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The BMW ClubJOURNAL

March 2012£2.50

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DISCLAIMERThe BMW Club Journal accepts for publication articles and letters written in good faith; however, the views expressed in articles and letters which are published are not necessarily those of the Editor of The Journal or those of The BMW Club or its officers or members.The information, including advice and suggested modifications published in the The BMW Club Journal has not been approved, tested or otherwise checked by The BMW Club Journal or The BMW Club. Before acting on information, advice or suggested modifications published in The BMW Club Journal you should always obtain technical advice, and if appropriate have a professional motorcycle engineer carry out the work for you.The BMW Club Journal and The BMW Club cannot accept liability for any loss, damage or claims occurring as a result of any modifications or work or other action carried out on the advice or based on the suggestions given 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.The BMW Club Journal is published for and on behalf of The B.M.W. Motorcycle Club Ltd.The BMW Motorcycle Club Ltd, The BMW Club Journal, it’s Editor and Officers accept no liability in respect of loss or damage occasioned directly or indirectly as a result of the publication of any advertisement in The BMW Club Journal or Website.

The JournalMarch 2012

The Official BMW Club within the UK and Republic of Ireland

www.thebmwclub.org.uk General Enquiries: 0800 0854045

FREEPOST: THE BMW CLUBThe BMW Club is the Trading name of The B.M.W. Motorcycle Club Ltd; Registered in England; Registration Number 4261129 whose Registered Office: c/o Veitch Penny LLP 1, Manor Court Dix’s Field Exeter Devon England EX1 1UP

ALL RiGHTS RESERvEd

This month’s cover photo shows Phil Knight’s Rockster at Lower Wensleydale

with Penhill in the background

EdiTORiAL TEAMCorrespondence on any Journal matter not covered by the officers listed below should be sent to the Editor. For general Club administration and membership matters

please see the list of Club officers on Page 6.

Editor: Stewart Lowthian, 29 Wagg Street, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 4BA. 01260 279 126 [email protected]

Features/Articles: Peter Wright. [email protected]

Torque Reaction: Paul Nadin, 49 Berkshire Drive, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 1SB. 01260 279 443 [email protected]

Mutual Aid: Maurice Weldon, 21 Lawnwood Drive, Goldthorpe, Rotherham, South Yorkshire S63 9GD 07752 904 334 [email protected]

Commercial display Advertisements: Jim Bruce, The Firs, Bayview Crescent, Broadford, Isle of Skye IV49 9DB 01471 820 408 [email protected]

Small Business Advertisements: Charles Knight, 4 Homelands, New Road, Porchfield, Isle of Wight, PO30 4LS ,01983 520 847 07521 695 992 [email protected]

Section News: Steve Foreman 01536 722 048 [email protected]

diary of Events: Ian Caswell. [email protected]

Around The Compass: Ian Caswell (see above).

Club/Section display Ads: Piers Kurrein. [email protected]

CONTENTSRegular/Occasional items

From The Editor’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Club Officers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

President’s Platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Torque Reaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Star Letter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

German Jottings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Mutual Aid (Club member ads) . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Small Business Advertisments . . . . . . . . . . . 79

The BMW Club - Out and About .49

Articles/Features

The 2012 Mileage Trophy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

To the Chinese Border and Back . . . . . . . . . 25

Wheeling and Dealing – BMW Style . . . . . . 35

A New Venture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

For problems regarding distribution of The Journal, please contact your Section Secretary. Should there still be a problem then contact the National Membership Secretary whose contact details are on page 6.

The Editor reserves the right to alter/amend any item or image submitted to The Journal. Such amendments will usually only be to make an item more readable or easier to understand. Submission of items/images will

be taken as acceptance of this condition.


From

The Editor’s DeskVictims of our own success?

For the second month running the Mercia Section have added an event to Where We Meet. This is obviously a good thing but it gave me the problem of fitting the words into a very full page. Reducing the size of the text was not an option because it’s already as small as I can read so to make it fit I had to trim out redundant words: “third Sunday in the month”, for example, became “third Sunday”. Could I ask all Social Secretaries please to check that the entry for their section is complete and correct, and to email me any changes required.

This month’s Torque ReactionTorque Reaction follows the same theme in

that it’s a magnificent size this month. I’m told that it’s the largest since the UltraSeal debate, which was before my time. In fact it’s so large that a few letters from regular contributors have been held over until next month, which is something I never thought that I would have to do. There is something very reassuring when members have plenty to say on such a variety of subjects and is a clear indication that, despite the tedious attentions of a few lovers of recreational fratricide, the Club is in pretty good shape.

The Star LetterThis feature is sponsored, with a small

prize given for my choice of letter. To win, you need to say something helpful to at least

some of the membership (a good tea-shop being my preferred recommendation) and of course to include your address at the end of

the letter so I can pass it on to Nippy Norman to post your winnings to you. I don’t have access to the membership database on the grounds that I shouldn’t need it to edit The Journal so letters with no address mean an email to the Membership Secretary and a call to the member to confirm that I can pass on their address.

Booking FormsFollowing a conversation with Judy Lepley,

who is organising bookings for the AGM mid-meeting lunch and post-meeting dinner, I’ve amended the booking form slightly. If you want either of the meals I’ve just mentioned you must book them in advance. The booking form must be used for the post-meeting dinner, with your choice of meal clearly marked on the menu opposite, but Judy is now taking email and telephone bookings for the mid-meeting sandwich lunch. Both of these meals must be pre-booked before Wednesday 18th April. Pre-booking has been introduced to keep the cost down by enabling the caterer to calculate his costs exactly rather than estimating and either wasting food or leaving attendees hungry.

Please also note that the booking form for Ellesmere College in August quotes accommodation costs per person per night and the cost of a room needs to be multiplied by the number of people in the room.


Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show – Stafford

Appeals in the January edition of The Journal and the Vintage & Classic Register forum for volunteers to display their bikes at the above show have, at the time of writing, fallen on deaf ears. Time marches on and Dick Booth needs to confirm entries to the organisers so that details can be published in the Show Programme.

Dick is somewhat bemused as we are often approached at the show by people who would like to display their bikes but, when the call goes out for volunteers, the silence is deafening. We know that there are lots of superb classic BMWs out there so please, overcome your shyness and give your pride and joy its’ five minutes of fame. For those of you who are not sure what machines are eligible, we would welcome bikes manufactures up to the mid 1980s and especially single cylinder models.

The show takes place at the Stafford County Showground on April 28th & 29th. You would be required to deliver your bike on Friday the 27th and collect it after the show closes on Sunday 29th. Admission will, of course, be free to exhibitors so please help us to raise the profile of the Club and hopefully attract more new members. If you would like to take part then please contact Dick Booth on 01427 874933.

Prejudicial Conduct

A Disciplinary Hearing took place on January 14th 2012 to consider the conduct of Mr. R Deacon at the 2011 AGM. Mr Deacon will remain suspended until June 1st 2012 when he will be reinstated to full membership.

David CooperGeneral Secretary


National Officers & Section SecretariesNational and other officers

PRESidENT: Dick Boyd, Stewart Place, South Road, Garmouth, Morayshire IV32 7LX 01343 870 389 [email protected]

SECRETARy: Dave Cooper, Greensleeves, Exmouth Road, Exton, Exeter. Devon EX3 0PQ 01392 876 991 [email protected]

TREASURER: Jim Lepley, 7 Landale Gardens, Burntisland, Fife KY3 9HN 01592 874 592 [email protected]

NATiONAL SOCiAL SECRETARy: Mark Dutton, 13 Greenfield Drive, Great Tey, Colchester, Essex CO6 1AA 01206 212 232 or 07703 179 062 [email protected]

NATiONAL MEMBERSHiP SECRETARy: FREEPOST, The BMW Club, Glenthorne, Yeoford Road, Cheriton Bishop, EX6 6JA 0800 085 4045 [email protected]

STANdiNG ORdERS: [email protected]/5 TOOL HiRE SECRETARy: Mike Delacoe,

4 Charwelton Road, Preston Capes, Daventry NN11 3TA 01327 360 945 [email protected]

PRE/5 TOOL HiRE SECRETARy: Peter Dunn, 101Station Road, Thatcham, Berks RG19 4QH 07941 075 165 [email protected]

MERCHANdiSE SECRETARy: Cath Broughton, 17 Strawberry Hill, Northampton NN3 5HL 01604 416 896 [email protected] (see Merchandise advertisment for contact times)

ViNtagE & CLaSSiC REgiStER SECREtaRy: Robin Walker, 37 Heron Drive, Bracken Park, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 1GJ 01427 610 329 [email protected]

SPORTiNG REGiSTER SECRETARy: Robert Bensley, Oak Tree Farm, Heath Road, Banham NR16 2HS 01953 888 415 [email protected]

SAFETy OFFiCER: Colin Bembridge. 02089 538 807 [email protected]

EvENTS LOGiSTiCS: Brian Johnston, 10 Saffron Road, Tickhill, Doncaster DN11 9PW. 01302 743 032 or 07950 319 197 [email protected]

MARKETiNG/COMMERCiAL SALES: Position VacantSidECAR REGiSTER SECRETARy: Position vacant.GS REGiSTER SECRETARy: Position vacant.ASSiSTANT SECRETARy FOR AMERiCA:

Position vacant.100,000 MiLE AWARd: Jason Goodwill 01847 893 935

[email protected]: Nick Fearn

[email protected] OFFiCER: Mike Fishwick Sirgon, 24250

Daglan, France. [email protected] AdMiNiSTRATOR: John King.

[email protected] AddRESS: http://forum.bmw-club.org.ukviCE-PRESidENTS:

Peter Dunn [email protected] Dennis Crompton [email protected] 0161 653 0998 Cliff Batley [email protected] 01787 373 919

Section SecretariesEAST ANGLiA: Secretary Cliff Batley, 46 Newmans

Road, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 1UA 07966 015 607 [email protected] Membership-Dik Langan 0845 003 6880 [email protected]

iRiSH: Jim Sweeney, Fearna, Straleek, Celbridge, Co Kildare. Tel: 087 2300736 [email protected]

LONdON: John Lynch, 166 Chaulden Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP1 2BT 01442 267694/ 07860 663092 [email protected]

MERCiA: Ruth Jackson, 213 Morley Road, Oakwood, Derby. DE21 4TB. 01332 668 159 [email protected]

MidLANd: John Winn,16 Ardington Road, Northampton, NN1 5LJ. 01604 631 043 [email protected]

NORTH EAST: Philip Oughtred, Ponteland Cottage, Pipe Bridge, Rowland Gill, Tyne & Wear NE39 1PQ 01207 544 851 [email protected]

NORTHERN: Lynn Tagg, 63 Ambrose Court, Moss Lane, Leyland, Preston. PR25.4XA. 01772 431 324 [email protected]

OxFORd: Tim Read, 15 The Limes, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos GL7 5RF 01285 869 320 [email protected]

SCOTTiSH: Marjorie Burnett, Crawick Lea, Glasgow Road, Sanquahar, Dumfrieshire. DG4 6BZ 01659 50091 [email protected]

SOUTH EAST: Shaun Mulligan 47, High Street Halling, Rochester, Kent. ME2 1BP 01634 241 215 [email protected]

SOUTHERN: Richard Tavener, 34 Nursery Close, Frimley Green, Camberley, Surrey GU16 6JZ 01252 838 384 [email protected]

SOUTH WEST: Debbie Sampson ‘Trevilla’, 18, Ropehaven Road St. Austell Cornwall PL25 4DU. 01726 61642 [email protected]

ULSTER: Charlie McConnell, 6 Cameron Park, Ballymena, Co Antrim BT42 1QJ. 028 2564 7730 [email protected]

WESTERN: Sue Ross 7 Pintail Grove Kidderminster Worcs. DY10 4RT. 01562 820 458 [email protected]

yORKSHiRE: Simon Crossley. C/o 2 Birstwith Grange, Birstwith, Harrogate. North Yorkshire, HG3 3AH. 07742 951 610 [email protected]

HQ REGiSTER: Lisa Parker Tre Agan, 6 Becket Close, Ocean View Estate, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 2HJ 01209 204623 [email protected]

delegates to other organisationsBMF: Primary contact: Tony Cartmell

Other delegates; Jeff Dymond, John Lewis, Mark Dutton

FBHvC: M McNairdvLA: Steve Perry [email protected]

Please restrict any calls or enquiries to these Club officials to between the hours of 10am and 9pm, and let the Editor know if any of these details need amendment


President’s Platform Just back from the February NCM and some of the coldest weather that I have had to drive through in England, down to minus 6 and a lot of you saw worse, I know. The meeting went well and we got through a number of subjects, however we are going to somehow or other have to cut the costs of these meetings, or even the meetings themselves, as the amount that they are costing is not sustainable. The M and A’s quote three meetings per year but it was really a bit silly for all the NCM members to be travelling those distances in that weather.

On the way home from the NCM I joined in with a number of North East members and more, at Doncaster to give our fond farewells to Sue Knight, who died last week, she will be missed by a lot of Members and people from that area.

Elsewhere in this Journal should be an insert to inform the Scottish Section members of a new second Monday in the month, evening event, venue. The venue as far as I know, as everything isn’t finalised or confirmed at the time that I write this, is intended to be more to the East than at present and will hopefully attract more members from the Edinburgh area. So as soon as the weather clears up I should be able to get down for a visit. Will most probably stay overnight as it is 180 miles one way for me.

After all the doom and gloom from some areas of the club, it was very pleasant to see

that the membership numbers have actually increased from this same time last year. So it would appear that the membership promotions that some sections are running

at BMW open days are having some effect. This club has a lot to offer and once the weather has warmed up, you will be able to get those refurbished machines out on the road again where they belong. I have to say that I haven’t started work on my bikes yet and that a lot of the fasteners need replacing with stainless steel items. It is amazing how just a couple of rusty threads

will devalue the bikes visual beauty.Reading the MCN this week and looking

at the photographs, it would appear that Rossi is a much happier bunny than he was last year. Whether it’s hype for the opposition, Stoner and Lorenzo

I know not, but it sounds like Ducati may have finally got something together that they can work on and develop into a world beater . Haydon was also commenting that the Duke is handling a lot better, with a much firmer front end.

