Tag Archives: 1000

BMW

WorldSBK in Magny-Cours: Celebrating Pole Position with Mixed Feelings at BMW Motorrad Motorsport

September 11, 2023 Prafful Singh

The ninth round of the FIM Superbike World Championship 2023 (WorldSBK) took place at Magny-Cours, where BMW Motorrad Motorsport had a combination of pole position celebrations and mixed feelings. Garrett Gerloff, a BMW Motorrad factory rider, showcased impressive performance throughout the weekend, finishing fourth in the first race and fifth in the second main race. Scott Redding achieved his best race result with a seventh-place finish, and Loris Baz followed suit with a seventh-place finish in the Superpole race. Michael van der Mark struggled to find his rhythm, finishing 13th in both qualifying and the Superpole race.

In the Superpole on Saturday, Gerloff set a new all-time lap record and claimed his first WorldSBK pole position, marking a significant achievement for both himself and the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team. However, Redding unfortunately slid and fell, finishing in tenth place but moving up to ninth on the grid due to a penalty issued to another rider. Van der Mark concluded the Superpole in 13th position.

Despite losing a few positions at the start, Gerloff maintained a position in the top five throughout the first race, finishing in fourth place as the best rider from an Independent team. Redding finished the first race in seventh place, while Baz encountered various problems and ended up in 13th position. Van der Mark crossed the finish line in 16th place.

The Superpole race on Sunday saw a collision between Redding and Gerloff, leading to both riders going down. Gerloff retired after heading to the pits, while Redding was able to rejoin the race and finish in 20th place. Baz secured seventh place in the Superpole race, setting a good start position for the second main race. Van der Mark finished in 13th position.

In the second main race, Gerloff finished fifth, once again achieving the best result for an Independent team. The race was briefly interrupted due to an accident involving Redding and Dominique Aegerter, but after restarting, Baz crossed the finish line in twelfth place. Unfortunately, Redding retired from the race due to a technical issue, and Van der Mark also failed to finish after a crash.

The next round of the 2023 WorldSBK season will take place at MotorLand Aragón, Spain, in two weeks’ time. BMW Motorrad Motorsport, along with the four riders and both teams, had successful testing sessions at Aragón at the end of August.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director, Marc Bongers, expressed his delight with Gerloff’s performance and the achievements of the Bonovo action BMW Racing Team. Bongers also acknowledged the unfortunate racing incident involving Redding and Gerloff, which had a negative impact on the team’s start position for the second main race. He emphasized the potential of the BMW M 1000 RR and the need to build on it in the remaining three rounds.

Gerloff himself expressed his satisfaction with the weekend, especially achieving his first pole position and achieving two top-five finishes. He expressed optimism in using this weekend as a foundation for future races.

Redding, on the other hand, acknowledged his string of bad luck throughout the weekend, with three crashes and a series of unfortunate events. Despite the setbacks, he remained positive and focused on improving at the upcoming races in Aragón.

Baz described the weekend as tough and not meeting his expectations. He acknowledged the technical issues and set up challenges but expressed determination to improve in the remaining races.

Van der Mark admitted to struggling with finding the right feeling for the bike during the weekend. However, he remained confident in the potential of the BMW M 1000 RR and looked forward to the next round at Aragón.

NewsNew

109MPH HONDA CRF450X PROJECT: THE WRAP

July 1, 2023 David

The Honda CRF450X has proven to be the most successful off-road racer in the west, with numerous victories in events such as the SCORE Baja 1000, Baja 500, and 24 Hours of Glen Helen. However, it is not known for being a particularly fast motorcycle, and Honda doesn’t even classify it as a race bike in its stock form.

The Honda CRF450X has enjoyed its success due to a combination of its reliable performance and good handling at high speeds, as well as the modifications made by skilled individuals who have transformed it from a trail bike into a competitive racing machine. One such person is Colton Udall, who recently teamed up with Nic Garvin and Ciaran Naran to compete in the 10-Hours of Glen Helen on a stock 2023 Honda CRF450X test bike. In order to prepare the bike for the race, Udall had to make several modifications, including adding CRF450R parts such as the intake valve springs, intake rocker arm, right side radiator, and camshaft (which required some additional machine work).

