheerful spirits of those taking part. An excellent well worth a visit. The exhibits range from the 18th lunch had been organised, at a quiet pub in the century to the present day and include such Dales, where a log fire soon warmed up the damp fascinating items as the Enigma machine. There riding gear. The food did the rest! There was another was also a variety of motorcycles on show ranging ride-out on the Sunday which fared better with the from a parachutist’s scooter and Royal Enfield 125cc, weather and equally as well with the food. Some BSA and triumphs 500’s etc., to the 750 Saints energetic souls swapped their bikes for walking gear display team bikes. I’m surprised our agents weren’t and disappeared all day, whilst others took a ride on more easily recognised when on operations. The the ‘puffer’ train to Matlock Bath for a look around. give-away would have been the arm used to carry The evenings brought us all together for food, at the ‘portable’ transmitter (32lbs). It would have been the ‘Square and Compasses’, which also provided at least a foot longer than the other. the B&B for those unable to camp. Each evening was punctuated by live music in the bar but the For members on the Isle of Wight Dave White would highlight for most of us was the final evening of like to set up a regular natter night. He reports that ‘Irish’ style fiddle, whistle and guitar playing. A very there has been one meet already and they would good weekend was had by one and all and our like to meet again in July. Please contact Dave on thanks go to Colin and Sheila for organising the 01983 866582 and help him make this initiative a Derbyshire event for us. success. Dave Deacon’s run on the 8th had Dave leading a On 10 July Bill Kennedy (01329 318504) is leading large contingent of members to the Enginerium a run to Bath; meet 09.30 at Lily Langtry’s Café, Museum, near Lancing, on what he described as “a Stockbridge;. Thursday 21 July Dave and Myfanwy brisk run through the minor roads of Kent and Williamson’s (01428 751756) fish and chips at Sussex”. A stop for lunch and refreshment was made Southsea 19.00 hrs. . with the run ending at Dave’s house for the now traditional tea and cakes. More food ... how do we The destination for Dave and Leslie Goldsmith’s do it! A great day out and our thanks go to Dave for run to the coast on 24 July is the Royal Marines organising it, plus a special mention for John Hawker Museum at Southsea. Bring your costume for a

70 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 who made the teas and to Pam Hawker for making with a Brownie Pack and their Brown Owl,(herself a the excellent cakes. motorcyclist) Tawny Owl and other helpers.

The Saturday evening Fish and Chip run, annually No reports received from the Fish & Chip nights, but organised by Margaret and myself, was very well no doubt someone turned up to sampled the great attended and for a change the weather was good. A British takeaway. steady run to the coastal resort of Hastings was a mere prelude to the invasion of the ‘Promenade We recently received an invitation to attend a Restaurant’ by forty-three hungry mortals from the Porsche Owners Meeting. This event information South East Section. Hastings had seen nothing like was received much to late to give it the publicity it since Harold “stopped one in the eye” in 1066! that it warranted, but was circulated to those We are fortunate to have a good rapport with the attending section meetings. Perhaps this invite owners of the restaurant who accommodate us based could be extended to the 2006 Westcountry Porsche on a telephone phone call we make when leaving Owners Meeting. I feel sure that we would enjoy the start point. Not many establishments are willing the experience, and share some thoughts on the to do that. We had a great time and we thank you merits of a boxer engine, even if ours is a modest 2 all for supporting the evening. cylinder version. More details please Mr R.

I am typing this Section News whilst trying to sort out The July programme includes the usual summer the BMF and the Bike Show at Paddock Wood, which fish & chip meetings as well as on Sunday 10th. a is proving to be more challenging this year, mainly visit to The Cobbaton Combat Collection. The high due to changes to procedures for the Show. These point for several members is the annual Concours to things are never simple and I can only hope that it be held on Sunday 31st. Let’s see a few more of the all works out well for those of you who have specials and some older Beemers. Don’t forget the volunteered to help and or display your bike. If evening pub meets. anyone gets the ‘hump’ because I was unable to accommodate their offer, please do not blame me, Safe riding, Les Madge it will be due to something that I have no control over! WESTERN SECTION

Just a reminder to get your bikes fettled up for the May Day weekend at Sunny Lyn Camp Site near Best Bike Competition, at ‘Riano’s’, on the 20th July Lynmouth was a great success. Seventeen members and to keep your eyes on your Section ‘Diaries’ for took part, coming from the Midlands, the South West, all forthcoming events. Mercia and our own section. It was great to meet our friends and some new faces. I hope you all enjoyed Finally, if you have a logo design for the proposed your stay. I am sorry about the walk downhill to Section regalia will you please bring it along to Lynmouth!!! Despite climbing up as high as was the Club Night on the 3rd August. possible in such a short distance, it was definitely worth it. We were well served on the site with a shop Take care and keep it upright. Brian Shears. and a café and with meals in the pub next door, didn’t have to cook anything more than a cup of tea. SOUTH WEST SECTION What a great idea!! We have decided to repeat the visit over the early May Bank Holiday 2006. See Les Carr’s Hampster Rally started off the camping you there. season with a very successful weekend. The weather was fairly kind, the on site facilities were good, and At the May Brockweir meet, the volunteers from the site owner was more than obliging. Events this Freewheelers came and gave us a talk, explaining far west often attract a few long distance riders. The the way they work and raise funds etc. to offer a furthest travelled this year was probably Les Carr’s Motorcycle service to the N.H.S. They visit hospitals Brother (Our Kid). We think Les should consider to deliver important documents etc. We all running another event for the 2006 section diary. contributed to help raise some cash on the day and Thanks again. also a £50 cheque from the club funds. These guys put in a considerable amount of time organising If you think that you would like to organise an event, and riding, also maintaining the bikes, so to have to contact one of the section committee members for fund-raise asw ell to finance their efforts must be an informal discussion. Although the mid week pub very difficult. Good luck with your charitable work meets are poorly attended at present, we shall lads. continue listing them until the end of September. If you would like these meets to continue through the John Daniels provides the next report on the Worcester winter months please speak to me or Keith Hackett. group visit to the SS Great Britain in Bristol on 15th May. The weather was better than I imagined for Chris & Sylv Crocker met up with several other our run to Bristol, lovely sunshine all day and not members for the Canal Cruise which was followed too hot for riding, just what motorcycles were made by a cream tea. A special welcome was extended to for — brilliant! Despite my fears that no one would John & Sally who had travelled from New Ash Green, turn up due to ‘Road Closed’ signs and some road Kent especially for the day. The boat was shared works near to our meeting point at the New Inn, twelve of us met up on nine bikes. With my 10 year