Thanks to Jeremy Brooks for all the mods that he has recommended for use on my K75. First thing that I will be having a go at is the lights. I won’t be covering that mod in the Journal as I will be seeking advice from Stewart Lowthian, the Editor who has already written this one up, when upgrading the lights on his GS.


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Looking for a used part for a Boxer or K series ? For spares you can always rely on, take a look at www.bmboxer.com

One last thing and that is the four BMW Magazines that are produced by BMW annually. The latest one that is absolutely full of information on GS’s has just dropped through my letter box.

Is anyone interested in ordering these magazines at a cost of about £10 per magazine. If you are interested give me a ring or e-mail, I am interested in giving this a try i.e. import and redistribution. BMW normally produce two car magazines and two motorcycle derived mags, per year. So you have to be a BMW petrol head to appreciate these mags. I am willing to process a couple of issues then we can see where that leads. The price I am told will come down with quantity but there is a minimum quantity order of ten.

Hope that this finds you well.All the best,Your President, Dick Boyd


TorqueReaction

Please send all submissions for April’s Torque Reaction to Paul Nadin (details on page 3) before

March 5th please.

Mike Reed.I joined the East Anglian Section of the BMW Club at the Copdock Bike Show last year and in this month’s BMW magazine (January edition) I read the article and saw the smiling photo of Mike Reed who has sadly recently died.

Last summer I went on a 10 week trek on foot from John O’Groats to Cape Wrath and then down the wilderness Cape Wrath Trail stopping at Ullapool on the little campsite for my provisions for the next 12 day leg of the trek down to Fort William. I was pretty exhausted, hungry, midge bitten and muddy from wild camping.

I happened to put my tent up beside Mike who had stayed on a few days following the BMW Club camp and we chatted for hours about bikes, his health and his life. I have a BMW R1200 GS here in Ipswich and he was giving all kinds of tips on maintenance and safe riding. He was so kind and incredibly enthusiastic about camping and events it was through him that I subsequently joined the BMW club.

I emailed him a couple of times and he wrote back saying he was unwell but not saying how badly. So it was a great sadness to see that he has died. What a lovely bloke and an inspiration to anyone he met along the way.

Please give my warmest best wishes to his friends and family whom he told me all about.

John Howard. East Anglian Section.

Krauser BMW. Help Please?A brief summary of my problem:- I used to be a BMW member way back when and had a variety of BMWs in the 70s and 80s, and decided to change my RS1000 to a Krauser

four valve engine and frame. This was supplied and built about 1983/84, by a chap called Simon Hill who had a workshop in Basingstoke. So far so good.

Now I come to my problem. Very recently the DVLA have been in contact with me to say that the bike doesn’t exist!!!!!! despite being taxed and MOT’d to this day! They have decided that the bike (with engine, wheels, forks, lights etc) is not a BMW, and confiscated my private number plate and log book.

I now have to prove when I had the bike put into the Krauser frame. Krauser in Germany have been marvellous and traced the frame number the year of manufacture and that it was sent to Simon Hill in Basingstoke, with the news that he is no longer trading, which is fair enough.

My plea is, do you think there may be any members out there who may remember this chap? Although I can’t imagine that he would have any paperwork anyway, but Cliff wondered if an inquiry in the Journal might turn up something?

I remain (with hope!) yours.

John Ringer. Essex.

Developments in France.The French Gov has finally confirmed how it will implement new regulations for bikers regarding reflective clothing and number plates.

As of 1st Jan 2013 it will be an offence, punishable through a fine and the loss of points, (in France you lose them, don’t gain them) not to wear at least 150cm2 of reflective clothing between the waist and the shoulders and not to be using an enlarged number plate. You may remember that this was first mooted


as an accident reduction issue, but most accidents involve 125cc bikes and below, and these are exempt from the new rules.

Riders in France must already use their headlights all the time and carry reflective stickers on their helmets. You may also remember that the French Government then said the regulations were to ensure other motorists could see if riders were lying in the middle of the road at night...FFMC’s Frederic Jeorge said “It will be considered almost as bad as driving without a helmet, even if you are wearing full leather armour, on a bike with the headlights on and knowing that our helmets already have 4 mandatory reflective stickers... Also, it will NOT include the mopeds and 125cc, where’s the logic?”

Logic? I’m not sure that’s generally considered when creating legislation for motorcyclists.

Kind regards

Paddy Tyson. Campaigns Co-ordinator. MAG (UK) - Motorcycle Action Group.

(This was forwarded to me by a friend and is reproduced here with the kind permission of MAG. UK.

Paul Nadin

Ab experientia sapientiaor Bodgeit And Scarper – AgainI have often wondered what possesses people to dismantle a machine in its entirety, put it in boxes, and then leave it (usually in a damp shed) for years until some well-meaning passer-by chances upon it , and foolishly takes it home to restore it.

It wouldn’t be so bad if the miscreant had boxed all the parts of the same unit together, and labelled them, but no, they usually toss them into jumbled heaps, and then talk about Getting A Round Tuit. Even worse, when the rusting pile is about to go into terminal decline, they insist that it is worth a small fortune, and that restoration is imminent.

The ‘lucky’ purchaser may then spend a couple of days sorting out the bits into obvious piles, and another couple of weeks puzzling over the remainder. Such was the case when I bought a pile of R25 bits a couple of years ago, armed with the assurance that there was enough to make ‘at least two machines’. As it turned out, there were not enough parts to complete even one.

I suppose I can forgive private owners who dismantle stuff with the best of intentions, and then leave it. I can even forgive those individuals if they have made an honest attempt at restoration, but for lack of skill, knowledge, time or money, fall short in their


efforts. Outright bodgery, unless it is to get you home in a desperate situation, is unforgivable. What is also unpardonable is dealers with so-called engineering qualifications, for whom optimistic bodgery is a way of life. When you go to a dealer, you expect a degree of honesty and expertise, and for that ethic to permeate down to their workshop staff.

Three years ago, I bought a pre-war plunger frame BMW from one such dealer / expert. It was advertised as ‘Fully restored, and is well sorted. It has been fully serviced and thoroughly checked over. This results in a pre-war Beemer as good as you are likely to get’. There is little doubt that the dealer had played a significant part in the said restoration, as his bill for £3,932.25, including £2,700 labour, accompanied the paperwork.

Delivery of the ‘well-sorted’ bike was delayed while the charging system was sorted out. Upon delivery the battery was flat as the key had been left in the ignition. The bike was then found to be misfiring, traced to the wrong spark plug caps having been fitted. It then became evident that the gearbox, which had been described as overhauled, was jumping out of gear. The dealer told me that his mechanic had assured him that all was well, but that he would talk to him about this, “if necessary”. It appears that the dealer did in fact later talk to his mechanic – nice to

know they were communicating – and that the mechanic had tested the bike by riding it round the yard. The yard lives up to its name, as it is impossible to get out of first gear in the space available. The situation was restored, it seems, by the fitting of new gearbox internals, genuinely sourced from China.

Some time later, the rear axle began to leak oil. Upon removing the bell-housing to the rear universal joint, no seal was to be found. The aforementioned bill for nearly £4000 contained an item for two rear drive seals. As a paying customer, I then returned the bike to the dealer for overhaul of the axle. When it came back, the axle leaked as much as before the £100 overhaul. When questioned as to whether the bike has been road-tested, I was told that “we ran the bike on the bench for as long as we dared”. Some road-test!

Shortly after, that event, I had cause to remove the offside silencer, which needs to be removed as part of an axle overhaul. Experiencing some difficulty in taking off what had been a new stainless-steel mounting bolt, fitted shortly before the work on the axle, the bolt was found to be bent, and with stripped threads. It had been hammered home, without regard to the alignment of the slot in the rear suspension kingpin. It was about that time that the dealer and I parted company.

About a year later, the spark plugs were


starting to foul up with oil, and a cylinder strip-down was dictated. The job was entrusted to a well-respected ex-Rolls Royce engineer, whose judgment I trusted. He was horrified to find substantial traces of sand-blasting material in the cylinder heads, which had migrated to the cylinders, causing scoring of the cylinder walls. It was just as well I had only covered a few hundred miles before this was discovered, otherwise the results might have been catastrophic. As it was a rebore and new cylinders were required.

I am not sure what the moral of this story is, except never to take anything on trust unless you know the vendor well. In this case, I though I knew the dealer quite well, but should have heeded the warning signs, such as the chaotic state of his workshop. For him, I have only one message. “You know who you are. Retire now before you do any more damage!”

Patrick Howell. Alcester. Warwickshire.

The Ultimate Economy Bike! (Not a push bike!)New to the UK market is the ‘’TRACK’’ T800 CDI solo motorcycle, a bit pricey at almost £16,000 it but might be of interest to those who want simplicity, reliability and ease of maintenance. It’s a diesel engined bike currently built in Holland, with plans to start production here in 2012 in Dorset.

Specs as follows:-

Power, 45bhp / torque 73ftlbs.Kerb weight, 230kgs.Engine, 800cc liquid cooled inline 3 pot

turbo charged diesel.Transmission, CVT belt drive shaft final

drive.Suspension. Front WP 48mm upside down

forks, rear WP shock all fully adjustable.Tyres, Michelin Anakee, 21’’ front, 17’’

rear.

Brakes. 2x310mm discs 4 pot calipers front, 1x265mm disc 2 pot caliper rear.

Tank capacity. 19 litres.Seat height. 860mm / 33.75insInfo; www.trackdiesel.co.ukWith mpg of around 80mpg, 19 litres

should be a good day’s outing of approximately 300 miles-ish.

Minimal service costs as with any diesel are well known and transmission belt life expectancy is claimed at 20K miles, but it is an easy job to replace. An existing owner reports that he can out accelerate his pals R1100RS so would appear to have some ‘’bottle’’ then.

I used to run my diesel vans up to 300k miles before considering or needing to do any thing with the engines, so this bike could do you for a not inconsiderable time and mileage.

I’ve not investigated insurance costs so this you would need to do yourselves.

So if your interested get in touch with Mr. Jez Hermer at the www address above, and then let us all know how your getting on.

Whether it’s a possible 3 wheeler, side car rig, I don’t know, but....

T’Upsidedown Tyke. Bradford.

A Little Bit of BMW History.What a treat it was to see photos of vintage B.M.W. motorcycles manufactured in the 1920s and 30s, in the January Journal.

The R42 has been ridden by its owner in events here and abroad. If one did not know any different, the impression is given that Earles Fork machines made from 1955 were the pre-runners of today’s models.

I feel sure new members would appreciate reading how B.M.W. came to build motorcycles. Here is a little bit of history: originally ‘BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE’ made aero-engines but after 1914-1918 war this was no longer allowed. So, in order to keep the firm in business it was necessary to diversify, hence engines for buses,


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farm vehicles, motorboats etc. were produced. Their first motorcycle was chain-driven,

made in the 1920s. Then came along a selection of shaft-driven singles and twins, with pressed and tubular frames; telescopic forks appeared in the mid 1930s.

Prior to 1939 various models had been selected to be made ‘en masse’ for the Military; on that note I will end.

Kath Washington. Oxford Section.

ABS Problems Fixed.Three years ago the ABS lights on my 2000 (non-servo model) 1150 GS started flashing, indicating the ABS was switched off. The bike had been in my garage for a couple of weeks while I used the car.

I optimistically assumed that probably a sender was faulty and tolerated the lack of ABS for a few of weeks before riding up to a franchised BMW dealer one Friday afternoon shortly before closing time. They kindly took the bike into the workshop immediately as it was a brake issue then informed me of an ‘intermittent fault’, adding that the ABS modulator unit would have to be replaced at £1,400 including labour.

After baulking at this frightful expense I left the shop saying I’d find the money somehow and get back to them. After checking the usual second-hand BMW spares shops I decided to manage without the ABS for a bit longer while I thought of an alternative solution if there was one.

A couple of months later I decided to attend to the badly corroded paintwork on the front of the barrels and alternator cover and find someone to remove the offending parts and have him send the wheels to Devon Rims for new stainless steel spokes etc. At the back of this magazine I found Steve Grover a.k.a. Motoscot who sounded like he knew his stuff and he took on the job.

When I described the bike’s condition I mentioned in passing the failed ABS and he casually said he’d have a look at it.

Six weeks later I went back up to Bedford to collect my bike with its new sandblasted and repainted engine in matt black and fantastic looking wheels and asked how it went with the ABS. Steve replied “I fixed that, no problem. I just reset the fault code!!” He didn’t even charge for it as it took seconds. I was astonished. He certainly does know his stuff. My bike was recoverable which was very fortunate for me, but is the resetting of the fault code always tried before recommending a complete unit replacement?

Today my 12 year old bike now with 54,000 miles on the clock and owned from new, still looks like new, goes like a dream and the original ABS still works perfectly. I think the voltage had dropped from not using the bike causing the “intermittent” fault which only occurred once to my knowledge. I now keep the Optimate plugged in if not riding for more than a week.

Steve Wates. South-East Section.

Editor’s note: the dealer was invited to respond but, at the time of going to press, no reply had been fortcoming.

Information Wanted Please.I am wondering if you have anybody in the BMW Club who could help me. I have a BMW R75/5 made in 1971, reputedly bought by Jochen Maas and given as a gift to the famous John Surtees. Some years later it was still in his shop in Hayes, Kent.

A very good friend of mine (who I have known for 45 years) bought this machine out of Surtees’ shop in 1976. The salesman at that time was a Mr. Peter Burren. I then purchased this bike from my friend in approximately 2007.

Is there anyone in the Club who would be able to verify this? The engine and frame numbers are 2984932 I would like something in writing although I don’t propose selling the bike.


Google Maps – A Warning.A word of caution to all Club members, when you have a spare few minutes on the computer take a look at your property on Google Maps, the one with the little person that can walk up your road/street/avenue or lane.

I did this and was horrified to see that all my best efforts at bike security had been thwarted by the view available from the pavement of all my pride and joys at the bottom of my property being on display for all the world to see!

I have taken steps to have the view

obscured with some rapidity by Google via their own system which allows you to request removal, situated on screen at the bottom of the offending pictures.