Udall also incorporated aftermarket parts into the CRF450X, starting with a Vortex ECU and his own custom mapping. He also developed a coolant outlet kit, installed a Pro Circuit T4 exhaust system for weight reduction, and had the bike’s suspension modified by Brandon Peterson at AHM Racing. The modifications included revalving the forks, using stiffer springs and a DLC coating on the lower tubes, and replacing the shock shaft with a larger diameter shaft from AHM. Other additions to the bike include an IMS 2.4-gallon fuel tank, Scott steering damper, IMS footpegs, and Works Connection levers.

The modifications made to the Honda CRF450X proved successful, with Nic Garvin reaching speeds of 109mph in a previous event with a similar setup. During the 10-Hours of Glen Helen, the team faced some challenges, including a faulty exhaust mount that required pit stops for repairs. Despite these setbacks, they were able to work their way up to fourth overall, an impressive feat considering the bike was a stock test bike just days prior to the race.

The noteworthy aspect of this project is that it is not experimental or exclusive. Anyone can build and race a similar bike. Colton Udall is happy to share his knowledge and provide information on where to obtain the necessary parts. For more details, you can contact him through Championadventures.com.

THE LAST CZ

While I may not be an expert on CZ motorcycles, I have a deep respect for the brand. Although I have never owned one myself, I did have the opportunity to test a CZ bike back in 1991 when I was a relatively new member of the Dirt Bike team. At the time, CZ had re-entered the export market with motocross bikes after the Soviet Union’s dissolution. I tested a liquid-cooled 125 two-stroke model with a case-reed, power-valve motor, which seemed to be a cutting-edge motocross bike for that year.

Unfortunately, the bike was not ready for the western market and performed poorly during the test. Many of the fuel system’s gaskets and O-rings disintegrated upon exposure to American gasoline, leading to the project’s cancellation. The bike was returned, and the test never made it to print. Two years later, CZ was purchased by Claudio and Gianfranco Castiglioni of Cagiva, but their plans for the brand never materialized, and CZ went out of business in 1997. As far as we know, the 1991 test bike was the only one imported to the U.S., and the photos taken during the shoot are the only evidence of its existence. I believe Chris Hultner took the photos.

SCARY PHOTO SHOOT DEPARTMENT

On another note, I stumbled upon a photo from a KTM shoot featuring Mike Young. In the photo, I can be seen after Mike refused to ride over a razorback in Ritchie Canyon, claiming it was too dangerous. The actual experience was even scarier than the photo shows. Ritchie Canyon was known for intimidating newcomers, and I was considered a local rider. After the demonstration, Mike successfully crossed the razorback and declared it easy. Chris Hultner captured both of us in the photo, and as a playful jab, I chose to use the shot of myself instead of Mike in the test. I still bring it up whenever I have the chance.

BIG RACE WEEKEND

This weekend is host to several exciting races. Firstly, it’s the Fourth of July Weekend, which means it’s time for RedBud. Notable riders like Chase Sexton and Justin Cooper will be participating in the event, and you can catch the live action on the Peacock app. Here are the broadcast details:

BROADCAST TEAM
Play by Play: Jason Weigandt
Analyst: James Stewart
Reporter: Jason Thomas
HOW TO WATCH
Saturday, July 1
Pro Motocross Championship: Race Day Live
Peacock @ 7 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. ET
Pro Motocross Championship: RedBud National [LIVE]
Peacock @ 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET
Monday, July 3
Pro Motocross Championship: RedBud National Replay
CNBC, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports App
11 p.m. PT [Sunday] / 2 a.m. ET

Additionally, the 2023 World Supercross series kicks off this weekend. U.S.-based fans can watch the series live and on-demand through WSX.TV, with access to the WSX Pre Show available for free. There are three pass options available: Freemium (limited access to WSX Championship content), Pay-Per-View (direct streaming of races), and Champ Pass (access to all 2023 WSX Championship races).