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 71 old son, Andrew, riding pillion on the back of my 6. Redford & Carol - Newbridge - R1150RT - bike for his first real outing, we set off avoiding the Phoned in from Brecon Mountain Centre, road works and the worst of the traffic around the slightly off route. Three Counties Showground at Malvern. Then on 7. Les Jenkins without Bndget(home nursing a down the Wye Valley, stopping at Tintern for cough) diverted off after Afon Argoed to return refreshments and meeting up with Brian Harrison, to his cariad?? who joined us for the rest of the journey south, Over the Severn, via the ‘Old’ bridge, it is still an awe A visit to Bowood House & Gardens was planned for inspiring sight to me, then on down to Avonmouth 22nd May. The day turned in rather wet but gave all and onto our destination. I have to say that unlike those who came time to chat over a few cups of many other places I have visited, the direction signs coffee etc. We did manage to walk around the to the ship are very good, well done to whoever was grounds after the rain eased off. responsible. We met up with some other members of the Western Section at the docks before having a Looking ahead an extra visit has been planned for look around. I had not been inside the ship before Saturday 16th July. This is a visit to Camerton Court and was well impressed with the restoration work Garden. Meet Arthur Withey at 1.00p.m. in the Little that has been carried out. The Dining Room has got Chef car park at Farrington Gurney on A37 South of to be one of the most splendid I have seen anywhere, Bristol. although I don’t know what it would have been like trying to eat a meal in a raging sea! I wouldn’t fancy Sunday 17th July - ‘Crime through Time Museum’ trying to sleep in any of the bunk beds, they’re very visit. The museum has moved to Littledean Jail, small and looked a bit too easy to fall out of! There Littledean in the Forest of Dean. Meet as before - is still lots of work to be done to the ship and the very 11. 00 at the Jail (Not Newent) in Littledean on the best of luck to them. Well worth a visit. We also had A4151 between Elton (A48) and Cinderford. a look around the replica of the Matthew, built to Brian Harrison commemorate the anniversary of John Cabot’s journey to Newfoundland from Bristol. This was very good, although I wouldn’t fancy crossing the Atlantic ULSTER SECTION in it as it’s not very big! Apologies for there not being any Ulster Section We returned home again via the old bridge, but news in the Journal last month. It was because I was then followed the A48 towards Gloucester, before off haring around Morocco on my bike, but more turning north and back via Newent. Thanks to about that later. everyone who turned up. I think they enjoyed the day and thanks to Bob Dunn for ‘Tail Ending’! Lots of Section members have reported having had a chance to test ride the new R1200ST during the May was a busy month! Next Haydn tells us about spring and reports coming back suggest that they his Navigation Ride. This year, the second of this have been quietly impressed with its abilities unusual (for the BMW club) event, there was a 20% (although not everyone is convinced about its looks). increase in the motorcycles assembled at the start, I understand that there was a good turnout at Hursts Normans excellent all day traditional British breakfast for the launch of the new K1200, the one that will café, well worth a visit any Sunday morning after be used for the Boxer Cup. Church, to see the enormous variety and numbers of motor cycles and some classic cars. The turnout for the North West 200 camping weekend was quite poor and we will have to give a little Seven bikes and eleven riders/navigators set off thought regarding what we want to do next year. around mid and south Glamorgan. This years format Perhaps not having the strippers along this year had was slightly different from last years, being based a depressing effect on attendance? on finding check points using Landranger map ordnance survey reference numbers and making your We have been asked to provide race marshals for own route. This seemed to work very well and the Ulster Grand Prix in August, so if anyone is combined with excellent weather and scenery, interested in lending a hand please let Tommy everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves. Atkinson know.

Given below the finishing order, based on the lowest In order to fill a few column inches I’ll describe a mileage and upon obtaining the necessary World of BMW trip which I took during May which confirmation of actually visiting all of the eleven some people might think about doing themselves check points. sometime. The trip began in Plymouth on 1st May 1. Graham and Christine - Ebbw Vale - where the twelve of us who had signed up met for R1250RT - All check points - 73 miles the first time. There were twelve bikes altogether: 2. Brian and Mair - Swansea – R1150RT - 79 three 1150 GS Adventures; three of the new 1200 miles GS’s, two 650 GS’s and the rest were standard 1150 3. Tim Lilley - Bristol - F650 Dakar - 82 miles GS’s. The Plymouth ferry took us to Santander in 4. Cohn Ross & Susan - Kidderminster - northern Spain and then we rode down the length K1200RS - Minus one - 82 miles of Spain staying one night in Salamanca and one 5. Ivor Plater - Barry - R8ORS - two - 81 miles night in Seville. Then there was a short ferry journey

72 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 of about 40 minutes from Southern Spain to North YORKSHIRE CHALLENGE 2005 Africa. Morocco is a country of great contrasts with the Atlas Enclosed list of checkpoints each has been awarded and Riff mountains being cool and green but the points for location, ease of finding and distance. desert in the southern part being the exact opposite. Visit as many or few as you want and enjoy the far- The group were booked into a hotel made of mud flung places of Yorkshire. and straw (but with all mod cons) which was situated on the fringe of the desert in an oasis many miles 1.. Find the checkpoint, photograph it, Including from proper roads and this was the base which was your motorcycle and rally card. used for off-road trips out into the Sahara to see old 2.. If you can’t get your motorcycle close enough, French Foreign Legion forts and camel trains. take a photograph with the card and another I found riding across the desert hard, hot work but photograph of your bike with a recognizable sign or not too difficult until, that is you came to the soft similar. Both photographs required for full marks sand. The big Adventure didn’t like the soft sand 3.. Ensure you understand exactly what is to be and I nearly came a cropper two or three times. photographed, 10% deducted for incorrect entries. However, I wasn’t the only one. Three others did 4.. You should not go on private land for any photo, come off at different times including the tour leader, please respect other people’s property and privacy. a vastly experienced rider who ended up with 5.. When you have taken your photographs label multiple fractures to his collar bone. each one with checkpoint number, your name, post to us, with completed check point list, or drop off if It wasn’t all dicing with death in the desert though you are passing, but please ring first. Please note and we got to visit and stay in really interesting due to a clockwork computer I am unable to accept places like Fez and Marrakech which I will go back e-mailed pictures, but a floppy or c.d. disc will be to sometime. The return trip back to the UK was fine. All entries to be in for the Sunday the 2nd made using a similar route but staying this time in October Grenada and Segovia on the way back up through Spain. The bikes were all absolutely reliable for the Points needed to gain an award whole trip despite the way that they were used and abused and the nearest thing to a problem was when 100% GOLD AWARD All checkpoints no errors..... a fork seal began to leak on one of the 650’s. I for one will go back to North Africa again and would GOLD AWARD All checkpoints some recommend this kind of trip to anyone who isn’t afraid errors....901 to 1000 Pts to venture a bit further than Newcastle, County Down! SILVER ...... 600 to 900 pts

Michael Sweeney BRONZE...... 300 to 599 pts

YORKSHIRE SECTION Elaine West (biker chick)

What a wonderful month for motorcycling - if you live in Spain that is. The hardy few who turned out SPORTING REGISTER to section events have been rewarded with excellent company; a lighter wallet; and frostbite. But seriously You may or may not have heard of changes affecting (I do try) thanks to all for attending events and for subsidy payments to Farmers, these changes would members who organised them. Staxton, Hayfield have meant that if a Farmer allowed his land to be and Scunthorpe all proved popular venues. used for motorsport he would have lost the ‘Single Payment Subsidy’. This would have had a The Vintage Section Gathering drew 50 or so devastating effect on Moto X, Enduro, Trials, etc. participants despite dreadful weather. Eric Rance The A C U have been contesting these changes and played host to this event sadly for the last time but have recently announced the sucess in revising the Malcolm Sedgwick will run it in future. Eric will be guidlines to permit Motorsport without affecting the doing a piece in the Journal at a later date. The subsidy. winner of first prize was Terry Gilfinnan on a model R302, long distance award went to Dave Bertram I’ve just returned from the Northants trail riding w/ 190 mile travelled, There was sponsorship from end, 14 of us followed Chris Wrightson around his Motor Bins and a tee shirt from Alan Jeffries, also local green lanes of varying degrees of difficulty, flowers were presented to the ladies for their help the going at times was heavy on wet clay tracks. Jim and refreshments. Many thanks and good wishes go York R100S had trouble with his front mudguard to Eric and his good Lady for all their hard work over clogging up, Barry Warner R80 was the first to be the years, lets all carry on and give our support to horizontal and broke his gear lever, the R1100RS Malcolm in the future. broke my sidestand switch forcing my way through a deep rut with lumps of concrete in the bottom. The The Yorkshire Challenge - Round Britain Rally kicks G Ss, KTM, and trail bikes made easy going of it off in July the details below. As Steve will be away although several ended up horizontal. Next years on holiday till the 18th of July any late entry details event will be around Thetford. will be sent out on their return.