I also sent my observations to all of my racing & rally associates and had some very expletive filled remarks on return as to what was on display with both Google Earth & Google Maps. Some very expensive equipment and vehicles were on display allowing the scum element to make plans accordingly.

So, be warned fellow owners of expensive items, Big Brother has registered your assets for all to covet!!!!

Reg Moule. Western Section.

The Star Letter is sponsored by Nippy Norman, whose Throttle Rocker as pictured here is awarded for the Editor’s choice of letter. See www.nippynormans.com for their full product range.

Star LetterAs chosen by The Editor

Over the last few years I have rebuilt this bike to a good standard. Any help you can give me would be gratefully received.

Alan Barton. 01945 440028 [email protected]

Ultraseal vs. Tyre Pressure Sensors - a word of cautionI have recently experienced after 30 or so miles the amber triangle on my R1200 RT (SE) lighting up and advising that the front tyre pressure was low; however on inspection it was found to be perfectly correct. On re-starting the bike all was back to normal, but after about 30-40 miles the same situation would arise.

The machine was booked into my local dealer (Bahnstormer, Alton) who at first thought that it may be the receiver unit; however on further investigation they reported that the front and rear RDC sensors


required replacing.When I went to collect the bike I was shown

the two sensors which were both clogged up and therefore unable to transmit any values. I was asked if I had used Ultraseal and I had, and it was very clear that in this case this had caused the fault.

I have owned a number of motorcycles, three of which have been BMWs. I have always used Ultraseal, as I am sure many others have and still do, however I have never had tyre pressure sensors before.

Now I am sure there may be other club members who will say, you should have known that, or you shouldn’t have used it. Well, I didn’t know and I did use it, and if by writing this piece it may help others to consider its use, when sensors are fitted then I feel this is what our motorcycle club if all about, sharing information and reducing costs - and this was very costly.

John Peters. Southern Section.

MSL Tour of Tuscany 2007.For those who don’t know MSL Tours this small organisation runs tours to the Continent and now, in association with another company to more distant destinations.

The 2007 Tuscany tour was fairly typical of their approach, which is to provide route guides to the intermediate and final hotels and to book hotels, ferries and some of the meals. Riders generally meet up on the ferry and can group up or make their way alone as they wish. Alternatively, some may prefer to tag along with the MSL rep.

The Route Plans give times, distances and hotel details as well as outline guidance of the route itself. The following is an extract from Day 1 of the tour:

Leave Calais on A26 – dir. Paris/Reims2. Continue on main highway to join A4Leave A4 @ Jnct.26 – dir. Chalon-en-

ChampagneLeave N44 @ Jnct. With D994 dir. Bar

de Luc……

The route went via hotels at Nancy, Lugano – where we stayed for two nights – and on to the Hotel Villa SanPaolo near San Gimignano.

I took my STX1300 and teamed up at Nancy with a chap called Mike who was riding a Hornet painted in England colours. We were thrown together by a clerical error that had us sharing a room. Bad luck on Mike because, when away from home, I snore dreadfully – something he tried to accommodate by getting to bed early and wearing earplugs! Other bikes (of 16) were mainly BMW1200s with the addition of a Blackbird, Hornet, VFR800, MotoGuzzi Breva, TDM and a V-Strom.

The Novotel Hotel at Nancy was excellent and we enjoyed the company of a French football team from Lorient, all in smart suits and very differently behaved from the impression one gets of UK teams. Watching England getting thrashed by Australia in the rugby world cup side-by-side with a group of high class, well educated and well behaved sportsmen was a pleasure, despite the banter.

The Sunday spent in the lakeside city of Lugano was a delight. The next day however brought a rainy ride down the very busy motorways into Italy, which left much to be desired. Indeed we were fed up with the motorway traffic by the time we were beyond Milan and made stop at a service-area to look at the map for alternative routes.

We decided to turn across country before Parma and picked up a gem of a road called the SP357, which led into the SS62/SP62 towards La Spezia and Lucca. The E31/A15 motorway, which shadows its route, has supplanted this road but the old road, now devoid of traffic, was a wonder. It rises and falls through villages and farms with sweeping bends and excellent views, although not always the best of surfaces and with a few wandering domestic fowl to keep you concentrating! We stopped once for a breather and a drink but it is down in my mind as the best ever piece of continuous riding I’ve ever done. The new route took us on, around the northern edge of the Alpi Apuane Natural Park, bypassing Lucca and onto the SP429 for


San Gimignano – drinks, pool and relaxation in the sun.

The next three days were based at the hotel and groups went, by (inexpensive) shared taxi, into San Gimignano itself and toured the area to places such as Siena, Florence, Poggibonsi and Volterra on the bikes. Almost every one of the local roads provided biking pleasure and every town was full of interest and welcoming people.

Siena had children practicing for one of the festivals that involves flag ‘juggling’ and, for those who like these things, wonderful shops – particularly for shoes.

Volterra, home to alabaster carving and modelling, gave us an insight into Italian life when two police officers drove through the square and past the restaurant we were in, tooted the horn and waved at the proprietor. The wave was returned and in 15 minutes the officers returned and sat down to lunch, supervising the square from their table beneath the awning. How very civilized.

Some of the tour group visited the Moto Guzzi factory – some kind of anniversary event I think. Another group walked back to the hotel from San Gimignano via a field of wine grapes, ‘liberating’ a bunch of the crop on the way. They now know that wine grapes, especially unripe ones, are less than pleasant to eat!

Now three days of luxurious (by my standards) living – good food, lovely rooms, pool, wellness centre etc. is as much as bikers can stand I guess, so it was off on the return. On the first day we joined a group riding up through Pistoia and San Marcello Pistoiese and the middle of the Parco Dell’Alto Appeninno Modenese, to join the northbound motorway

near Modena, thence to Lugano, for one night this time.

From Lugano we took advantage of the brilliant sunshine and headed up the Gotthard Pass (new, concrete version I discovered, not the old ‘Tremola’ route), stopping for coffee at the top, where a Swiss couple had parked their BMW-based GG-Quad beside the lake. Nice!

The remainder of the trip should have been straightforward but for the fact that I managed to fuse the supply to my GPS at Lugano and joined forces with a colleague who had a GPS but had defined his ‘fastest route’ simply by its two ends! We set off on a crisp Sunday morning with a low fog across the countryside – and failed to take the turning off the A31 onto the N4. With nowhere to stop, no map of the A31 in my head and no useful communication between us it was halfway down the A31 before we could pull into a service area and look at the map. Navigating cross-country on a Sunday morning in dense fog was not an option, so we pressed on to join the A26 and the original route on the A4 south-west of Reims. The additional 100 miles on the trip reinforced my view that GPS tour routes should always be planned from maps. Point-to-point is for horses and, it would


seem, for delivery drivers!It was an excellent tour. Good company,

interesting roads and riding and lots of interest off-bike as well.

Neville Dalton. Oxford Section.

The Case against Full-face Helmets.I’m rushing to write this in support of George Saunders’ excellent article in the February edition of our magazine.

I had an experience in 1975 that was entirely due (I now believe) to the points that George illustrated. On a cold spring day in 1975 I set off for a local gallop round Sussex with a chum. I had a then quite newly-introduced full-face helmet (by HA – Japanese, excellent quality). To proof me from the cold I wore a lower-face mask, a silk balaclava and a scarf. This little lot, plus a visor snapped shut and sealed round its perimeter, virtually isolated me from the freezing wind... and, not realised by me, a free flow of fresh air. I was still breathing OK, not at all drowsy and I was warm, so what could possibly be wrong? I had done this dozens of times.

Following a lorry with a ‘dirty’ exhaust, in the overtake position and looking for the overtake, I can remember holding my breath slightly to avoid the stench of the exhaust fumes. I next remember coming-to in hospital! My friend, following me, couldn’t understand what had happened. I had appeared to be going for the overtake when I suddenly and inexplicably drifted off and crashed into the opposite kerb.

After recovering we revisited the scene and tried to understand what had happened. At the time we decided that I had hit a depressed drain cover that was in the gutter but that explanation never really rang true. I would never willingly ride in the gutter!

As the years went by, and after replacing the ruined ‘HA’ helmet with another, ‘Phil Read’, full-face helmet, I came to my own conclusion.

I now believe that I had suffered oxygen depletion, due to a combination of restricted air-flow from an early full-face helmet, layers of clothing and, finally, just holding my breath for a moment (because of the lorry’s exhaust). Any one of those conditions shouldn’t cause a blackout but all three clearly did, I am now convinced. Yes, it all seems so obvious now - aaah, the benefit of hindsight. But how many otherwise ‘unexplained’ accidents are from an identical cause? I am now well-warned and very aware of the potential problem.

I then rode with open-face helmets for many years, although I have a full-face Caberg at the moment (a present from my partner) but which I am converting to the open-face option.

Modern ventilated helmets are a million-miles from the solid, sealed ones of the 1970s but the vents are still able to be tight shut and clothing can still make an effective seal round the base of the helmet. Every purchaser should be warned in the strongest terms of the dangers of oxygen depletion that is possible with these full-face helmets.

The extra weight, and more-importantly the unbalanced chin-bar weight, of the modern ‘full-face’ are an additional problem, well illustrated in George’s excellent article.

No, I’m not a fan of the full-face helmet and thank you for publishing this must-read article.

Barry C. Brown. Torbay.

And the case for themI read George Saunders’ Case Against Full-Faced Helmets Revisited with an open mind but I feel there are some gaps in his logic. Firstly if “everything I have included in this article is attributable” why does he even mention the unattributed and highly dubious-sounding 25% statistic?

Where is the evidence to support “More people die, or are disabled after accidents generally, through obstructed airways than any other cause”?


Similarly, who has established a link between hypoxia and full face helmets? What is the source of the assertion that helmet vents are fitted to combat this? And if, as he later claims, an open face and a good visor are as cosy as a full face why is he not worried about the aforementioned hypoxia? How can it be as cosy if it as not as well “sealed”?

And is he really saying that it was his 1994 letter that prompted fairing manufacturers to fit vents? I distinctly remember the Vetter Windjammer of the 70’s being so equipped and, if memory serves, the airhead RT fairing. Later he claims that “Racing motorcyclists wear full-face helmets for their better aerodynamic properties”. If he is saying that this is the only reason I would like to see some verification of this.

While the late Gordon Hadfield may have had “serious misgivings” what were they? Did it change ACU policy? Is he quoted elsewhere or simply mentioned in passing?

He cites the Cooter/David report but provides no figures. While it makes sense that the chin bar would protect the face in pretty much any collision we are left to wonder exactly how many deaths have been caused by the impacts he describes and if those deaths can be attributed solely to the chin bar. Perhaps there are no figures to support the argument; Mr Saunders says only that a difference is “mentioned” by the good doctors. It is possible that the lack of spinal damage in open face wearers is down to significantly lower speeds at impact.

I think Mr Saunders’ is trying to expand a worst-case scenario into a comprehensive argument. If we accept that the chin bar could cause injury or death as he describes then it must follow that the chin bar will protect the face at lesser impacts and it should be noted that the facial damage thus prevented may itself have affected the airway. It might also be argued that with or without a chin bar his nightmare accident may prove fatal. The force must go somewhere whether transmitted by the helmet or the jaw.

However, it is not hard to imagine that the forces exerted on a chin bar could lever the vertebrae beyond their normal range of movement (whiplash) and that at the extreme this would be fatal. It is also a fact that some competition motorcyclists wear a brace to limit helmet movement and reduce this risk. But it must also be noted that the risk does not appear to as great as to make open face helmets the solution.

Mr Saunders’ may chose to wear an open face if he wishes and to base that decision on whatever criteria suit him but if he wants to put a decent case against full face helmets rather than simply express a preference he needs to produce more evidence.

I have no letters after my name but I have been motorcycling for nearly forty years, twenty of those for the Police.

Roly Pope. Feltham, SW London.

Re-vamp Wanted?Like Richard Blore (Torque Reaction Feb.2012) I am a new member of the club having returned to motorcycling after an absence of 38 years, firstly with a Suzuki 500, then a K1100LT SE and now an F650CS Scarver. Increasing years and a disintegrating lower back forced the sale of the K1100 to a lighter and more manageable machine but still a BMW. I agree with RB, the club needs to revamp its image and adapt to a younger audience.

Another side of the same coin was to be found in the letter contribution from Peter Taylor (same issue), who whilst extolling the praises of the F650GS twin then finished by stating it was not “a real BMW”! What does he mean?

30 years ago or thereabouts, Porsche attempted to move their customers off the 911 for the 928, they failed. At about the same time BMW introduced the K series, a brilliant concept in my view, spoiled only by weight and vibration issues (not the 3 cylinder K75 series though).


Further development should have occurred instead of which BMW caved in and persisted with a 90 year old design! I’m all for “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” but if we stick rigidly to that philosophy we would still be a) flying in piston engined airliners b) riding in steam driven locos and c) riding/driving side-valve engined motorcycles and cars!

Wake up and smell the coffee gentlemen, the Boxer is an outdated concept which should have been given its long service and good conduct medal and pensioned off years ago!

In my humble opinion, the ideal engine configuration for a motorcycle is either a) parallel twin b) V twin c) V4 or V5 d) straight 3 or 4 cylinder in-line a’ la ‘K’ series and not across the frame 4’s or 6’s as inspired by Japan.

Finally, if it’s got 2 wheels, a four bladed propeller and the initials ‘BMW’ on the tank/side panels then it’s a proper BMW ennit! As long as it’s not a fake or replica of course.

Tim Oates. Oxford Section.PS: Now retiring to the bunker c/w hard

hat to await the arrival of incoming flak.

BMW and Reliability.I hope my experience of BMW reliability on high mileage machines might be of interest to other readers.

I owned many Japanese bikes before my first BMW, a K1200 RS bought new in 1998. This was an import 100 HP version, produced max torque 1000 rpm lower than the full power version and was the better for it, although it was very fussy about 98 octane and would “pink” badly on some makes. I did 55000ml on this bike and only had the rear suspension unit replaced under warranty when it leaked oil.