Finally, the Tour de France is also starting this weekend (also available on Peacock).

That’s it for this week. See you next time!

BMW

“Eagles for Education”: BMW International Open 2023 promotes equal opportunity in education.

June 23, 2023 Prafful Singh

+++ BMW Group donates 1,000 euros per eagle during the tournament rounds +++ Donation goes to the “JOBLINGE” and “Kick ins Leben” organisations +++ BMW extends long-term commitment to education and future prospects for all +++ Takumi Kanaya (JPN) hits the first eagle of the tournament with an ace on the 12th hole +++

Munich. BMW is strengthening its long-term commitment to education with the “Eagles for Education” campaign at the 34th BMW International Open. The BMW Group will donate 1,000 euros for every eagle achieved by the many top-class pros during the week of the tournament at Golfclub München Eichenried. The money will go to the “JOBLINGE” and “Kick ins Leben” organisations, with which the BMW Group has been cooperating in Munich for many years.

With the “Eagles for Education” campaign, BMW Group aims to support underprivileged children and young persons in Munich. The campaign will donate 1,000 euros for every eagle scored during the tournament to the “JOBLINGE” and “Kick ins Leben” organisations. This initiative aligns with BMW’s social responsibility and their efforts to promote better qualifications and educational opportunities for these individuals.

The first eagle of the tournament was achieved by Takumi Kanaya, a Japanese professional golfer, during Thursday’s opening round. Kanaya hit a hole-in-one on the 12th hole, setting a perfect start for the campaign.

The “JOBLINGE” initiative, launched in 2008 by the BMW Group’s Eberhard von Kuenheim Foundation, aims to support low-skilled and unemployed young people through a six-month program. During the program, participants learn on the job, improve their key qualifications, and develop their social skills with the goal of securing a job or training position. The initiative is supported by JOBLINGE staff and voluntary mentors, including BMW employees.

According to the CEO of JOBLINGE, every eagle at the BMW International Open represents new prospects for young people. The partnership between BMW Group and the “Eagles for Education” campaign continues to promote equal opportunities and educational equality, benefiting both the individuals and society as a whole.

The “Kick ins Leben” foundation, in collaboration with the BMW Group since 2019, supports young people facing disadvantages by providing them with early education and guiding them towards successful professional careers. The foundation works with children and youngsters in the Milbertshofen district, where BMW is also located. Together, they create extracurricular education opportunities and a platform for equal opportunities in the professional world. The young people have the opportunity to visit the BMW Group plant in Munich and receive mentoring from BMW employees.

The founder of “Kick ins Leben” expresses gratitude for the longstanding cooperation with the BMW Group, particularly in the disadvantaged Milbertshofen district. This partnership has made a difference in the lives of individuals in need.

BMW has a long-standing commitment to education in golf. Through the BMW Championship in the USA, the company has raised millions of dollars for the “Evans Scholar Foundation” since 2007, funding thousands of college scholarships for caddies.

The “Eagles for Education” campaign now joins BMW’s commitment at the BMW International Open in Munich. In golf, an eagle is achieved when a player takes two shots less than par (the standard score) on a hole. Last year’s BMW International Open saw a total of 73 eagles.

Citreon

ONLY A FEW MORE DAYS TO GO: CITROËN MY AMI BUGGY II WILL GO ON SALE ON TUESDAY 20 JUNE AT 2.00PM IN THE UK

June 15, 2023 David

Priced at just £10,495 OTR, UK sales open at 2.00pm on Tuesday 20 June
Limited run of 1,000 My Ami Buggy II to go on sale in ten countries*, including the UK
My Ami Buggy II features rugged good looks and colourful accents, as well as exclusive accessories
40 limited edition’ My Ami Buggy II will be available in the UK exclusively via the Citroën Ami website: https://www.citroen.co.uk/ami

The new Citroën My Ami Buggy II will be available for purchase on Tuesday 20 June at 2.00pm. There will be a total of 1,000 vehicles sold worldwide, with 40 of them available in the UK. The price of the My Ami Buggy in the UK will be £10,495 OTR.