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 73 Remember the competition in the last Vintage & Classic News? I had a poor response from members but in any event the winner was Terry Bradshaw from Lincolnshire. The question was ’What is the mistake in the road test on the R68?’ Well, the tester commented ’The high-rev velvety smoothness was one of the BMW’s most attractive features. I wonder how much of this is due to the engine being mounted in rubber?’ Rubber mounted! Wrong! The R68 had no rubber mounts, not even the top engine mount has a rubber, unlike the later machines.

Last months Journal report included a photo of R.Brown astride the ex-Tim Reid R51. What was not mentioned in the caption (oops – sorry about that! – Ed) was that this gent actual saw Tim racing in the 51 in the 1939 TT. It made his day to sit on the actual machine. (Hence the caption A Happy Man !) I nearly didn’t get home, I was approaching a right hand bend at about 60 when I encountered a red The Classic Bike Clubs’ Show at Stanford Hall was car overtaking a motorhome. I took to the gutter not supported by the Register at the end of May. We expecting to survive, I’m writing this late at night, had one of the best displays of pre’69 and /5 not looking forward to sleeping as I hate nightmares. machines for a long time and everyone who came I’ve just had a drink and still feel sick, sorry fans but along must be praised for their efforts. The day was I just cannot compose anything else. P S perhaps warm and dry; ideal for a stroll around the auto the new Ed. can add a comment or two? jumble stalls and club stands. Members were able to show their machines in the arena; 1936 to 1971 Robert Bensley models of BMW being represented.

(Deep breaths, relax and remember that they really The Register awarded two prizes for ‘Highly ARE out to get you? Ed ) Commended’. These went to Ray Hall - R69 - and John Halls - R60. The prizes given by the show organisers were won by Alan Redfern who was on his VINTAGE & CLASSIC REGISTER beautiful white R75/5 and Brian Pashley on his recently rebuilt R51/3.A great credit to all for the As reported by our Club President in the June standard of the machines. Journal, the last Ilkley Gathering of the Register took place over the weekend of the 30th April/1st If you want a day out in a similar vein, come to May. The weather was not as kind as in previous Stanford Hall on July 24th for the VMCC Founders years but nevertheless a reasonable number Day Rally. The location is near the village of attended and the local press took an interest with Stanford-upon-Avon, Nr. Lutterworth, Leics. Coming one of their photographers being present. by car? Make it early to avoid the queues. In addition to the usual format of ‘talk BM’s and drink tea’ Eric had organised a number of side Malcom McNair attractions including a display of paintings by motorcycle artist Alan Jones, a competition to guess the make of a racing 175cc ( a Russian Vostock it NEXT MONTH’S JOURNAL transpires), a R2 prior to restoration, exhibited by Andy Scull, and Colin Pinder took along a Dutch electric powered bicycle for members to ride around As SWMBO, the K1200LT and yours truly the block. will be gallivanting round Europe (a) seeing Mention must be made about the prizes, as in Bruce Springsteen in concert in various addition to Register awards, donations came from cities, (b) going to the BMW Bikerfest in Moto-Bins and BMW dealer Alan Jefferies. Awards presented went to:- Garmisch and (c) replenishing the Editorial Wine Cellar throughout the rest of June and Dave Bertram ‘Furthest Travelled’ Terry Gilfinnan ‘Best Machine’ early July, Dave Bertram has kindly Andy Scull (R60) ‘Slowest Tick-Over’ “volunteered” to do the editorial honours for Our thanks go to Eric and Jenny Rance for their work the August issue. Please send all features, organising the event over the past years and to all articles and photos to Dave : his details the helpers who have made it such a success. I understand Eric is persuading a North East Member are on page 3. to organise a similar event for next year. Chris (where’s my passport ?) Fleming 74 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 75 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 post 6. Mutual Aid Adverts are accepted for a one-month insertion only. to the Mutual Aid Officer: Owen Vaughan, 16 South Meadows, Any subsequent submissions are the responsibility of the 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 – 20:00 which edition it applies to before querying why your advert hasn’t 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 might First Come, First Served at closing time! 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 number availability of items or goods or for any arrangements for delivery and name. If you wish to use more than 50 words your option is to or payment. pay for the advert at 20p a word for the WHOLE advert. Payment 9. Adverts from non - club members may be accepted in special with advert before submission. Note one advert/month per section. circumstances. For information, please contact the Mutual Aid At the editor’s discretion adverts can be edited where deemed Officer. 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 etc goods being sold in the course of business shall clearly indicate this 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 Trading membership. Standards Department and the Editor immediately. The fine for breaches of this order is up to £1,000.