I traded for a new K1200 RS when the later type came out because the improved top fairing and screen gave better protection to my 6ft 5in frame. This bike had the rear shock replaced once and the front shock replaced twice. Oil seals from the front of the engine

and the final drive repaired. Rear output shaft seal and clutch replaced. Rear bevel box bearing pivot bearings replaced. The centre stand replaced.

Several attempts were made to repair the cruise control but the problem would re-appear. I eventually cured it my self by securing the throttle cable with a cable tie so it could not move and so alter the adjustment of the paddle/micro switch.

All these problems occurred during the first two years and under warranty, and once sorted I ran the bike until 98000 miles with only a new clutch at about 75000 miles.

I then was offered a 2005 K1200 GT with only 6000 miles so I bought it and sold the old RS in the hope that the GT would be good for at least another 100,000 miles. Shortly after purchasing it the ABS started playing up and the unit was diagnosed as faulty needing replacement at £1300. I asked my dealer to request BMW to supply a unit as a good-will claim as it was such low mileage and this they did, I paid the fitting charge (not cheap at £125 per hour) but I could not complain. The bike has now done 23000 miles and with no further problems. I expect to keep it for at least 100,000 miles as there is nothing I like better.

Having ridden thousands of miles on K1200 RS/GT all year round through snow and ice, I can’t recall any time when I thought the ABS had saved a skid. I can however recall many heart stopping moments when the ABS cut in on a dry road because it was bumpy and took off the brakes, elongating the breaking distance to the point where I thought that it would not stop in time.

Also the rumble strips on the approach to roundabouts will trigger the ABS, repeatedly making it difficult to stop. The system is slow in removing and reapplying the brakes. I have wondered if the telelever front end contributes to this by not transferring weight to the front, but without riding a non ABS bike I will never know.

By comparison the Honda system is


undetectable and I have never felt it cut in. I run a 1300 Pan European 2003 bought with low mileage ex demo, This has had a head gasket replaced under warranty (oil leak) and the rear bevel box replaced (excess backlash), the paint finish is not as good as the BMW, it has no heated seat or cruise control, It struggles to reach much above 40 mpg (the BMW will constantly return 50mpg), but it is very relaxed and comfortable - if a little dull.

Geoff Patterson. Southern Section.

Information on Running Costs.

In reply to the letter in the February Journal TR from Graham Wiltshire, (Chairman - Western Section) I would like to assure Graham and all members that every effort is being made to reduce the running costs of the Club.

As can be seen in the enclosed accounts booklet for 2010/11 many costs have been reduced, for example, bank charges. The committee members who pay your subscriptions in to the Club’s accounts have contributed to this saving by making their payments into a different bank. These people deserve a big thank you. I know that for some it has not been easy and has involved additional time and travel.

Although considerable savings have been made an increase in subscriptions is required just to keep pace with price rises due to inflation. There has not been a subscription increase for eight years and at 4% inflation we would have needed an increase of £1 every year so £2 spread over this period is quite modest.

Despite savings having been made a large reduction in reserves over the last two years means that in order for the Club to continue supporting quality events and produce a quality Journal for all members an increase in subscription fees is required.

It is a specific requirement in the M&AA’s that there are 3 National Committee meetings

per year. The cost of getting, more than 20 people together from as far away as Ireland, Ulster, St Austell and Thurso is substantial even though some committee members travel together to keep fuel costs down and in one case no claim is made.

I regret that at the time of writing I am unable to comment on the Calendar issue which is being discussed at the February NCM.

Regarding the proposal made by an ex national officer that national officers and their wives should have expenses paid for attending a national rally, I (together with all of the current National Officers who were present at the time) supported the decision made by the National Committee to modify the proposal to say that expenses may only be claimed by a member or National Officer who is required to attend in an official capacity.

I hope to see you all at the National AGM where I will be only too happy to answer any questions or concerns members may have over finances. Alternatively if you are unable to attend the AGM email me on [email protected] or tel: 01592 874592.

Jim Lepley, Treasurer.

Are Charges Justified?I have been a member of this club for nearly twenty years and have enjoyed many local and national events but do not recall ever being told there is a mandatory charge in order to attend and participate.

There appears to be an intention to make quite a good profit from the attending membership of this year’s event at Ellesmere. I have read the comprehensive article by the Social Secretary and see nothing in it which justifies a charge of £20 per person. Or did I miss something?

I have always had reservations about the club going plc and becoming a project for some people to practice their management skills. I am fortunate enough to be still earning a


salary. Many of our members are not, they have to juggle very tight budgets, pensions etc. This year’s event is too expensive.

David Holland. Western Section.

And in Reply…..David says “I have read the comprehensive article by the Social secretary and see nothing in it which justifies a charge of £20 per person. Or did I miss something?” Hello David. Thank you for bringing this valuable point to my attention and please allow me to explain. You have asked what the mandatory charge is for that we have added to the booking form for the 2012 national rally.

The rally is being run and managed by a selection of unpaid volunteers for the members. Without these unpaid willing volunteers no rallies that you said you have enjoyed over the past 20 years would have been possible.

When anyone organises an event there are costs involved. For example, how do you think the band is paid for? I am sorry to break this news to you but normally it is your camping or accommodation fee that is inflated to proportionally distribute this cost.

Adding a mandatory charge is a way of being very transparent and ensures that the charges to hire the venue site are paid by all the rally participants.

In answer to your question what does the mandatory charge cover? It is £20 for effectively 4 days so this breaks down to £5 per

day. Here is what your £5 per day buys.Hiring the College exclusively for the

BMW club for the whole weekend, supplying the club with access to the swimming pool, games facilities, using the dining hall, chapel, libraries, the main hall, the lecture theatre, the tennis courts, the golf course, the terraces and the cafe. Plus supplying ‘behind the scenes’ staff to ensure that the weekend is unproblematic.

They are supplying the electricity as part of the hire and so is the hot and cold-water consumption in all areas. All the sanitation including refuse collection is part of the package. Signage, H & S risk assessments, insurances, entertainment, individual remuneration for mileage and sustenance claims for the management team during the event planning stages plus Hi Vis jackets etc. I am sure this list will be fuller by the end of the event.

I promise you that nobody is “on the make” here. The members are the reason why any of us “in-office” do this stupid volunteers job and when people say “thank you” it goes along way to repay the countless hours that these men and women contribute. They are my real heroes.

I hope that my explanation has answered your question and that you decide to come along and have another good time as after all it is just in your section’s area and hopefully you might even decide to lend a hand?

Mark Dutton. National Social Secretary


The 2012 Mileage TrophyPaul Devall introduces this year’s competition

I just read the small article in the February Journal and realised that I had forgotten to include all the people that don’t have email and the wonders of the internet to hand so a postal address is required. The options were my own address and I very rarely give that out unless it’s to the National Lottery etc, or another. I have chosen another. As this is my work address you need to address it exactly as follows:

Paul DevallICT, Cambridge Education @ Islington1st Floor Non-Laycock Wing222 Upper StreetLondon N1 1XRAs well as that it should have “Personal”

written in large letters about the envelope. That will ensure it arrives bang tidy on my desk wherever I am. We have “smart working”, but the mail room can, and do, always find me.

So back to the 2012 Trophy. So far there are 18 entrants. Tony Page decided after winning it two year in a row to drop out and the others from 2011 have decided to have another go, plus we have added a number of new entrants to the spreadsheet. We need more.

I don’t plan to post monthly tables on the Forum this year. It was too tedious as I wasn’t allowed to use my blogger page any longer. It’s

not the workload, but maybe it will add a little more mystique?

The competition last for 9 months so I guess every three months should suit everyone? So what I would ask for is when you send your end of May/August/November mileages for all your bikes entered that you give me a paragraph to let everyone know what you have been up to. Last year Nina’s ride to the Far East was a bit of a surprise for me opening the email!

Anyway, new entries to [email protected] if you aren’t a snail mail advocate.

Good luck.


To the Chinese Border and Back - via all of the ‘Stans’

Nina Plumbe has been travelling again

For us, the two of us, this was a long time in the planning - for once. The problem was it was the wrong time of the year to be away. We run a plum orchard, and the spring is a fairly busy time. However, springtime it had to be, to slot into the right time for the weather for the trip. Later in the summer would be hotter, resulting in more melting snow. Even later and it would be getting too cold, and in the winter it would be impossible.

Preparations included following the progress of the GlobeBusters trip in 2010 as closely as we could. We were lucky here, knowing one of the participants on that trip a bit. Sadly, as it turned out, we had to accept that we could not do the China leg, due to the fact that we were being quoted huge sums of money for the mandatory guide that has to go with you. Our second worry here was that I had a daughter getting married in Bali just a few days after we were due back. We felt that we could always abandon the bikes in Central Asia if we were running late, but not in China.

My partner had decided that we should do a charity car run to Mali in the January before we were due to leave. This meant that time was a bit tight for getting all seven visas that we required before the middle of April, given that we both had to travel once more to Europe before we left. We managed, but only just! Acquiring the visas entailed lots of trips to London, rushing passports from one place to another, either in person or handing them over to an agent.

A ‘ letter� of� introduction’� for Azerbaijan had to be obtained from an agent based in Kazakhstan. Turkmenistan would not give us a visa until we had got the visas for the countries on either side, namely Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. We did not realise that we could get the ‘ letter� of� introduction’ for Turkmenistan from the embassy ahead of time, without the passport. You do need an empty passport for this kind of trip – the required visas they take up many pages!

The trip was not a cheap undertaking, but as there were no planned shipping costs back home for this trip, the cost didn’t seem so bad in the overall scheme of things.

Apart from visas, the other important items to bring were tyres. We accepted that we were not going to be able to buy appropriate replacement tyres anywhere en route on this trip. As it happened, both sets of tyres on our two bikes were fairly worn out. The plan was to take some knobblies with us to put on in

Ready to go, Norfolk


Dushanbe, about 5000 miles down the road. Because we did not want to throw out our existing tyres, or carry a second set of tyres, we decided to go on our old worn out ones and just pray they would make it. As a precaution, however, we begged a spare front and back from the dealers. It came as a surprise to us that no dealer knew that a F650GS and a R1200GSA can take the same size tyres! I was told by one dealer, who will remain nameless, that if I put ... “that”... tyre on my bike it would hit the swinging arm. This ignored the fact that ... “that” ... tyre was already fitted to my bike!

Clive’s bike was not new - it had over 30000 miles clocked up. Mine was newer, having done about 11000 miles before setting off on this trip. I had new panniers but few other extras - just crash bars, a belly-pan and my home-made higher screen.

The only things that we booked before we left were the channel ferry, the first night in a Formule 1 hotel, and also a ferry from Venice to Igoumenitsa in Greece.

We had great weather to start with and within the week we were in Turkey, heading down the Gallipoli peninsula and realising it was two days off Anzac day. We met the English ambassador to Turkey on a ferry, when he was kind enough to wind down the electric window of his car and have a conversation.

Turkey is a big country and it took us ten days to reach the Georgian border. Cappadocia had to be seen again, and also the hot spring,

with the little fishes in it nibbling away at your skin.

Turkey is very scenic but petrol is very expensive, about £1.70 per litre when we were there. We experienced great mountains, big rivers, lots of snow on the mountain tops, and some exciting roads under construction leading to some tricky motorcycling. One tunnel in particular seemed to have a surface akin to unset cement, a foot deep and with large stones in it. It was also completely dark, and with lorries coming the other way - a bit tense!

Georgia came and went and soon we were in Azerbaijan. Not that helpful on the border, and the news that our bikes could only be there for three days, whilst we had a month-long visa! I suspect that if we had offered to pay some bribery money we could have had longer for the bikes, but our schedule only included two or three days in the country, so all was well. Azerbaijan is well worth a longer visit, being quite scenic, with friendly people and some tourism.

Baku was humming and modern, whilst our ferry across the Caspian Sea was less so. A very old ‘rust bucket’, carrying a train and freight, with our bikes perched just inside. I suppose it wasn’t so bad - I think a ferry I have been on across the Black Sea was older!

I guess that Turkmenistan was my least favourite experience, in spite of the nice guide we had taking us through the country. He helped us through the remarkably bureaucratic

Burning Crater, Turkmenistan

Scenic Turkey


border. It was the worst for bits of paper - fifteen or so - all so important that none were looked at again. Because we had run short on time in applying for the visa, we had to have a ‘tourist’ visa, requiring a mandatory guide, instead of a ‘transit’ visa, allowing you to travel unguided.

It was fairly hot now as we headed south to the capital, Ashgabat. On the way we had an amazing swim in an underground lake in wonderful hot water. However, I hated Ashgabat -far too modern for me, far too spaced out and ostentatious. The university was a building dripping with gold paint. Other buildings were painted gold and blue, with all the stone work in white. No one walked the streets and I felt that I was in a city belonging more to 2030 and the faraway future.

The country is tightly ruled and has loads of oil. It is aping the Middle East, Dubai and such places. The citizens outside the capital are still riding donkeys. The Lonely Planet-lauded ‘Central Asian Market’ was a major disappointment, with all the charm ruined by a move to modern premises outside-of-town.

Heading north we saw the famous burning crater and some ancient religious buildings, before exiting to Uzbekistan and being back on our own again. The bikes were doing fine, our worn out tyres now being illegal for anywhere but here ...

We had no insurance but all was good,

the weather was hot and the Uzbeks are very friendly and welcoming to tourists. They must have been told to be especially nice to us, as on several occasions when offering to pay for our cups of tea, we were told ... “no payment for�tourists” ...

Tea is abundant in the ‘Stans’, and a much better bet than coffee, but then I am a tea drinker! All the ‘Stans’ are Muslim, but alcohol is readily available, especially vodka. Beer is also available, but wine is very scarce. There is no evidence of keen ‘mosque-going’, and no great noise from the minarets - it all seems very low-key. Mosque building was going on in Turkmenistan, but according to our Russian guide very few people attended, or were going to attend, these giant new ostentatious mosques.

The road surface had been good (tarmac) except where construction was going on - then it was very tricky, especially if wet. We got plastered with mud in Azerbaijan on a wet construction road. There were some potholes but nothing terrible, and it stayed this way until we reached Dushanbe in Tajikistan.