The previous ‘Ultra-Limited Series’ My Ami Buggy, which was available in France last year, sold out all 50 units in less than 18 minutes. The My Ami Buggy emits zero emissions while in use and has a 5.4kWh battery that charges in four hours. It has a range of up to 46 miles (WMTC**) and a top speed of 28mph, making it an environmentally friendly and affordable mobility solution.

The My Ami Buggy features a rugged and adventurous design, with khaki exterior color and black protective elements such as reinforced bumpers, skid plates, headlamp surrounds, and wheel arch extensions. Yellow accents are prominently featured both on the exterior and interior, giving the vehicle a lively and playful character. The removable plastic covers and black waterproof fabric roof allow the driver and passenger to feel closer to nature.

Convenient storage spaces have been integrated into the design, including a yellow bag that fits into the center of the steering wheel and a specifically designed space for the Ultimate Ears Boom lightweight Bluetooth speaker. The My Ami Buggy will be available for sale exclusively at https://www.citroen.co.uk/ami.

* UK, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Luxembourg, Morocco, and Turkey.

** World Motorcycle Test Cycle

BMW

BMW Motorrad Unveils the M 1000 XR Prototype

June 9, 2023 Prafful Singh

BMW Motorrad has presented the M 1000 XR prototype, which is the third M model at BMW Motorrad, as a long-distance sports bike with high long-range capability and a performance-oriented experience on the road and the racetrack. This model is designed for customers with the highest demands for performance, exclusivity, and individuality.

The M 1000 XR prototype is a preview of a supersports motorcycle that provides excellent performance on the country road, long-distance travel, and racetrack equally. It’s a crossover bike that opens up dynamic riding dimensions in the sports motorcycle segment.

The four-cylinder engine from the BMW S 1000 RR super sports bike with BMW ShiftCam technology for varying the timing and valve lift is used in the M 1000 XR prototype. It delivers an engine output of more than 147 kW (200 hp), a DIN empty weight of only 223 kg fully fuelled, and is aerodynamically designed for high-performance road use, long-distance riding, and fast laps on the racetrack. The M Competition Package, available as an optional extra, reduces even more weight and increases riding dynamics. The M XR prototype’s top speed is around 280 km/h.

The specifications for developing the M 1000 XR prototype included drive and suspension technology as well as aerodynamics. The new M 1000 XR was given winglets to ensure superior riding stability even at high speeds. The winglets help achieve the best possible contact between the wheels and the road surface, counteract the wheelie tendency during acceleration, and regulate the traction control system to convert more drive power into acceleration. The M XR also features the M brake, developed directly from the experience gained with the racing brakes on BMW Motorrad factory racing machines in the Superbike World Championship.

BMW Motorrad will release further information on the new BMW M 1000 XR in the second half of 2023. The M XR prototype is a perfect fusion of performance, design, and innovative technologies; it is a long-distance sports motorcycle that meets the highest demands for riding on the racetrack, the country road, and long-distance journeys.

For more information, please contact:

Damien Cagnart, Spokesperson BMW Motorrad | Telephone: +49-151-601-95806 | Email: Damien.Cagnart@bmw.de
Tim Diehl-Thiele, Head of Communications BMW Motorrad | Telephone: +49-151-601-57505 | Email: Tim.Diehl-Thiele@bmw.de
Jens Lemon, Head of Communications MINI and BMW Motorrad | Telephone: +49-151-601-23635 | Email: Jens.Lemon@bmw.de

Press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment is available at BMW Group PressClub (http://www.press.bmwgroup.com).