MOTORCYCLES FOR SALE NOTE AUGUST JOURNAL COPY DEADLINE IS 1ST JULY K100RS 16v 1991 ‘H’ reg, 46,500 miles, White. FSH, F650 Funduro 1996 ‘N’ reg. 30,000 miles, Red. one owner, MOT’s & receipts, panniers & inner T&T 05/06, centre stand, new chain & sprockets, bags, tank & roll bag, intercom. Riding suit, jacktet, brakepads, cables & recent service. Extremely tidy boots, helmets, gloves. £2950 Ray Tel 07721 & reliable £1795 Steve Tel 01765 650374 (Yorks) 352459 (West Mids) Wanted R1100/1150GS. K100RS SE 1989 ‘G’ reg, 11,200 miles. Good K1 1991, 27,000 miles, Red/Yellow. Superb cond, condition - garage fall on right fairing but only paint T&T, £2550 Mick Tel 01652 661224 (Lincs) damage. Full luggage, tool kit etc. Great runner £1950 ono Ivor Tel 0151 4285429 K75RT 1995 41,000 miles, Blue. Comfort seat, ABS, K100RS Ltd Edition 1989 ‘G’ reg, 59,000 miles, crash bars, Spyball alarm, panniers, Givi rack, FSH White/Blue. ABS, T&T 05/06, BMW top box, & belly & receipts. MOT 04/06. Ex cond £2550. Larry Tel pan. Very clean bike, good tyres, new battery, 01329 507715 (Hants) £1750 ovno. Kevan. Tel 01204 594821 (Lancs) K75S 1991 ‘H’ reg, 59,000 miles, Red. ABS, comfort K1100LT IC ‘M’ reg, 38,000 miles. ABS h/grips, seat, h/grips, voltmeter, twin 12v outlets, panniers, elec srceen, crash bars, Fuel & Temp gauges. Ex new front discs MOT 04/06. A well maintained & cond. £3400 Robert Tel 07855 310187 (Lancs) reliable bike in VGC, new R1200ST arriving John K1100RS 1993 ‘K’ reg, 60,000 miles FBMWSH, Tel 01633 264808 (Gwent) MOT 05/06, Tax 08/05, one previous owner, ABS, K100 1983, 47,000 miles Red. Rickman Fairing, panniers, h/grips, s/s fasteners, new front, rear handling kit, Bmw panniers,top box. VGC V/ brake & ABS discs. Timing chain replaced at last Reliable. T&T£1250 Brian Tel 01463 big service. £2750 Alan Tel 01592 621001 234997 (Scotland) (Non mbr) (Scotland) K100RS 1985, 90,000 miles, Red. Gd cond, Gd K1200RS, 1988, 24,000 miles, Blue. VGC, h/grips, runner, serviced, MOT 06. Must sell, bought another ABS, FBMWSH, full BMW luggage, long & short bike & space needed. £795 ono Bryan Tel 01204 screens, touring & standard bars, French or UK 657624 (Lancs) registration, left & right dipping headlights, comfort & standard saddles, can deliver UK ferry port £4500 David Tel 33 2 31 39 10 37 (Normandy). 76 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 K1200RS 1999, ‘V’ reg, 24,500 miles, Marakesh 07/05. BMW & Remus systems. Superchipped. Red. Wide rear wheel, h/grips, ABS, 1 owner from Recent Rear tyre & Pads. Garaged. VGC £4,300 new. Garaged, FBMWSH, excellent cond. Panniers, ono, Andy Tel 07816 514044( Dorset) tank bag, carbon fibre, hugger, GPS mount, cockpit R1100RS SE 1993 ‘L’ reg, 37,000 miles, Marakesh power socket. MOT 05/06, Tax 08/05. £4995 ono Red. Mint Cond, panniers, top box, h/grips, Niall Tel 07785 538789 (Berks) hazards, new clutch just fitted. £2950. Clive Tel K1200RS Sp 2000 ‘W’ reg 19,000 miles, Silver/ 01302 846682 (Yorks) Blue. FBMWSH, Tax 03/06, MOT 10/05, £4,800, R1100RS SE 1998 ‘R’ reg, 40,000 miles, Red/Silver. Philip Tel 01371 856389 75th Anniversary Limited Edition, ABS, h/grips, K1200RS SE 2003 14,000 miles, Blue. Immac, Abs, panniers. MOT 03/06 Tax 05/06, FSH, serviced 03/ h/grips, Immobilizer, alarm, Large rear wheel, colour 05. £3950. Keith Tel. 01202 478913 (Dorset) coded panniers £6100 ono Kevin Tel 07860 147180 R1100RT 1996 ‘N’ reg, 60,000 miles, Titan silver. (Non Member) T&T., panniers, h/grips, hazards, good workhorse. R65 1980, 29,000 miles, Met. Beige. T&T 04/06, £3750 ono. Clive Tel 01302 846682 (Yorks) nearly new tyres, battery & s/s exhaust system, R1100RT, 1998, ‘R’ reg, 28,000 miles, VGC, FSH, BMW screen, panniers, plenty more extras, Jpegs Full luggage and inners, T & T 01/06, always available, £1450 Uwe Tel 01865 858282 (Oxfs) . garaged, £4950. Eric Tel 01453 886242 (Glos) (Non R65LS 1983, New Red paintwork. Gd cond, new Member) Ohlins shocks, battery & bearings. Stove enamled R1100RT 2001 ‘51’ reg, 12,250 miles. T&T, frame, wheels done in white. S/s silencers, gd FBMWSH, Datatag, h/grips, comfort pillion seat, tyres, MOT 05/06, Tax 08/05 £1500 ono Dave Tel panniers. Cyl guards, fender extenda. h/lamp 01202 511242 (Dorset) guard, extra 12v socket. As new, poss p/ex low R80GS 1985, 21,000 miles. Owned last 18 years mileage 5 door hatch Glen Tel 01661 831504 by retired BMW technician. S/s silencer, original (Northumberland) condition. T&T, regularly used, garaged. £2650 R1100S Sport, ‘W’ reg, 3,100 miles, Titan Silver. ono. Derek Tel 01962 854709 (Hamps) Immac cond, pannier frames, Dunlop tyres, none R80RT Mono 1987 71,000 miles. Stolen better. £5199 ovno Andrew Tel 07921 653755 recovered,fairing panniers & Top box missing (Kent) Average condition,tyres less than 500 mls.£200 R1150GS 2003 ‘53’ reg, 6,000 miles Ble/white. Mint, Good for spares. Jim Tel 0131 663 9896 (Scotland) Tax 11.05, h/grips, panniers, rear hugger, gargaed, R90S 1975 22,000 miles. Unrestored, FSH, one FBMWSH. £6950 Clive Tel 01226 715358 (Yorks) previous owner 27yrs, Dealer fitted RS & Dream (Letter arr 06th May) Machine paint work in 1978. Includes original fairing R1150GS 2003 15,000 miles, Yellow. FBMWSH, h/ & panniers. Offers to Geoff Tel 01942 201418 grips, h/guards, ABS, top box & panniers, ADV (Lancs) screen, VGC. £6950 Dave Tel 01723 870862 R100RS 1981 (W) 73,000 miles, Smoke Red. (Yorks) Panniers, Motorworks rack, surefoot sidestand, R1150R 2002, Oct, 21,000 miles, Black. H/grips, s/steel exhaust, San Jose fork brace, BMW ABS, Revolution can & Y piece, pannier rails, unleaded conversion; some spares included. Okay topbox plate, hugger, Givi screen, ex front mud condition but not run for 6 months. Suitable for guard. Consider part ex R850R circa 1997 prefer repair or spares. Complete bike FREE to good with ABS. £4650 Stan Tel 07771 511599 (Herts) home. Roly Tel 07813 210036 (Middx) R1150R 2004 ‘04’ reg, 300 miles, Silver. Many R850R 1998, 17,000 miles, Blue. Ex cond, Tax 01/ extra’s, P/X 100R WHY £6750 Clive Tel 01889 06, MOT 07/05, full luggage, new typres & brake 576578 (Staffs) pads. BMW screen low footrests, s/s hoses, h/ R1150RS SE ‘02’ Reg, 9,000 miles, Blue/Silver. guards, h/lamp protection, foot flaps £3500 no FBMWSH, ex cond, new tyres, high & standard offers Tel 01254 888250 (Lancs) (Letter arr 06th bars, pannier rails & top box rack, possible luggage, May) h/grips, high 6th gear, EVO brakes, crash bars. R1100GS 1994, 18,800 miles, Red. T&T 04/06. Two Tax 10/05, MOT 05/06 £4750 Jim 0115 9727153 owners, dry weather only, James Sherlock (Notts) serviced. Lovingly cared for in ex cond. Photos R1150RT 2001 ‘Y’ reg, 12000 miles, Metallic Red available. £3750 ono Alan Tel 07967 989040 Immac & mechanically faultless, FSH, h/grips, (Devon) cyl.guards, fender extender, Gd Ultrasealed tyres. R1100GS 1996 ‘N’ reg. 50,000 miles, Red. ABS, Topbox available. £6500. Howard 01892 870381 h/grips, BMW t/box & panniers. Baglux tank bag, (Kent) side panels, Datatag, FBMWSH. Tax 01/06, MOT