Uzbekistan was a highlight architecturally - Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand did not disappoint, and we took a day off the bikes in each.

Carpets were bought! Amazingly the guys in Bukhara sent carpets back to England for us, even though we had only produced half the money up front! They were prepared to take the risk of us paying them when we got

Medrassa, Samarkand

Mausoleum, Samarkand


home in six weeks time. The carpets actually arrived in the UK within the week. I guess they made a huge profit out of us! I am glad I did it though - I could never have bought those carpets in England.

Whilst the old religious buildings have been mostly restored to a very high degree and are very sumptuous to look at, just round the corner things look pretty poor. In Samarkand we stayed in the old town, behind some kind of concrete wall, down a dirt street and then in through the compound walls of a very pretty oasis of a garden. This was a stone’s throw from some amazing, touristy, ornate mausoleum.

Just down the road they were having a major water problem. The road was flooded and a large mechanical excavator was digging down into a huge watery hole, trying to free up the drain. It seemed it was nothing new.

Money in Uzbekistan was rather amazing. Their largest denomination note was worth 50p. Whilst things were cheaper than the UK, a fill-up of petrol typically cost about £8. This meant producing sixteen notes and counting them all out. We had to carry our money in a plastic bag - you definitely couldn’t carry much in a wallet. We had also been warned that the border guards would check us on our way out, and if we had more money than declared on the way in, then it would be confiscated. We had put everything down on the customs form and kept every receipt. No one looked at our receipts and we sailed through the border.

By now it is pretty hot - top 30s. It was

very strange to see snow-capped mountains while it was this hot. Now we were heading south, as the border between Samarkand and Dushanbe was shut for some strange reason, whilst the crossing further south was open, a situation that has, apparently, gone on for a while.

There was a lot of goods traffic in the south, all seemingly heading into Afghanistan. There was a brand new road with huge lorries, together with a railway. It goes without saying that the Chinese are very busy building virtually every new road in Central Asia, using their own labour force and machinery. We spent a night near to the border, and the next day we reached Tajikistan and rode into the capital, Dushanbe.

Tajikistan was the poorest country that we visited. It was hard to find a hotel. In the end we had to opt for an old Russian one. We found old Russian hotels to be pretty horrible, gaunt, rundown structures, usually complete with a dragon of a Russian lady sitting behind reception. They are generally poor value for money. However, the Tajiks do not have many hotels, and the choice is either Russian hotels or ‘home-stays’. We had a tent with us and therefore had the option to camp, but it would be cold up in the mountains! On the plus side, Dushanbe at near sea level is hot.

Continuing on our way, we were picked up by two NATO soldiers as we tried to start Clive’s bike. His non-original gel battery had been playing up for a while. Sometimes the

Cooling off in TajikistanAnother means of transport, Uzbekistan


bike started fine, sometimes not. I carried with me some mini jump leads which had already proved useful. No joy this time though and no battery until we reach Osh! We had a meal with the two NATO guys - one was French and the other a Brit. They had noticed us going up and down the central road looking for a hotel.

Tyres were changed and the choice of route sorted. We had a choice - up the mountains straight away, or a more gentle climb whilst going along the Afghan border. However, the direct up-the-mountains route was apparently shut due to a landslide, but no one really knew for certain. Regardless of the route, we knew that there was certainly going to be a river crossing or two. We were now nervously anticipating the river crossings. However, luck was on our side this particular year. It had been a very dry winter and not much snow had fallen. The rivers were not as full as they could be. The weather had also been okay lately. In the end we opted for the longer, more southerly route - and it was great.

For two days we followed the Afghan border, mostly on a dirt road. Climbing above 2000 metres we followed the river that divides the two countries. The river flowed for most of the route through a ravine, with our road to the north and a precarious Afghan footpath on the south side. Stopping to take a photo of Afghanistan, together with a man on a donkey, I was shouted at angrily by the Afghanistani - we were that close. Tough! - I

got my photo and rode on.The mountains were brown, dry and very

scenic. The road was fun - narrow and rough. Now and then huge Chinese lorries would come the other way. Sometimes I wondered how they managed to stay on the road, bouncing round the sharp bends high above the river on a single track road.

In case we forgot, we were occasionally reminded of where we were by ‘ landmine’ signs!

The Russian hotel, (the only hotel in Kulyab), was a ‘peach’. The Russian dragon lady behind the desk didn’t shift, but she had a mini-dragon daughter to show us up to our room. The room was quite large and appeared, at first glance, to be okay. However, the line of Coca-Cola bottles in the bathroom indicated no running water to begin with. When the water did come on, we tried the shower, but that only worked if you held the head of the shower below your waist!

The loo trickled all the time, and when it got dark we discovered that not one of the seven lights in the room had a light bulb fitted! I stormed downstairs, delighted to be able to have a go at the dragon in reception. She understood perfectly and soon had her minions running around. All they did was pinch a bulb from elsewhere in the hotel. We at least managed to have one light bulb working out of seven. I think this hotel cost $40 - not good value at all!

Our worst night, however, was in Murgab.

The Pamir highwayAfghanistan to the left, our road to the right


We reached this place after a wonderful day riding the Pamir highway from Khoreg. The Wakhan valley was reputedly shut, or only just opening after the winter, so we went for the Pamir highway itself. It is tarmac, but it is also high! It was beautiful, hardly any traffic (though there were some crazy cyclists), with snow close to the road on all sides.

The Lonely Planet guidebook stated that there was a fish restaurant up here! We did find it - the only sign of habitation for miles. To call it a restaurant was stretching the definition a little - but fish we had - dried up little fish that had been smoked as well. I gamely ate some, but Clive didn’t, as a friendly lady served us as we sat crossed-legged on the carpeted floor of her house.

After a long day all you want is a nice comfortable spot to rest, but our ‘home-stay’ in Murgab was not exactly that. A sweet, friendly, very well meaning, but very poor couple welcomed us into their home. Our room was accessed through three other rooms. The walls were made of packing materials covered in carpets. The beds were about two-foot six-inches wide, with spiky, squeaky, springs - and bed bugs to boot! We took the precaution of sleeping in our own sleeping bags, but Clive still got bitten. The electrics were, to say the least, worrying. My stomach was not feeling right, and the loo was out in a shed across the yard. The loo was, quite literally, a hole in the ground, surrounded by some very foul looking iron work. Outside was also quite cold as we

were at 3700 metres.We were fed on lungs - yes lungs! I know,

because my Norwegian mother had fed me on lung mince when I was a child, and I didn’t like it then either. My stomach churned some more!

A poor Australian girl had also found her way to this ‘home-stay’ and was suffering from altitude sickness. She had to occasionally rush out to the charming hole in the ground. I managed the night without having to use the loo - just!

The shops in Murgab were housed in a row of old containers sitting in a gravel yard. Petrol came from a hand-pump. However, you could buy the necessities of life, and I think it was marginally better than camping at that height on that kind of very stony, bleak terrain.

We crossed into Kyrgyzstan via a slippery, muddy pass, with the border located at about 4000 metres on the top - in the mud. Clive’s bike again decided to not start, but a jump-

Wooden church, Karakol, Kyrgystan

Sari Tash children, Kyrgyzstan

Toilet, Tajik style


start from a border guard’s car got us on our way to Sari Tash, and a much better ‘home-stay’, this one in the snow! This was as far east as we travelled - it was now all homeward bound.

Kyrgyzstan was good, scenic and friendly. A bit of tourism meant a wider choice of hotels. The road between Osh and Bishkek gave us some of the best motorcycling on the trip - good road, no traffic, great scenery. If there is ethnic tension here we didn’t sense it. People were helpful. Osh was a nice city and so was Bishkek the capital. We managed to go all the way round Lake Issy Kol, before finally reaching Almaty, the capital of Kazakhstan.

I didn’t find Almaty all that great. It’s so westernised that it didn’t feel that different from a European city. Modern cars, sky-high buildings, vibrant and busy - seen it all in Europe. From here it was all downhill!

With four weeks to go we were a long way from home, so it was time to head back. The

route through Kazakhstan was relatively easy. Our off-road tyres, (they were Karoos), now had a lot of tarmac to cover, and they proceeded to wear very unevenly.

Keeping to a fairly southerly route we rode through desert scenery on the whole. We passed snow-capped mountains to the south at first, but then, as we turned north to go round the top of the Aral Sea and the Caspian Sea, they disappeared.

We wondered if we would bump into an Australian couple, travelling on two bikes, that we had met in Bishkek. They were heading for England too, being on an overland trip from Australia to the UK. The girl had only ridden a bike for a year or so, but she was getting the most out of her little Yamaha XT250. Her partner had a DR650 Suzuki - neither bike was new. We couldn’t forget their names - Will and Kate! We also knew that another couple from England, (Les and Nick Poole of Pooleglobaltrek fame, and from Norfolk like me), were heading back from Mongolia, and were currently further north, in Russia.

Before leaving Kazakhstan we encountered a stretch of bad, continuously potholed road for about 200 miles. If it had been wet it would have been terrible, but it was dry for us. The potholes were vast, motorcycle-engulfing ones, but we bumbled along. Large lorries could not negotiate the potholes and had to take to either side on sandy tracks. Cars too could not drive on the road. We did better than the trucks and cars at times, and they did

Main road, KazahkstanAral Sea camel, Kazahkstan

Modern Almaty, Kazahkstan


better than us at others. We felt happier in the potholes than on the sand!

It was on this stretch that we met a single biker coming towards us on a Triumph Tiger. As you do, we stopped and talked in the middle of nowhere. He was riding through to China and on to Bangkok. He made it and is home again now.

Another amazing person we met was a lone female cyclist called Sarah Outen. She is the female record-holder for rowing across the 3500 miles of the Indian Ocean, for which she was awarded an MBE. Still in her twenties, she is now travelling round the world by kayak, rowing boat and bicycle. You must take a look at her website www.sarahouten.com. She is going to row the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean, and cycle to Beijing, as well as across America - all on her own. She is a very nice girl and a pleasure to meet.

After the potholes I realised that I had a very worn chain. Its tight and loose spots were getting greater! We were now edging towards Russia, and, taking it steady, we eventually reached Volgograd. I had carried a spare chain all round South America in the past, and never needed it. I had therefore thought that my bike would just about make it home with about 22000/23000 miles on the one chain. But this trip was a few more miles than we had thought, and Volgograd was the end for that chain. However, everything was easily sorted – the hotel gave us three phone numbers, a guy came along, the bike was taken into his workshop at 9.30 p.m. Sunday evening, and he fixed it on a bank holiday Monday! No sprocket to be had, but one nice new chain.

Within half-a-minute of arriving outside our intended hotel, who turned up but the Australian couple! What a chance. Then, not much later, we heard that Nick and Lesley, two-up on their BMW 1150GS, were arriving too. We had a great reunion that night!

We spent a hot and sweaty day in Volgograd, having a look at the Mother Russia statue amongst other things. Will and Kate decided to ride with us through Ukraine, whilst Nick and Les stayed behind for another day.

By now we were realising that the trip was nearly over as we headed back into Europe. Three days in Ukraine were fun with the other two, and then we were on our own again as we headed for the Slovak Republic, whilst they made for Hungary.

Before we managed to exit Ukraine the police finally had a little bit of fun with us. We had done pretty well up to now, but Ukraine is notorious. The first policeman had positioned himself between two railway crossings at which you were meant to stop. That meant, according to him, that motorcyclists had to

put their feet down. It had begun raining and we had waterproofs on, whilst he was in his summer shirt getting soaked. We argued away, including in the back of the car. Suddenly he got some call over the radio and we were let off.

The next lot pulled us up for not stopping, speeding and overtaking in the wrong place. They were quite agitated when we finally pulled into a petrol station, with them in their Lada behind us. Clive climbed into the car to negotiate, but soon came back to me, having slammed the police car door in disgust at their request for 2000 euros! What to do? They

Mother Russia, Volgograd


only had our international driving licences!I decided to go and talk to them. As I

approached the car I could see one of them sitting with his head in his hands, seemingly in despair. They stared at me, then suddenly one of them pointed to my date of birth on the licence. ... “Yes”,�I said,�“I�am�old,�that’s�right”... We were let off! Two old bikers…

That was about it. The bike got new sprockets in the Czech Republic and both bikes got new tyres.

Back to bureaucracy, speed cameras and insurance - but also a script we could understand again! We had actually not been insured since leaving Greece, but had encountered no problems. Our visas had all been accepted, and the colour photocopies of our motorcycle logbooks had never been doubted.

Our credit cards had worked when needed. I even had some dollars left over! The trip for two cost about £9500 for eleven weeks away and 12500 miles covered.

DISCOUNT FERRIESWITH ALL THE MAJOR COMPANIES

• Dover – Calais: Sea France • Portsmouth – Lehavre: LD Lines •• Harwich – Hoek: Stena • Channel Islands – St Malo: Condor Lines •• Ireland: Irish Ferries, Stena • Isle of Man except TT and Manx GP •

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Wheeling and Dealing – BMW Style

Two years ago, Oxford Section member John Boileau toured the country reporting on the ‘ independents’ that many BMW riders rely on for servicing and parts. This time he reports from the heart of the BMW Motorrad servicing operation – the BMW Academy in Berkshire.

A lot has changed in BMW dealerships in the last ten years. The letters pages of the Journal are rarely without a comment about a closed dealership, or an opinion about how the dealership service is presented.

I arranged to visit the BMW Academy, at Wokefield Park near Bracknell, to find out how the company views itself, and how it views us, the riders and owners.

The Academy is a stunning building, run for BMW by the de Vere hotel group. It has an atmosphere that combines the feeling of five-star hotel, corporate headquarters, and

new university. I was pleased that my 1996 K1100RS was clean enough not to look out of place in the car park.

The men and women you pass in lifts, corridors and meeting spaces are suited, smartly coiffed and snappily dressed. The delightful exceptions were two of my three hosts for the day - Conrad Parker, National After-Sales Manager for BMW Motorrad, and Howard Godolphin, BMW Motorrad Field Service Manager.

The suits-and-ties rule is bent for the management of the Motorrad division, and Conrad and Howard were kitted out head-to-toe in the best of BMW’s own riding kit, and both were riding GS1200s.