Citreon

NEW CITROËN MY AMI BUGGY UNVEILED: OPENS FOR ORDERS ON TUESDAY 20 JUNE IN THE UK

June 7, 2023 David

Limited run of 1,000 new My Ami Buggy quadricycles to go on sale in ten countries*, including the UK.
‘My Ami Buggy II’ features rugged looks and colourful trim, as well as exclusive accessories.
Priced at £10,495 OTR, UK sales open online at 2.00pm on Tuesday 20 June.
Just 40 examples of the new ‘Limited Edition’ My Ami Buggy will be sold in the UK, available exclusively via the Citroën Ami website: https://www.citroen.co.uk/ami

Citroën has revealed a new version of My Ami Buggy, which will go on sale in the UK on 20 June at 2.00pm. Based on the Citroën Ami 100% ëlectric quadricycle, 1,000 examples will be sold worldwide, with just 40 available to UK buyers. My Ami Buggy will be priced at £10,495 OTR.

The previous ‘Ultra-Limited Series’ My Ami Buggy, which was available in France last year, sold out all 50 units in under 18 minutes.

My Ami Buggy emits zero emissions in use and has a 5.4kWh battery that charges in four hours. With a range of up to 46 miles (WMTC**), and a top speed of 28mph, it is a modern solution that delivers on Citroën’s promise to provide affordable and clean mobility solutions for all.

My Ami Buggy features an adventurous spirit, trim for the great outdoors and fun accessories, such as the Khaki exterior colour, and black protective elements including reinforced bumpers, skid plates, headlamp surrounds, wheel arch extensions, and a rear spoiler – all of which combine to give a muscular appearance.

Yellow accents feature across the exterior and throughout the interior, demonstrating My Ami Buggy’s vitality and fun nature. Yellow flashes are embossed on the front panel, with yellow arrows on the wheel arches. Interior storage bins, door opening straps, bag hooks, and the carpet and seat stitching, also feature yellow accents. The new instrument cluster boats a rounded cover for a retro feel.

My Ami Buggy does not have traditional doors or a conventional sunroof. Instead, the driver and passenger can enjoy their leisure time and feel as close to nature as possible with a real sense of freedom. Removable plastic covers and a black waterproof fabric roof have been designed to protect occupants from the wind, cold and rain. When not required, the roof and door covers can be simply and easily rolled back, and secured with snap buttons, or they can be removed entirely.

The door and roof frames have been designed to integrate storage space for the roof and plastic weather protection – while also enhancing the style of My Ami Buggy. At the front, the roof frame has been extended to integrate a sun visor

The new My Ami Buggy also features an element from the acid yellow luggage range that was unveiled in December 2021 with the original My Ami Buggy concept. The yellow bag fits into the centre of the steering wheel and is held in place with clip-on straps – this provides a convenient storage space for personal belongings when on the move.

My Ami Buggy is also available with the Ultimate Ears Boom lightweight Bluetooth® speaker that fits into a specifically design space on the dashboard. The speaker is waterproof and sturdy with a 15-hour battery life for all your adventures in My Ami Buggy.

Greg Taylor, Managing Director at Citroën UK, said: “Following the fantastic success of the My Ami Buggy ‘Ultra-Limited Series’ in France in 2022, with all 50 units selling out in less than 18 minutes – and with the fastest customer completing the purchase of their My Ami Buggy in 2 minutes and 53 seconds – I am delighted that UK customers will also have the opportunity to buy a My Ami Buggy. Ami 100% ëlectric, My Ami Cargo, and My Ami Buggy are revolutionising urban mobility, with over 35,000 units sold worldwide to date. The growing line-up demonstrates our commitment to offering affordable electric mobility for all, and we’re doing so in the fun and innovative way that only Citroën can.”

My Ami Buggy goes on sale in the UK at 2.00pm on 20 June, exclusively at https://www.citroen.co.uk/ami

Since its launch in April 2020, Citroën Ami 100% ëlectric has been a standout success in the micro-mobility market. Ami is easy to drive because it is ultra-compact at 2.41 metres long. Electric power offers smooth and dynamic driving around town, and it can be charged in just 4 hours. Ami was created to be used by as many people as possible and by drivers of all ages. It can be driven just as easily by a 17-year-old as by a 77-year-old. It is also affordable and has a very low total cost of ownership.