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 77 R1150RT ‘Y’ reg 25000 miles, Red, T&T.FBMWSH, & med length. Plus p&p Nigel Tel 0208 590 3719 Radio/Cassette, Datatagged, Meta Alarm/ (Essex) Immobiliser, 2-tone horn, cyl/guards, s/s fasteners, BMW Tank Bag for R1150R /R850R in ex cond, c/ new rear tyre & battery, h/grips, electric screen, w rain cover £70. BMW Handguards for R1150R/ panniers, top-box. Unmarked. £6250 Steve Tel R850R/ R1150GS, small scuff on RH guard 07789 986521 (Nottingham) otherwise ex cond £25. Both plus p&p or collect. R1150RT 2001 ‘51’reg 30,100 miles Titan Silver Nick Tel 0161 4361440 (Ches) T&T 08/05 FBMWSH garaged, exc. condition, Boxer spares, rear diff complete 37/11 pre ’80 Radio/Cassette, Alarm/Immob, topbox, h/grips,cyl/ 335. Gearbox 5 speed £20. Fork springs /6 or /7 guards. Genuine reason for sale £5900 Nigel 01732 £4. Single police seat with hinge £20. LH rocker 359643 (Kent) cover £4. LH 32mm carb, no float chamber post R1150RT 2003, 7,900 miles, Silver. H/grips, full ’81 £5. Collection only Syd Tel 01744 894944 luggage, Meta alarm & immobiliser, cyl/guards, (Lancs) FMBWSH, new Bridgestones & Ultraseal.£7495 Cherished number plate R11 RRT. Serious ono. Jef Tel 01278 663820 (Somerset) offers to Ray Tel 07721 352459 (west Mids) R1150RT 2004, 14,000 miles, Silver. Twin Spark, Club Journals 1984 – 2003, 1983 Jan & Feb 12 Months warranty. Bereavement sale. £8250 Ian missing. Any donation will go to St Giles Hospice Tel 01364 72684 (Devon) Whittington-Lichfield. Plus p&p or collect. Ruediger R1100S Boxer Cup Replica, ‘04’ reg, 3,500 miles Tel 0121 3552598 (West Midlands) Red/White/Blue. BMW short fall insurance, Cyl/guards for oil cooled R/GS series £35. transferrable inc. Standard & immac cond. Consider Haynes handbook for R850/1100R £5. For 1996 p art ex cheaper bike & cash. New £9500, sell Honda VFR Remus can £40 ono. Baglux Tank cover £7,800 Stuart Tel 01723 863056 (Yorks) £20 John Tel 01905 641227 (Worcs) BSA 500 Gold SR, 5,600 miles. SH, as good as F650GS parts, Oval s/s scorpian silencer perfect new, garaged, first to try will buy. £3500 Geoff Tel £200 new £110 inc p&p. Givi rack, takes givi top 0208 641 5542 (Surrey) box £45. Parts & member temp in Wales, can post. Laverda Mirage Sport 1200 1983, 57,000 miles, John Tel 01446 742314 Black/Orange. FH, new tyres, Jota exhaust & bars. F650 ST/Fundura 1994-2000 Clymer manual in Ex cond, rare machine. £3000 David Tel 01942 brand new condition; £20 incl. p&p. Keith Tel 200765 (Lancs) 01329 289480 (Hants) Moto-Guzzi 1000S, Red. Ex cond, some history, F650GS Tank bag £60. Panniers inners £55 pair. two previous owners, T&T £2295 Paul Tel 07901 K1200LT top case inner bag £35. K series tool roll 977793 (Kent) complete £35. BMW Tank bag & base for GS, ST, SUZUKI GSXR750 SRAD 1996 ‘N’ reg. T&T 05/06, GS paralever & PD models. Tear to map pocket new chain & sprockets, Dunlop D207 tyres & hence £45. Plus P&p or collect. David 0208 5861997 recent service. Goodridge braided hoses, baglux (Essex) tank cover, raised screen, otherwise standard. GARMIN streetpilot colormap GPS bike & car £2095 Steve 01765 650374 (Yorks) moutable. 128 memory card metro guide europe, R80GS PD 1987, rebuilt by Andrew Sexton, touratech mounting braket, complete with all boxes customised, plus all original parts & some spares. & manuels £400 ono Tel 07904 351335 Leeds Full details on this ex. cond machine £2800 Steve GARMIN eMAP GPS small hand held or bike Tel 07770 945643 (Wilts) mountable unit with PC lead & UK/European Metroguide CDs & memory card. As new, £100. Steve Tel 07968 143979 (Sheffield) BITS & BOBS Gents black leather m/c trousers. Top quality by Akito. 40 inch waist, as new. Cost £138 sell £50 David Tel 01785 615855 (Staffs) BMW Luggage roll bag in Silver/Black, used one GS Rallye Gloves, new unwanted gift, size 8- American trip. £45 Jean Tel 01454 415358 (Avon) 8.5, Blue £30-00. Airflow Gloves, new unwanted BMW Tank Bag, 2 complete for aircooled twins, 1 gift, size 8-8.5, Black £35-00. R1150RT riders is brand new £100, the other VVGC £85. Pair latest seat. Cushion slightly modified for shorter rider. K series panniers, grey with rub strips & keys, VGC or would make good exchange unit £50-00. new & unsed £190 pair. Plus p&p Nigel Tel 0208 All plus p&p Geoffrey Tel 07710 833602 (Wirral) 590 3719 (Essex) K series Tank Bag with rain cover & fittings, BMW 2nd generation, bib ‘n’ brace leather suit , £50. Top box with plate, £50 Alan Tel 01592 621001 Jacket size 38 to 40 chest, Trousers 36w approx (Scotland)