Conrad told me that Motorrad had just registered three record years, with its share of the UK motorcycle market up from 4.7% to 14% over that time.

Conrad Parker (left) and Howard Godolphin


The Crucial Dealer Network

The performance of the dealer network is seen as crucial to that success, and achieving it meant that there had to be changes - the most obvious to BMW riders were the changes in the dealer network. Some of the correspondence in The Journal would occasionally suggest that some BMW owners, perhaps the older ones, have found the process unwelcome or uncomfortable. However, BMW is clear that the changes have been a vital part of the recent successes.“We� are� delighted� that�we� are� selling�more�

motorbikes� and� taking� a� bigger� chunk� of� the�market.� Because� we� sell� more� bikes,� we� sell�more� parts� and� service�more� bikes,� but� for� us,�‘customer� experience’� is� number� one,” he told me.�...�“Customer�experience�might�be�a�difficult�concept�to�grasp�if�all�you�want�is�a�bloke�with�a�set�of�spanners�to�fix�your�bike�at�the�least�cost,�but�the�motorcycle�industry�is�a�tough�business�to�be� in.�BMW�has� identified� the�place� in� the�market� that� will� allow� it� to� be� successful� and�profitable,�and�it�isn’t�the�cheap�end.”�

Conrad set out for me the corporate goals:

(1) to provide an industry-leading customer experience, (2) to be the most successful premium motorcycle brand in the UK, and (3) to maintain a profitable dealer network. He explained how creating a network of successful dealers was the foundation of those aims. But getting to that point had involved some hard business thinking and some pain.“Some�nine�years�ago�we�took�a�decision�that,�

as� a� business� strategy,�we�wanted� solus�BMW�dealerships.� We� had� many� multi-franchise�dealerships� around� the� country,� but� we� felt�dealers�found�it�difficult�to�represent�the�brand�in�the�way�that�BMW�wanted.”“In� the� late� 1990s� we� had� over� sixty-nine�

dealers,� and� it� was� our� ambition� to� reduce�that� number� to� around� thirty-five� to� forty.�From� a� customer� perspective� that� meant� it�was�more�difficult�to�travel�to�a�dealership,�but�the� intention� of� this�was� to� create�dealers�who�could�represent�the�brand�and�make�visiting�the�dealership�a�unique�experience,�so�although�you�were�travelling�a�little�bit�further,�when�you�got�there�you�were�brought�into�the�world�of�BMW�for�all�the�things�we�had�to�offer”.

Workshop Display at the BMW Academy


Paying the Price of Progress

The reaction from some BMW riders was, predictably, less than enthusiastic. But Conrad was clear that such responses had to be weighed against the sound business reasons why BMW thought change was vital.“A�lot�of�the� ‘old-school’�customers�don’t� like�

that� because� they� remember� when� they� could�go�to�Fred�in�the�shed�and�drink�tea�and�coffee�all� day,� or� stand� with� the� technician� in� the�workshop� and� that� technician� would� take� all�day�to�service�one�bike.�We�aren’t�in�that�world�any� more.� Very� soon� the� other� manufacturers�who�are�left,�and�who�survive,�will�have�to�follow�suit�because�of�the�pressure�of�rent�and�rates,�and�all�the�other�things�we�have�in�the�UK.”

Howard recalled the ways in which most dealers had started in the early days of BMW in the UK, and the reason change was necessary.“In� those� days� the� dealership� came� about�

very�much�through�enthusiasm,� so�people�were�doing�a� trade� or�a� job� that� they� liked� -� racing�motorbikes� or� they� liked� riding� motorbikes� -�and�they�became�a�bike�shop.”“We�were�going�around�the�country� looking�

at� what� bike� shop� we� would� particularly�like� as� a� dealership,� but� then� we� got� a� lot� of�enthusiastic� people� who� liked� motorcycling�but�weren’t�businessmen,�and� the�whole�of� the�industry,� irrespective� of� brand,� used� to� suffer�from�the� same�thing.�If�you�had�a�workshop�of�five�mechanics�who�were�working�on�a�number�of� different� brands,� you� had� ‘specialists� of�everything�but�masters�of�nothing’.�So�anything�apart� from� routine� servicing� and� tyres� would�really� cause� an� issue,� and� the� bike� would� be�laid�up�for�weeks�until�someone�from�the�office�here�could�go�and�fix�it.�Over�the�years,�with�the�reduction� of� the� numbers� and� the� solus� dealer�programme,�we’ve�still�got�enthusiasts,�but�with�much�more�business�acumen,�which�is�why�the�dealers�are�run�much�more�effectively”.

Howard made the interesting comparison with BMW dealerships across the Channel, who often seem more relaxed in their approach, and often have cafes and almost the feeling of motorbike clubs. It all comes down to money. ... “Their� land� is� much� cheaper,� so�you� generally� get� much� larger� dealerships.� So�in�Germany�and�surrounding�Nordic�countries�they�all�have�cellars�or�basements,�so�they�have�loads�and�loads�of�room�and�are�really�spoilt”.�

First-class teachers and training facilities


Where Did the Mechanics Go?

We moved on to the subject of what it takes to become a BMW technician - and why they are ‘technicians’, and not ‘mechanics’. Howard said that the job title ‘mechanic’ had become degraded over the years, and by the early 1980s was a pretty meaningless description. ... “I�always�thought�the�term�‘mechanic’�got�diluted�by� things� like� the�YTS�scheme� that�got�known�as� ‘young,� thick�and� stupid’,� and� then� the� old�saying�that� ‘you�can’t�get�thicker�than�a�Kwik-Fit� fitter’� -� people� termed� those� as� ‘mechanics’�and�that�actually�diluted�the�phrase.”�

This gradual devaluing of the job coincided with BMW’s introduction of the fuel-injected K series in 1983, and the stepping up of training to include basic electronics. BMW became the first automotive company to drop the title ‘mechanic’ and replace it with ‘technician’. The change of name for the job was recognition of the much higher standards of workmanship and ability that BMW was expecting from its service personnel.

A vital part of the process of improving the staff in these ways was to make sure that a properly planned, recognised and inspiring career path existed for the workshop staff,

and not just for the white-collar side of the business. This was explained by my third host for my visit, Mark Crandon, National Training Manager, responsible for the technical areas of all BMW dealer networks, including body-shops, technicians and Motorrad in its entirety - technical and non-technical.“We�will�offer�people�at�sixteen-years-old�an�

apprenticeship,�working�to�become�a�motorcycle�technician.�We�take�existing�technicians�and�we�develop� their� skills.�Whenever� a� new� product�comes� out� there� is� new� technology� on� it� and�different� repair� methods,� and� so� we� have� to�cover�that�training.”“The�career�structure�for�Motorrad�takes�you�

from�the�apprenticeship�to�the�technician,�to�the�senior�technician,�and�then�finally�to�the�master�technician� level,� so� there� is� a�whole� ‘cradle-to-grave’�structure�within�the�technical�area.”�“It’s�really�about�developing�the�skills�for�the�

network�to�deliver� the� standards� that�Howard�and� Conrad� have� spoken� about.� On� the� one�hand� we� want� the� business� performance� -� the�parts� sales� and� accessories� sales� -� and� on� the�other�hand�we�want�the�level�of�service�that�the�customer�wants�and�expects�from�our�brands”.

Mark explained that it was also about

Training Manager Mark Crandon and what he’s here to teach you about


making sure that BMW technicians had a route that opened up the possibility of achieving skills, gaining respect, and earning wages that reflect and reward the effort that the individual technician puts in. Part of the thinking was to create a career structure that might reduce the possibility of highly-skilled and trained people feeling the need to leave and set up on their own as ‘independents’ to achieve a satisfying working life.

In next month’s article I undertake a tour of the training and teaching areas of the BMW Academy with Mark, who explains what BMW looks for when recruiting the technicians of tomorrow, why getting a BMW apprenticeship is tougher than getting into University, and how BMW has attempted to create a career structure that gives full scope for some of the best technical minds in the motorcycle industry.

The Academy Building


German JottingsThe pages of Motorrad interpreted by John Bentall

Bridgestone have introduced a new sports tyre, the S20, which should be available immediately. Motorrad tested this against its predecessor, the BT-016 Pro, and the claimed improvement in wet road grip was immediately noticeable and puts this tyre at the front of the pack. There was a reassuring level of feedback and steering precision but it was not possible to determine whether the movements at high speed caused by tyre flexing - a criticism of the BT-016 - have now been eliminated.

Polo, the retail and mail order clothing chain and great rival to Detlev Louis, became insolvent at the beginning of December affecting 95 stores and 800 jobs. This follows the bankruptcy of the Frank Thomas and George White businesses in the UK.

BMW is celebrating the best year in the company’s 90-year history with 104,286 motorcycles sold, 6.4% up on 2010. In the world market for over-500cc machines, BMW share has now reached just over 12%, representing a doubling over the last 4 years. BMW chief Hendrik von Kuenheim also reckons on worldwide sales of 10,000 units for the new scooter range. By way of contrast Husqvarna sold only 9,286 machines, down 23% on the previous year.

Rukka have introduced a new over-trouser for Commuters called the Granite priced at €329. These have a Goretex liner construction (so-called Performance Shell), full length zips down the legs and knee protectors - very like the BMW Cover trousers that appeared in

2003 for 3 years.Issue 03/2012 carries a report from one

of the first owners of a K1600GT that now has 22,000 km on the clock. Interestingly the gentleman, a certain Christian Dimter, is a gearbox design engineer for Porsche in Stuttgart and criticises his K for clunky engagement of first gear, for randomly noisy and then quiet gear-changes, frequent jumping out of gear, constant whine from the primary drive and tram(!)-like noises in fifth and sixth gear. However, nothing annoys him more than the constant clonking from the drivetrain as the throttle is rolled on and off. “It is a challenge for the designer of a dog-clutch, constant mesh gearbox to minimise the effects of the necessary free-play in dogs. The Kawasaki GTR and Yamaha V-Max show how it should be done”, says Dimter. In contrast the motor is a peach, fuel consumption is better than expected, the chassis handles every occasion with aplomb and the Metzeler Z8 tyres offer plenty of grip. The Garmin-sourced Sat-Nav earns for some brick-bats for average usability, poor accuracy, occasional drop-outs as well as a poorly-fitting fascia directly in the riders sight and a noisy connection with the BMW Helmet Communication System. Dimter has passed on his observations to the factory and to the CEO and his summary is, “Thanks BMW for building such a great bike, now can you please iron out the remaining problems”.


The BMW Club National/International Rally booking form

Location: Ellesmere College, Ellesmere, Shropshire. SY12 9AB

Friday Aug 24th to Monday Aug 27th 2012 Please complete the application details which apply to you, then after photocopying this sheet for your reference, send it with your payment (no staples please) to: “Escape to Ellesmere” c/o 7 Landale Gardens, Burntisland, Fife, KY3 9HN First Name(s)…………………………………………………………….Membership number…………… Last name………….……………………………………. Address………..................................................... …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………… Post Code………………………….. Tel (home)…………………………………………….(Mobile)….………………………………………………

If you wish a reply please add in your email address. No postal replies will be sent. E-mail address…………………………………………………….………….……………………………………….

Totals Mandatory Weekend Pass per person(£20) _______________ Cost camping / Motor home (£15 per person for the weekend) _______________ Please indicate if bringing a Tent or Caravan or Campervan _______________ Accommodation Single en suite room £30 pppn _______________ Accommodation Twin en suite room £30 pppn _______________ Accommodation Single with shared facilities £25 pppn _______________ I wish to purchase tickets (number) to the Dinner Gala on Saturday Evening. 3 courses. £20 per dinner ticket. _______________ I wish to confirm my booking & enclose my total payment in full £_______________ Please make cheques payable to The BMW Club. Please write your surname and membership number on the back of your cheque. Extra booking forms are available on line For further information, please contact either Jim Lepley or Mark Dutton

Email; [email protected]

Please order Tee shirts or polo shirts and other event regalia from the on line shop. Visit: http://www.thebmwclub.org.uk/nationalrally/

If you require a receipt please include a Stamped Addressed Envelope.


This form is to allow members attending the A.G.M. to order a pre-meeting snack and a sandwich lunch during the mid-meeting recess. This is free for members to book in advance but cannot be requested on the day of the meeting. Members booking their sandwich lunch will be given a ticket on registration to enable them to collect it at the appropriate time.

This form is also the only way for members and guests to book the post-meeting dinner on Saturday evening at the Buccleuch Arms Hotel at a cost of £19.00 per person. If you require accommodation either before or after the meeting you must book this directly with your preferred hotel, Bed and Breakfast or campsite. A list of local accommodation providers is to be found elsewhere in this edition.

For further information please contact: Marjorie Burnett: [email protected] Tel: 01659 50091 Judy Lepley: [email protected] Tel: 01592 874592

Please return this form, with a cheque for £19.00 per person payable to “The BMW Club” if you are ordering dinner, to: Mrs Judy Lepley

Scottish Section Social Secretary 7, Landale Gardens Burntisland Fife KY3 9HN

Name Membership Number

Sandwich Lunch

Saturday Dinner

To order meals as listed above, please complete the appropriate boxes below. It would be helpful to the hotel, who regularly win awards for their locally-sourced food, if you would indicate your choices on the copy menu opposite and return it with your booking form. If you require a receipt for your Saturday evening dinner then please enclose an s.a.e.If you only require the sandwich lunch then you may telephone or email Judy instead of posting this form

Annual General Meeting Booking Form


BBMMWW CClluubb

~~ MMeennuu ~~

Our own Steamy Bowl of Hearty Lentil Soup served with a Crispy Crouton.

Smoked Barony Trout Served with a Herb Salad and Crispy Capers.

Grilled Scottish Chicken Breast served with Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables and Basil Pesto.

Pure Galloway Beef Flat Iron Steak served with a Tomato and Mushroom Kebab, Onion Rings and Green

Beans (cooked to medium).

Courgette Parcel (Nut Free, Lactose Free, Egg Free) Ribbon Courgette encasing Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables, Sun-dried

Tomatoes, Artichokes and melted Vegan Cheese served with Rocket Leaves and our own Homemade Tomato and Basil Sauce.

Belgium Chocolate Mousse served with Berries.

An all time favourite.

Tea & Coffee

£19.00


The Buccleuch Arms Hotel is the hub of activities for the AGM weekend. The Saturday night dinner will take place there and Dave Smith, the proprietor, welcomes all members to use the bar and social areas of the hotel as well as for bar meals. After the Saturday Club Dinner (prebooked only) there will be entertainment in the Buccleuch Arms to which all members are welcome.

Because a fairly large number of hotels/B&B’s will be used members should contact the Accomodation providers direct, mentioning the BMW Motorcycle Club for any discounts they may offer.

Hotels

Buccleuch Arms Hotel, High Street, Moffat, DG10 9ET. Tel: 01683 220003 www.buccleucharmshotel.com 15% discount for BMW members. Bike garages available!

The Star Hotel, High Street . Moffat, DG10 9EF. Tel: 01683 220156. www.famousstarhotel.co.uk

Annandale Arms Hotel. High Street, Moffat, DG10 9HF. Tel: 01683 220013 www.annandalearmshotel.co.uk Book 2 nights get 3rd night free.

Balmoral Hotel. High Street. Moffat DG10 9DL Tel: 01683 220288

Moffat House Hotel (Best Western) High Street, Moffat. DG10 9HL Tel: 01683 220039 www.moffathouse.co.uk

The Stag Hotel, High Street, Moffat, DG10 9HL Tel: 01683 220343

The Bonnington Hotel, High Street,

Moffat, DG10 9DL Tel: 01683 221888 £30.00p.p.p.n B&B email: [email protected] Paul & Lesley Ramsden

Bed&Breakfasts/Guest HousesBuchan Guest House, Beechgrove, Moffat,

Dumfriesshire, DG10 9RS Tel: 01683 220378. Garage for motorcycles.

Hazelbank B&B, Academy Road, Moffat, DG10 9HP. Tel: 01683 220294 www.hazelbankmoffat.co.uk 10% discount offered. One of the bedrooms is suitable for people with mobility problems.

Fernhill B&B, Grange Road, Moffat. DG10 9HT Tel: 01683 221857

Limetree Guesthouse, DG10 9AE Tel: 01683 220001 www.limetreehouse.co.uk Very large garage.

Nineoaks B&B, Reid Street. Moffat. Tel: 01683 220658

Seamore Guest House, 14 Beechgrove, Moffat. Tel: 01683 220404 www.seamorehouse.co.uk

Lochhouse Farm. Beattock. DG10 9SG 1.7mls from Moffat. Wheelchair friendly. Tel: 01683 300451 www.lochhousefarm.com

CampingCaravan & Camping Club, Hammerland,

Moffat DG10 9QL Tel: 01683 220436 Special backpackers rate for BMW members: Fri/Sat: £6.55, Sunday: £5.85 (pppn) no charge for the m/cycle. Caravans/motorhomes- please call for rates. Please book by 7th April

Accomodation in MoffatThe establishments listed below are near to the A.G.M. venue. A full list can be obtained

from Judy Lepley (see page 42) by email or post by sending her a s.a.e.


A new ventureAn adventure-loving couple who rode their motorbikes half way round the world through deserts and jungles and across mountain ranges are opening a new business to help other enthusiasts explore the planet on two wheels.

Long before film star Ewan McGregor attempted the long-distance rides which became best-selling books and films, Cliff and Jenny Batley from Sudbury, spent a year and covered more than 26,000 miles on their own epic journey.

The pair on their matching BMW F650 specialist machines set off from Suffolk and crossed more than twenty (28 actually) countries before reaching their furthest destination in New Zealand.

On the way they tackled some of the toughest road challenges including traversing deserts and avoiding landslides – and even armed smugglers on notorious drug-running routes.

Now Cliff (a BMW Club vice-president) and Jenny are launching their own business to help fellow travellers prepare and equip the tough two-wheeled machines they will need. A vital part of the upgrades are the special pannier carriers that will hugely improve the bike’s handling and performance. The custom-made aluminium boxes are imported from America and can be fitted at the new company’s base in Acton near Sudbury.

Called “The Adventure Bike Shop” the business will do exactly what it says over the

Cliff and Jenny Batley open their new business

Overland touring luggage, kit and equipment

Visit www.adventurebikeshop.co.ukEmail [email protected] 01787 372901

Two Wheel Trekkers is now The Adventure Bike Shop

NOW OPEN TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 10 TILL 5 VISIT US FOR THE BEST PRODUCTS AND SERVICE TO THE ADVENTURE BIKE TRAVELLER


door and help bikers prepare for their long-distance challenges

“We�had�an�incredible�year” said Jenny. “It�was� a� really� fascinating� journey� and� we� saw�some�incredible�sights�and�met�some�incredible�people.�In�places�we�did�not�see�Westerners�very�often� and� we� were� treated� like� royalty� –� we�weren’t�allowed�to�pay�for�anything.”

“We�realised,”�she continued,�“�that�the�right�equipment�as�well�as�proper�planning�were�the�keys�to�a�successful�trek.�-�and�that�applies�if�you�are�heading�for�the�other�side�of�the�world�or�just�touring�Europe.�For�the�last�two�years�we�have�been� trading� as� Two�Wheel� Trekkers� offering�the� luggage� and� other� products� on-line� and�going�to�trade�shows�but�now�we�have�decided�to�expand�and�offer�a�wider�range�of�products�and�a�complete�preparation�service�as�well.”

The Adventure Bike Shop had its grand opening weekend on the 11th & 12th February, with free tea, coffee, bacon and sausage rolls on offer to anyone who came to the opening weekend.

The Adventure Bike Shop is Unit 19 Inca Business Park in Acton. Telephone 01787-372901 or e-mail

[email protected].


The BMW Club...Out and About

On the following pages, you’ll find details of the Club’s ‘social’ side, including information about past and future events, and where you can get together with friends old and new. Why not try something for yourself this month?

51 Where We Meet 5153 diary of Events - March and April 53

Find out what’s on in the next few days/weeks A complete list of regular section events,with adresses, dates and contact details

59 The Social Scene 59The National Social Secretary invites us to be sociable

60 Around the Compass 60Events coming up which may need booking, including UK and European Trips/weekends

63 Section & Register News 63Keep in touch with what’s happening in the Club’s regional Sections.

includes reports of past (and upcoming) events, and general news about your own area. Contact details are provided at the end of each Section’s entry

2012 BMF Discount Code - BMW12C196


Where We MeetPlease send Where We Meet changes to the Editor

EAST ANGLiA: The Five Miles Inn, Old School Lane, Upware, Cambs, CB7 5ZR, 12:00, 1st Sunday. The Shoulder of Mutton, Halstead Road, Ford Street, Aldham, Essex, CO6 3LL, 12:00, 3rd Sunday. The Three Tunns, Wethersfield Road, Finchingfield, Essex, CM7 4NR, 12:00, 1st Wednesday. The Lamb and Flag, Main Street, Welney, Cambs, PE14 9RB, 12:00, 3rd Wednesday. Also various meets through the year, so please see the Diary Of EventsiRiSH: Cork meet at 6.30pm TexOil Petrol Station, Glounthaune, every Tuesday night – 3rd Tuesday in April to end September Liam Quinlan & Con O’Leary, contact 086 8252774 [email protected]. Dublin Meeting – Last Thursday 8.00 pm, West County Hotel, Chapelizod; Jim Sweeney [email protected] 0872300736. North West Meeting – 2nd Sunday, Coffey’s Café, Carrick-on-Shannon, 12.00 noon; Patrick Munnelly 086 3383499 email: [email protected]. Limerick meeting, 1st Thursday, 8.00pm. Woodfield House Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick Pat Mulcahy 087 2377312.LONdON: Section meets are as rideouts and are irregular, please see their website and the Journal Diary for meets. Peter Jones 07710887958, Nick Fry 01438749913 for advice.MERCiA: Repton Village Hall, Askew Grove, Repton, Derbys DE65 6GR, see diary for dates and times. The Clock Warehouse, London Road, Shardlow, Derby. DE72 2GL, 2nd Wednesday, 1900hrs. The Dog, Henley Road, Mappleborough Green, Studley, B80 7DR, 2nd Thursday, 1930hrs. Axe & Compass, 5 Ways, Wolvey, Hinckley, LE10 3HG, 1st Tuesday, 19.30hrs. Brunch/ Breakfast at Windy Ridge Cafe, Winkhill Leek ST13 7PN, 1st Sunday from May to October, 1030hrs. Hoar Park, The Craft Village, Nuneaton Road, Church End, CV10 0QU, every Wednesday at 0930 hrs for breakfast MidLANd: All year round gatherings The Three Kings, Saltersway, Threekingham, Lincs NG34 0AU, 01529 240249, 1st Tuesday 7.30pm; The Old Reindeer, Main St., Edingley Notts, NG22 8DE, 2nd Thursday 7.30pm; The Griffins Head, 28 Wilby Rd, Mears Ashby, Northants, NN6 0DX 3rd Tuesday 7.30pm; The King’s Head, Kingsway, Tealby, Lincs LN8 3YA, 01673 838347 3rd Thursday 7.30pm. Winter gatherings The Community Centre, Great Lane, Greetham, Rutland and The Rangers Cycle Clubhouse, off Islington Road, Towcester, Northants occasional Sundays, October to March. Alternating Breakfast meets see Diary or Forum for details.NORTH EAST: The Durham Amateur Rowing Club, Green Lane, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3JU at 19.30hrs 1st Wednesday. The Wagon Inn, 3 miles NW of Ponteland on A696, NE20 0DH, 19.30hrs 3rd Wednesday. Unless otherwise noted all runs start from Durham Services, Bowburn J61 A1(M).NORTHERN: The Briars Hall Hotel, Burscough, 1st Friday, 8.00pm. Skipton Market Place, Skipton, 2nd Tuesday, 1.00pm. Rixton Community Hall, Manchester Rd, Rixton, Warrington, 2nd Sunday November to March, 1.00pm. Chipping Village Hall, Chipping, 2nd Sunday April to October, 1.00pm. The White House, Peel, Isle of Man, 3rd

Tuesday, 7.30pm. The Border Rose, Rochdale Rd, Walsden, Todmorden, 3rd Friday, 7.30pm. The Harraby Inn, London Rd, Carlisle, last Monday, 7.30pm.OxFORd: George & Dragon, Erlestoke, Wilts 7.00pm, 1st Thursday. The Harcourt Arms at Stanton Harcourt, 2nd Tuesday, 19:30. The Fox and Hounds at Sunnyside, Theale, Nr Reading, RG7 4BE, 4th Tuesday, 20.00. Uffington Village Hall, Oxfordshire, winter Sundays,14:00.SCOTTiSH: 1st Sunday @ Spittal of Glenshee Hotel, Glenshee, Perthshire PH10 7QF at 12.30pm. 1st Monday @ Meldrums Hotel, Ceres, Fife KY15 5NA at 7.30pm. 2nd Sunday @ The Bankfoot Inn, Bankfoot, Perthshire PH1 4AB at 12.00 noon. 3rd Sunday @ Buccleuch Arms Hotel, High Street, Moffat DG10 9ET at 12.30pm. 4th Sunday @ Hopeville Social Club, Harlaw Road, Inverurie at 12.30pm.SOUTHERN: The Phoenix Inn, Twyford, Hants SO21 1RF, on the B3335 1 mile south of M3, J11, 20.00 second Tuesday. The Seven Stars, Newark Lane, Ripley, Surrey, GU23 6DL 20.00, alt Tuesdays. The Half Moon, 32 London Road, Petersfield, GU31 4BE, just North of Petersfield on the old A3, alt Thursdays. Horton Inn near Horton, Dorset, BH21 5AD on the A3078, 20.00 3rd Thursday. “Old Gits” Loomies Diner on A32 at West Meon Hut cross roads A272 & A32, Hampshire first Wednesday, 12 noon.SOUTH EAST: ‘The Bull’, Lower Road, East Farleigh, nr Maidstone, ME15 0HD, 1st/3rd Wednesdays, 20.00. ‘The Roebuck’, on the B2124 at Laughton, 2nd Friday, 20.00. Borders meet, last Friday, 20.00. Lunchtime meet,noon last Sunday. See Diary for detailsSOUTH WEST: Jamaica Inn: PL15 7TS. At Bolventor, off A30 east of Bodmin (signed from A30). The Weary Traveller, EX15 1BQ, at Cullompton, 100 yards from Junction 28 off the M5 on the A3181.The Weary Traveller, Station Rd., Cullompton EX15 1BQ Tel 01884 32317 All meets 1200 as per calendar of events.ULSTER: Corr’s Corner, Glengormley, Co. Antrim, 8.00pm on first Tuesday (except January & July). Wednesday evening runs Corr’s Corner, 7.00pm from beginning of April to end of August. Sunday/Wednesday morning runs 11am Corr’s Corner throughout the year, weather dependant.WESTERN: The Hood Memorial Hall, Devauden, Chepstow. NP16 6PL, 13.30hrs, 2nd Sunday. New Inn, Claines, Worcester, 2000hrs, 1st Tuesday. The Lamb Inn, Iron Acton, 19.30hrs, 1st Wednesday. 99 Neath Road, Rhos, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 3EH, 19.30hrs, 4th Wednesday.yORKSHiRE: Cracoe Village Hall BD23 6LQ on B6265 north of Skipton through Rylstone, 1st Sunday, 12 noon. The Bear Inn, South Cave HU15 2AS on the A1034 off the A63, Brough, 2nd Monday, 8pm. Squires Cafe Bar, Sherburn in Elmet LS25 5LQ, on the B1222 from the A1 or the A162, 3rd Tuesday, 7pm. How Stean Gorge Cafe HG3 5SF north of Pateley Bridge near Lofthouse, 3rd Sunday, 12 noon. The Conservative Club, Town Street, Gildersome on the B6126 between Morley and New Farnley, last Tuesday, 8pm.The Bikers Café Fimbar Road Fridaythorpe Driffield YO25 9RX last Saturday, 12 noon


diary Of Events:March & april

Diary of Events closing date is the 5th of each monthThese activities have been arranged as agent for and on behalf of The BMW Club.