78 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 Krauser Panniers & frames for twin rear shock Savanna 2 suit. Size 42” chest and 33”waist. Boxer, VGC. Locks & key £80. Ralph Tel 01495 Geoffrey Tel 07710 833602 (Wirral) 292646 (S Wales) Complete ignition switch for 1971 BMW R60/5. K1100 LT Tank Bag £50, pannier bags £40 pair, George Tel 01926 633282 (Warks) bike cover £20, Maintenance manual £10. K1200 Craven Comet panniers & Craven large top box, GT h/bar risers £60 Robert Tel 01258 480220 both with keys, in gd cond, top price paid. Patsey (Doset) Tel 00 353 42 93 28206 (Eire) K1200RS BMW Softcase & rack set, gd cond. £60 For R1100GS 1994 – 99. Clymer manual or simular, ono. Near side pannier for K1200RS £30. Graham not CD. Oil filter extractor tool. Owen Tel 01646 Tel 01844 291963 (Bucks). 683188 (Wales) Haynes 2 valve boxer manual £10. Restoration Large Petrol tank for 1500GS. Adv, Touratec or Manual 2 valve boxer twins £10. R100RT similar. Cond unimportant. Dave Tel 0208 462 4461 handbook, new £15. Chrome carrier fits on to (Kent) pannier frames 2 valve boxers £20. Tel 01254 Metal panniers for 1100/1150GS. Any condition. 888250 (Lancs) Shaun Tel 01634 241215 (Kent) Maverick BMW grey denim ladies cruiser bike R1100 / 1150GS Steve Tel 01765 650374 (Yorks) two piece suit withfull protection. size bmw 38 Small ladies summer suit size 8 Anthony Tel 01732 short, 12/14 petite, as new £150. sue tel 07968 360884 (Kent) 1 143979 (sheffield) 50’s style crash helmet size 7 /8 to 7 ¼ in gd or MYFORD ML4 metalwork lathe. 3 ½ “ centre height tidy cond. Tel 01598 763478 (Devon) 18” between centres, Myford stand & drip tray, single phase motor. some tooling & accessories, believed mid-fifties, gd cond £250 Steve Tel 01765 Wanted - More Articles, Letters and 650374 (Yorks) Photos for the Journal Riders handbook R45/R65LS £1.50. Riders handbook R65/R100RT. Exhaust nut wrench £5. We are getting rather low on articles Swinging arm greaser £3. Swinging arm adjusting and photographs - especially those of socket £3. Fork top nut spanner £2. Craven carrier a technical nature - so please keep new universal fittings R series £30 all plus p&p. them coming as we can only print what Mike Tel 01270 877209 (Cheshire) R100RS standard screen £30. BMW flip up helmet you have sent in! 3 months old, worn 3 to 4 times, Black, size 56-57 £100. Protectoral w/proof lined jacket Medium £25. All as new. Belstaff Classic tank bag £10 Paul Tel NEXT MONTH’S ISSUE (AUGUST 2005) 07901 977793 (Kent) R1100/R1150RT Baglux 20 ltr Tankbag with tank will once again be in the capable hands of our harness all in black, as new £110. Wunderlich Features Editor, Dave Bertram, as I will have spent Lowline riders only seat in black, as new. £135 much of June and early July swanning around Trevor Tel 01322 271167 (Kent) Europe. Not only is there the BMW Bikerfest at R1100S ‘Y’ piece, BMW performance chip & K&N Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a certain Bruce filter. As new £300, plus p&p Stuart Tel 01723 Springsteen is currently on tour in Europe playing 863086 (Yorks) the major cities. My wife is the Springsteen fanatic R1150GS Remus Titanium End Can & Y piece. (*) and has moved heaven and earth to get tickets £230 Bob Tel 01786 475989 (Scotland) so, for the sake of marital harmony, I’m being R1200C Ohlin Rear Shock. Transforms ride over dragged along kicking and screaming in their wake. standard item. As new boxed, 5 months old, rebound If its Monday, it must be Paris ... & compression adjustments, Ohlin model number BM744. £280 ono. Tony Tel 01905 774524 (Worcs) Consequently please send all features, section news and Compass items to Dave for this issue. All being well I’ll be back in the editorial WANTED chair for the September issue.

Belstaff Excelper Jacket. Cordau size XXL, 46. (*) his latest album is called “Devils & Dust”, and to Top price paid. Patsey Tel 00 353 42 93 28206 my mind at least is Rather Good. I’ve even enjoyed (Eire) the shows I’ve seen so far ! Comfort seat for 1200GS. Rallye 2 Suit or

BMW Club Journal • July 2005 79 SMALL BUSINESS ADVERTS Small Business adverts are available to any individual or business. For rates and terms please contact: Owen Vaughan - 16 South Meadows, Pembroke, Pembs. SA71 4EW. Phone: 01646 683188. Email: [email protected] 4 STAR B&B IN WONDERFUL PERTHSHIRE. Luxury DISCOVER “HEART of the Charente Maritime”, en-suite accommodation in tranquil Balnaguard 5 France. Cynlyns, in a peaceful hamlet, renovated & miles south of Pitlochry. Sensational breakfasts, comfortable 4 bdrm, 3 bthrm Gite, sleeping 6-12. spectacular views, £25 pppn. Lockable garage for Large salon/ fireplace/ mezzainine bedroom/ newly m/cycles. Ann Croft Tel: 01796 482627. e-mail: equipped kitchen/ 2-acre private park. Secure [email protected]. Website: www.balbeagan.com undercover parking / central heated. £495-£695 p/ AE AVENTURES BASED NEAR TO SPA in a quiet wk B & B available. John Hill 00 33 546971282. 00 village providing B&B and half board, secure 33 679874418, e-mail [email protected] garaging, recommended touring in the Ardennes DORDOGNE - Self catering gites with pools, biker and Eiffel and escorted Nurburgring experience. friendly. B&B sometimes available. See Motorcycling adventure only 3 1/2 hours from Calais, www.lescasaniers.com or Tel (UK) 0871 7174249 that’s a bit special. See www.aeaventures.com or DORDOGNE SELF CATERING COTTAGES , sleeps phone /fax Neil or Ann on 0032 80398788 2 -4 each , pool, BBQ, rural, good touring base. Tim AN CALA GUEST HOUSE, Grantown-on-Spey. AA 5 & Sarah (club members) 00 33 (0) 553807873 Diamonds. Ideal base for Highlands. Kingsize troismaisons @ aol. com doubles, magnificient 4 poster. All rooms en-suite. DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY, South West Scotland On site parking, also garage. £25-£30pp b&b. 01479 - 2 cosy wee s/c cottages each sleeps 2 in twin beds. 873293 www.ancala.info Quiet location adjacent our home. 4 miles from AUSTRIA (Southern) – Summer/ Winter Sports. Self Wigtown, 22 miles from Stranraer ferry terminal. Catering fully equipped flats (Sleep 2-5). Superb Beautiful scenery and great biking roads. Shopping touring roads & mountain passes. Close Italy/ service on request. Short Breaks available. Sorry No Slovenia. Excellent amenities. Secure Parking. Cyril/ smoking/pets. Tel: 01671 830422 mail: Liz Cannard (Bikers). Tel/Fax: 0043 4769 26415. E- [email protected] mail: [email protected] www.duddingstonelodge.co.uk B&B / SELF CATERING near French Pyrenees. Tel. FRANCE - CHARENTE MARITIME REGION,House 0033 56194 1045. www.goodier-pyrenees.com sleeping 4/6 people on outskirts of riverside B&B Edinburgh, secure garage parking, colour tv, Village,five minutes to bars,restaurants,shops etc. tea & coffee, 15 minutes from city centre £30 pppn 30 minutes to the Atlantic Coast/Royan/La Rochelle/ Tel 0131 669 3570 or 07931 718584 Cognac. Only 4 hours from St Malo, surrounded by B&B 4 STAR BUNGALOW MACHYNLLETH, superb quiet biking Roads,lockable Garage. English house Mid-Wales scenery, great biking roads. Further details keeper, private enclosed garden.Please contact Lee 01654 702562. website www.dyfiguest.co.uk or Viv on Phone/Fax 01526 345866 /Email BED & BREAKFAST, YORKSHIRE DALES, [email protected] or Mob 07947439630 Greenhills in Leyburn. Comfortable en-suite rooms FRANCE – LOIRE ATLANTIQUE REGION, with colour TV, tea & coffee. B&B from £25.00pppn. Farmhouse, tranquil location, close to Lock-up garage available. Tel: 01969 623859, E- Chateaubriant, Le Mans an hour away, surrounded mail: [email protected], web-site: by miles of quiet motorbiking roads. B&B plus 2 www.greenhillsleyburn.co.uk. gites, sleeping 8 and 4. Evening meals available, BED AND BREAKFAST, MOFFAT, SOUTHERN swimming pool. Mature owner active motorcyclist. SCOTLAND, B & B, garage parking, wonderful biking Phone (00 33) 2 40 97 08 44, e-mail info@la- area. One mile from M74 J15 on Edinburgh scenic janais.com Website www.la-janais.com route. Why not break your long journey here or spend FRANCE - PYRENEES-ORIENTALES, Roussillon. a few days riding the local roads, enjoying the hills Wonderful scenery with great road links from coast and bends. Club member. Chris 01683 220378 to mountains. Two adjoining apartments with sun www.buchanguesthouse.co.uk terraces sleeping 2/4 or 6 within easy walking distance BRITTANY - TOP QUALITY MOBILE HOMES on of town amenities. Excellent value accommodation coastal 4 star site in this tranquil region. ideal for with large garage.Visit www.holiday- rentals.com family holidays or Section rallies (as Westenr Section Property No.14891 for details or contact Jackie or June 04). great biking are with masses to do and Nigel on 00 33 468 84 1697 e-mail: jackienigelk@ see. Big savings on ferry costs. hotmail.com www.benodetbreaks.com or call Steve Jackson on FRANCE DORDOGNE LE BUGUE. Large house with 01543 473089 new pool. BBQ, 3 beds,sleeps 6, Bike security, CHATEAU NORMANDY great character venue. excellent facilities and routes. Club Members. Call £29 half board inc. wine, or hire gite or chateau 00 33 55 3041822 or euankidd@ wanadoo.fr from £1650 pwk. sleeps 28. Tel 0033 233419631 www.chateaulemontepinguet.co.uk

80 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 FRANCE WELCOME TO THE LIMOUSIN REGION. many scenic byeways of this picturesque area. 1 bed cottage sleeps 4 or spacious barn. Country Available April to November. Member owned. Tel based, great biking roads. BMW member, 1150GS 01695 422210 owner. Clive & Lesley Gibson. Tel 00 33 555 637032 NORTH PORTUGAL- MINHO VALLEY.Penedes FRANCE (MID-WEST) – Charente/Dordogne border. Nation Park and Galicia.Interested?. We offer Villebois-Lavellette. Three bed-roomed self farmhouse self catering and luxury B&B both with contained gite. Sleeps 4 – 6. Private pool. Quiet pools. Come and sample the real Portugal see our country setting. English speaking biker owners on Website. www.portugal-holidayvilla.co.uk. Tel site. Meals provided by arrangement. En-route to Maggie on 00351-251648107 or Mobile 00351- Spain. John & Mona Warburton. For brochure, Tel. 912860707 0033 (0)545 60 36 51. or E-mail. S.W. FRANCE, Bordeaux wine region. Self catering, [email protected]. renovated farmhouse, Large Pool, Sunbeds, www.frenchconnections.co.uk/accom/5900.cfm parasols. Lounge, satalite TV, equipped kitchin-diner. FRENCH ALPS - ST. GERVAIS. Beautiful 4th floor 3 large bedrooms, sleep upto 8. Furnished Terrace, south facing apartment in luxury residence with lift. BBQ. Covered parking/workshop, close to medieval Superb mountain views. 2mins walk from telecabin. market town, bars restaurants. 90 mins Atlantic coast. Gorgeous environment, paradise for skiers/walkers. From £395 pw low season Seenagh Tel 00 33 55 66 2 Double Bedrooms, Lounge/Diner, Shower Room, 13908. fully equipped Kitchen area. Fridge, Washing SMALL HOTEL - NORTH WEST SCOTLAND. Touring Machine, Dish Washer, Cooker, TV. Balcony, Garage, the far north? Enjoy best biking roads in the country! Ski Locker. Sleeps 6 people. Available all year. Brian Mackays Rooms & Restaurant is small 4 star hotel in Ashley Tel 0033 231 643526 / email: Durness, Sutherland (Nr Cape Wrath). Stylish [email protected] Accommodation, Fantastic Highland Food & Biker GERMANY, BRITISH B&B,17th century house,rooms Friendly. Superb Value. Tel 01971 511202 ensuite. Ideal for Rhein, Mossel valley Nurburgring, [email protected] www.visitmackays.com Mohn Dam, Cologne. Drying and Laundry facilities, SOUTHERN FRANCE, NR BEZIERS B&B AND well stocked bar,Bar food.Email [email protected] APARTMENT (dinner optional) - ideal touring base www.vinecottage.de Tel 00492742911728 close to Mountains and Mediterranean. Superb HOTEL MONTE GARGNANO. Beautiful location by roads, spectacular scenery, researched routes and Lake Garda (northern Italy). Excellent countryside garage parking - Biker Paradise, nickysinclair@ for motorcycle touring. Relaxed and friendly wanadoo.fr / www.thestonehouse-caux.com Contact hospitality. Confortable accomodation and excellent Nicky on 00 33 467 093820 food. Covered bike parking. An opportunity to mix WHITBY ROSEWOOD – Quiet B&B, 4 diamonds. with motorcyclists from dirrerent countries. Tel and Silver award. Large double ensuite rooms, bath & Fax : (39) 0365.71389 Email : showers, hospitality trays & fridges. Residents own [email protected] Web : lounge with coal fire, TV & video. Tea and www.montegargnano.net or www.montegargnano.it sandwiches on arrival £25 pppn. Open all the year (English page) round Tel 01947 820534 IRELAND, WEXFORD, S.E. Warm, friendly B & B LYNBROOK INSURANCE for Special Member’s and self-catering accommodation located 25 miles Schemes including Classic and Modern motorcycle from Rosslare ferryport, where the super roads lead insurance (all makes) - plus Travel and Overseas to lovely restaurants and pubs! B&B E25.00 pp. Club Breakdown arrangements. TEL 0845 130 4662 member. Tel: 00 353 54 36351 or email: GOING OUT FOR A RIDE THIS WEEKEND? Need [email protected] an accurate weather forecast ? Then check out the LAKE DISTRICT B&B IN BOWNESS-ON- free 5 day forecast from Weather Commerce Ltd. WINDERMERE. Panoramic views of Bowness and For National, European and Regional 14 day lake. En-suite. Covered/lock-up parking. Leisure forecasts log on to www.weathercommerce.net facilities. 015394 88658 Web: http:// Director Chris Blowes is a member of the BMW Club www.abovethebay.co.uk and is happy to take consultation calls from fellow LAKE DISTRICT. Peaceful 17th century barn in lake members shore hamlet - just for two! Log fire. C.H. Garden. SHEEPSKIN m/cycle seat covers, custom made. Secure indoor bike space. Non-smoking. Breaks 01604 714103 or www.easirider.com/ available. Tel 01229 885643 or motorbike_sheepskin. htm www.townyeatbarn.co.uk Pannier Inners R80/100/1100/1150RT/RS/GS/ LOIRE ATLANTIQUE FRANCE, small friendly B & B 850GS. Standard £60 Extended lid width £66 pair. quiet country location,meals available.Tel Dave & K75/100/1100/1200RS Standard £60 pair. 35 litre Norma Harrison 00 33 2 40 07 06 71 e mail top case £26, K1200LT three piece set £95. Three [email protected] Web site http:// piece to fit Adventurer Aluminium £89. R1200GS perso.wanadoo.fr/bandbcouetoux/ expandable £75 pair and £99.50 three pieceBlack/ LUXURY HOLIDAY BUNGALOW in Lake District Royal Blue piping all incl P&P. Send cheque to National Park. Comfort for 4 plus garage. Ideally Mane Event, 8 Cornhill Road, Davyhulme, located for walking, motorcycling, and exploring the Manchester M41 5TJ, Telephone 0161 747 3939 www.maneevent.org.uk BMW Club Journal • July 2005 81 POLISHED STAINLESS SPOKES AND NIPPLES Powder coating service available. Full Touratech (British made) for BMW Tubeless wheels - £61.10 range supplied. Enquires call Kevin / Spencer KRF per set. Stainless spoke sets (with nickel-plated brass Motorcycles 01603 629916 email [email protected] nipples) for ‘Conventional’ BMW wheels - £41.12 CENTRAL LONDON BMW SPECIALISTS - All models (prices include VAT). Full wheelbuilding service. to date 2v, 4v, BMW diagnostic equipment, ex dealer Hubs and rims reconditioned as required. DEVON Tech, 30 years exp.Servicing, repairs, insurance RIM COMPANY Tel. 01769 574108 email. work.Tyres, spares from stock. 5 star workshop, full [email protected] facilities.BMW authorised supplier.Bikes bought/sold, STAINLESS STEEL FASTENERS for boxers and K see Biketrader web page.Jap & German, 102 Druid series. Please state year and model. SAE for list St, London SE1 2HQ Tel 0207 237 2299, Email please. K. Shaw Engineering, 19 Orchard Close, Gt [email protected] Hale Sleaford, Lincs NG34 9JB. Tel/Fax 01529 CRAY ENGINEERING. BMW road and race 469047. email performance specialist. Tuning packages to suit your [email protected] requirements. Fully equipped workshop. BIKE BAVARIA offer escorted tours for individuals Engineering, servicing, repairs and rebuilds. New and small groups on 2004 model BMW R1150 and used spares. Tyres fitted and balanced while Roadsters. Fly to Munich and explore the fantastic you wait. Phone/ fax Jim Cray 01795 431444 roads, sights and food of Bavaria, Austria and the Sittingbourne, Kent. Czech Republic all in one holiday. Friendly, relaxed EURO CLASSICS. A small family firm dedicated to intinerary, English bilingual guide with local servicing, repairs and renovation of BMW’s. We build knowledge, and first-class accomodation. Visit us bikes to order (GS a speciality). Insurance work on www.bikebavaria.com or e-mail us at carried out. Supply and fitting of tyres. New & second [email protected]. hand parts. Exchange drive shafts, Varta batteries. CLASSIC BMW MOTORCYCLE TOURS throuugh BMW’s for sale. or sell your BMW at no cost to you. South Africa’s Highlands and Winelands, contact Please phone Phil or Dinah on 01604 591222 or 0845 280 0085 or email [email protected], www.euroclassics.co.uk. full details at WWW.RideSA.com MAINLY BOXERS AND BRICKS. Professional MUNSTER MOTORCYCLE INSTRUCTION by motorcycle servicing and repair at realistic rates registered rider, ROSPA gold, iam advanced, DIA, Telephone Jim Downie 01505 850341 or 07973 learn to ride the right way, or improve on your existing 326928 Near Neilston G78 skills, beginners to advanced catered for with radio MICK BARR, INDEPENDENT BMW SPECIALIST. comms. Contact Brendan on 062 52662 087 Trained BMW Technician over 25 years. Offers quality 6776027 email bikepower@ eircom.net Service & Repairs, At My Home Workshop, In RIDE WITH US. Organised and fully escorted Scraptoft, LEICESTER (Just off A47). Any Work motorcycle tours around Scotland and Europe. undertaken on all R, K. & 4v Series. Gearbox a Experience good food, ride great roads and enjoy Speciality, Bevel drive Repairs, Insurance estimates spectacular scenery. For more details please; call & Repairs, Twin Spark Head Machining. Restorations 01582840621, e-mail [email protected], or visit on all Models from R51/3. Tel Mick or Glenyse on www.ridewithus.info. 01162 419316, FAX 01162 921840. WILDCAT ADVENTURES MOTORBIKE TOURS. Fully NORTH OXFORDSHIRE, WARWICKSHIRE, guided motorbike tours, exciting/unique itineraries. GLOUCESTERSHIRE BORDER. BMW Quality Great food/accommodation. 20 years experience service, repairs, restoration and special tuning work, specializing in Morocco, Scotland, and Europe. Tel on all models. Collection and delivery arranged. 01786 816160, email info@wildcat- ANDREW SEXTON MOTORCYCLES Tel 01608 adventures.co.uk, or visit www.wildcat- 730111 adventures.co.uk. SERVICING, REPAIRS, SPARES: Boxer & K B.E.M.W. For competitive prices on: Restorations, servicing; Breakdown & crash repairs; Pickup and repairs & spares. Spares for vintage/classic BMW’s delivery service, weekend work, loan bike available; from 1935. CJ750, copies of 1938 BMW R71, FROM BMW’s always being broken; Only BM’s worked on. £2,650. Some new 1957 models in stock, LH/RH Tel: Neil on 0208 546 2600 (S.W. London) sidecars plus OHV machines available. Machine tools THE BOXER MAN – THE INDEPENDENT BMW for the small/home workshop, including Chester SPECIALIST. Full Service, Repair & Restoration MultiFunction lathe/mill/drill. Parts made to pattern facilities for R and K Series machines. Mobile service or drawing. S.A.E. for specification and services or available within an 80 mile radius of LEICESTER. visit our website. 2 Forman Street, Derby DE1 1JQ. Call Phil on 0116 2668913 or 07860 588076, Phone/fax 01332 298523. Eves & w/ends 01332 www.boxerman.co.uk 824334, www.be-mw.com SOUTH OF FRANCE, NARBONNE (Motorcyclists BMW SERVICING NORFOLK / SUFFOLK Over 20 Heaven). Choice of Bed and Breakfast and self catering holiday apartments. Awesome roads, plus absolutely stun- years main dealer experiance. For all servicing, ning scenery, Close to Mediterannean, Andorra, Pyrenees, repairs, rebuilds, accident repairs, parts and Corbieres, Minervois & Spain etc. Guided Motorcycle Tours accessories, eg (R1150GS 12k service £168.66 6k also available. All with secure garaging.. Call Martin on £98.19) Remus / Lazer exhausts supplied and fitted. 0033 468333671. email: [email protected], or visit www.st-georges-fr.com. 5% member discount 82 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 BMW Club Journal • July 2005 83 84 BMW Club Journal • July 2005