All organisers are covered by our insurance, provided the event guidelines are followed.

March = April = Weekends = Red Text

March1 Yorkshire Lunchtime ride in & meet The Bay

Horse, High st, Great Broughton. Contact. Peter 01904 672883

Irish Limerick meeting Woodfield House Hotel, Ennis Road 8:00 PM Pat Mulcahy 087 2377312

Oxford Natter night, George & Dragon, Erlestoke, Wilts 7.00pm

Southern The Half Moon, 32 London Road, Peterfield, GU31 4BE

2 Northern Evening natter meeting at The Briars Hall 7:00pm. Vera Hunt. 01257464429

4 Mercia Bowling with Vi & Derek Sheldon Strykers Bowl, Castle Grounds, River Drive, Tamworth. B79 7ND (opposite Snow Dome). 2 games starting at 9.30am. contact 01827 712613

Midland A5 rangers clubhouse, bottom of Islington Rd, Towcester, Northants 12 noon till 3pm. Winter meet with hot food and drinks . John/ Janet Winn 01604-631043

Scottish Monthly Meet: Spittal of Glenshee Hotel, on the A93, Blairgowrie, PH10 7QF. Tel: 01250 885215. http://www.spittalofglenshee.co.uk 12:30 PM

E. Anglia Pub meet - The Shoulder of Mutton. Halstead Road, Ford Street, Aldham, Essex CO6 3LL

S. West Pub Meet 12-noon. The Canal Inn, Wrantage, Taunton, Somerset TA3 6DF.

Western Meet 11.30am M Shed Café Bristol Docks. Jean Bradbeer - 01454 775786

Yorkshire Marigolds Hot Snacks PLUS Bring & Buy, Village Hall Cracoe 12 noon

Southern Goodwood Breakfast Club, Goodwood Circuit, West Sussex, PO18 0PX

Southern Winter Talk, Rake Village Hall - “The London Biker”

5 Scottish Natter nite: Meldrums Hotel, Main St, Ceres By Cupar Fife, KY15 5NA. 01334 828 286. www.meldrums-hotel.co.uk. 07:30 PM

6 Ulster Club Meeting. 8pm Corr’s Corner. 2012 Chari ty, ta lk f rom NABD representative.

Western Evening Meeting – New Inn, Claines, Worcs 20.00 hrs Bob Dunn – 01384 390344

Midland The Three k ings ,Sal tersway, Threekingham, Lincs.NG34 0AU Pub meet 7:30pm

Mercia Natter Night 19.30hrs Axe & Compass. 5 Ways, Wolvey, Hinckley. LE10 3HG

Southern The Seven Stars, Newark Lane, Ripley, Surrey, GU23 6DL

7 N. East Durham Amateur Rowing Club 7.30 p.m A talk and demonstration of motorcycle helmets sold by a NE Company. www.justhelmets.co.uk

E. Anglia Pub meet - The Three Tunns, Wethersfield Road, Finchingfield, Braintree, Essex CM7 4NR 12 noon

Western Evening Meeting – The Lamb Inn, Iron Acton.1930 hrs Denis Bradbeer – 01454 775786

Southern Old Gits, Loomies Cafe, West Meon Hut, A32/A274

S. East C l u b n i g h t a t T h e B u l l , E a s t Farleigh.8pm.

8 E. Anglia Bizzi Beans Cafe, Long Melford Garden Centre, Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 9OH. 10.00AM

Mercia Natter Night 19.30hrs The Dog Henley Road, Mappleborough Rd. Studley. B80 7DR

Midland The Reindeer,Main St, Edingley. NG22 8DE Pub meet 7:30pm

9 S. East The Roebuck at Laughton.7.30pm9-11 Southern British Motor Festival 2012 - Details

on website Contact Noel Robertson 07747 536237

11 Western Monthly Meeting 13.30 hrs. Hood Memorial Hall, Devauden. Presentation by Paddy Tyson Adventure Motorcycle Traveller and Campaign Manager for MAG. www.paddytyson.com

Scottish Monthly meet: Bankfoot Inn, Main St. Bankfoot (on the A9 nr Perth), PH1 4AB. 01738 787 243. www.bankfootinn.co.uk. 12:00 Noon

Midland Bring and Buy sale, Lunch meet, Greetham community centre, great lane, Greetham, Rutland. Tea/ coffee hot food from 12 noon

E. Anglia A visit to and tour of the recently opened Two Wheel Trekkers Adventure Bike


Shop. Tea, Coffee, Bacon & Sausage rolls! .

Irish N.W Area Meeting Coffee’s Cafe Carrick on Shannon, 12.00 noon. Patrick Munnelly 086 3383499 email: [email protected]

N. East Sunday Lunch ride-in to the Derwent Walk Pub on Ebchester Bank, nr. Consett. 12 noon.

S. East The Hawks Run Depart 10am Layby opp. Oakdene Cafe Wrotham.A20/M26 (01622 744665)

Northern Section meeting Rixton village hall 1.00pm. Peter McCombie. 01228 594792

Oxford Indoor meeting, Uffington village hall, Soup and snacks from 12 to 2 pm

S. West Pub Meet 12-Noon. Jamaica Inn, Bolventor, Cornwall, PL15 7TS

12 Yorkshire Natter night Bear Inn, South Cave Market Place. 8pm

13 Oxford Natter night, Harcourt Arms, Stanton Harcourt 7.30 pm

Southern The Phoenix Inn, Twyford, SO21 1RF14 Mercia Natter Night 1900hrs The Clock

W a r e h o u s e L o n d o n R o a d , Shardlow,Derby’s DE72 2GL

S. East Midweek run from Coopers Tun.Wells.10.30am

15 Southern Horton Inn, near Horton, Dorset, BH21 5AD on the A3078 7:30 PM

Midland The Kings Head, Kingsway, Tealby Lincs. LN8 3YA pub meet 7:30pm


16 Northern Natter night, meals available, at The Border Rose ,Rochdale Rd, Walsden, Todmorden 7.00pm. Alan Stretton. 01706 656606

16-18 Scottish Mick Reed’s Glenluce Weekend. See Around the Compass for details.

17 Western Oakham Treasures Museum & Farm Shop, Oakham Farm, Portbury Lane, Portbury, Bristol BS20 7SP in café for coffee/natter Chris & Ali Bates - 0117 9657757

18 E. Anglia Flog It at Fornham - The Village Hall. Fornham St Martin, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP312 1SW Bring your motorcycle related lots to our auction. Opens 11am, lunch 12 noon, auction 1pm.

Scottish Monthly meet: Buccleuch Arms Hotel, High Street, MOFFAT, Dumfriesshire, DG10 9ET. Tel: 01683 220003. www.buccleucharmshotel.com. 1:00 PM

S. East Pioneer Run. With Geoff F. Depart 8am Layby opp.Oakdene Cafe Wrotham.A20/M26 ( 01474 365880)

London An informal, unplanned Ride-out from Beaconsfield. Just turn up. 10:30 AM

London Ride along with The Pioneer Run leaving Beaconsfield at 1000 hrs.

S. West Pub Meet 12-noon. The Weary Traveller, Cullompton, EX15 1BQ.

Southern Ides of March Tour - Starts from West Meon Hut @ 10am

Yorkshire Lunchtime meet How Stean Cafe, Lofthouse. 12 noon

20 Northern Evening meeting, The White House, Peel, Isle of Man 7.30pm. Andy Brown. 01624819088

Midland The Griffins Head, Mears Ashby, Northants.Pub Meet. 7:30pm


Yorkshire Natter night Squires Cafe Bar, Sherburn-in-Elmet. 8pm

21 Western Pub Meet for those at leisure. The Old Royal Ship, Luckington, Wiltshire SN14 6PA 1200 noon for lunch and a chat. Numbers required: Denis Bradbeer - 01454 775786 [email protected]

N. East Social get-together, and tyre kicking session at The Waggon Inn, nr. Ponteland

E. Anglia Pub meet - The Lamb & Flag. Main Street, Welney, Cambs PE14 9RB

S. East C l u b n i g h t a t T h e B u l l , E a s t Farleigh.8pm. Guess the Picture

24 E. Anglia BMW Scooters Launch Day at Balderstons & Cannons. Club stand at both venues - please come and visit.

Oxford Launch of the Maxi scooter and the G650GS Sertao, North Oxford Garage and Bahnstormer

25 Midland Sand Racing at Mablethorpe. Meet at Colsterworth Services, A1 at 9:30 and watch the sand racing followed by fish and chips on the front. Steve Foreman 07770-827574

Western Meet 11.00am CSMA Motor Museum Bourton on The Water. Meet at Museum car park entry cost £4.35 pp. Denis Bradbeer - 01454 775786

Scottish Monthly meet: Inverurie Hopeville Social Club, 34 Harlaw Road, Inverurie AB51 4SR. Tel: 01467 621478 12:30 PM

Mercia Repton Village Hall Askew Grove, Repton, Derby. DE65 6GR 10am. Quiz and food will be Stew & Dumplings

Southern Redhill Brunch Run Petworth Car Park (just off the town square). 9:30 AM Dave Goldsmith: 01323 423611.

E. Anglia Café meet - The Grove Cafe. Warboys Road, Oldhurst, Cambs PE28 3AG 10am

S. East Lunchtime at Highgrove Staplehurst TN129BT.Run 2pm

Ulster Mad March Hare Run. 10-30am Scrabo Tower N’ards.

26 Northern Evening meeting at the Harraby Inn Carlisle 7.30pm. John Bell. 01228 535173

27 Yorkshire Natter night. Gildersome Conservative Club. Street lane, Gildersome 8pm

Oxford Natter night, The Fox & Hounds, Theale, Nr Reading, 8.00pm

28 Western Evening Meeting – 99 Neath Road Rhos, Pontardawe, Nr Swansea 19.30 hrs Brian Price – 01792 862152


29 Southern The Half Moon, 32 London Road, Peterfield, GU31 4BE

Irish Dublin Meeting. West County Hotel, Chapelizod. 8:00 PM Jim Sweeney 087 2300736 email: [email protected]

30 S. East Borders.7.30pm.Dog & Duck. Plucks Gutter nr Stourmouth.CT31JB

30 - 1 Apr Southern Rider Improvement Weekend Details on the Website Calendar Noel Robertson 07747 536237

30 - 1 Apr Oxford Bournemouth Hotel weekend

31 Yorkshire Lunchtime meet The Bikers Cafe, Fimber Rd. Fridaythorpe YO25 9RX 12 noon

April1 Scottish Monthly Meet: Spittal of Glenshee

Hotel, on the A93, Blairgowrie, PH10 7QF. Tel: 01250 885215. http://www.spittalofglenshee.co.uk 12:30 PM

Western Meet 11.30 Café opposite the pier, Clevedon. Come along for a chat and a walk on the pier Chris Bates – 0117 9657757

S. East Al l Fools & Shaun Run.Depart 1 0 a m , L a y b y o p p . O a k d e n e Cafe,Wrotham A20/M26 (0775 2622 890)

E. Anglia Pub meet - The Shoulder of Mutton. Halstead Road, Ford Street, Aldham, Essex CO6 3LL

Southern Goodwood Breakfast Club, Goodwood Circuit, West Sussex, PO18 0PX

S. West Pub Meet 12-Noon. Jamaica Inn, Bolventor, Cornwall, PL15 7TS

Yorkshire Cracoe Village Hall. Marigolds Hot Snacks 12 noon

2 Scottish Natter nite: Meldrums Hotel, Main St, Ceres By Cupar Fife, KY15 5NA. 01334 828 286. www.meldrums-hotel.co.uk. 07:30 PM

3 Midland The Three k ings ,Sal tersway, Threekingham, Lincs.NG34 0AU Pub meet 7:30pm

Mercia Natter Night 19.30hrs Axe & Compass. 5 Ways, Wolvey, Hinckley. LE10 3HG

Ulster Club Meeting. 8pm Corr’s Corner. Iron Butt, talk by representative.


Western Evening Meeting – New Inn, Claines, Worcs 20.00 hrs Bob Dunn – 01384 390344

4 Northern Northern Section southern Mid Week Run 9.30am. Frank Hambleton. [email protected]. 01298 70194

E. Anglia Pub meet - The Three Tunns, Wethersfield Road, Finchingfield, Braintree, Essex CM7 4NR 12 noon

Western Evening Meeting – The Lamb Inn, Iron Acton.1930 hrs Denis Bradbeer – 01454 775786

N. East Durham Amateur Rowing Club. Social Evening. 7.30 p.m

Southern Old Gits, Loomies Cafe, West Meon Hut, A32/A275

S. East C l u b n i g h t a t T h e B u l l , E a s t Farleigh.8pm.

5 Irish Limerick meeting Woodfield House Hotel, Ennis Road 8:00 PM Pat Mulcahy 087 2377312

Yorkshire Lunchtime ride in & meet The Black Swan,Kirby Stephen. Contact. Peter 01904 672883

Oxford Natter night, George & Dragon, Erlestoke, Wilts 7.00pm

6 Northern Evening natter meeting at The Briars Hall 7:00pm. Vera Hunt. 01257464429

6-9 Southern Paignton Caravan & Camping Weekend Details on the Website Calendar Noel Robertson 07747 536237

6-9 E. Anglia Oirschot Rally - The East Anglia Section goes to the Oirschot Rally in The Netherlands.

6-9 S. West Easter Camping weekend St Agnes Cornwall. See Around the Compass for details.

7 Mercia Breakfast Run Meet at McDonalds Car Park at the junction of the A52 / A38 Derby. Meeting time is 09.30hrs and leave at 10.00hours sharp. Run organiser Ian McNaughton

8 Scottish Gerry’s Rannoch Run Gerry’s Rannoch Run. Meet Stirling Services 9.00 for 9.30 with full fuel tank. Run going via Rannoch & finishing at Bankfoot Inn approx. 1.30pm. More info Contact Gerry: 01250 886719. 09:00 AM

Western Monthly Meeting Devauden 13.30 hrs.. Festival of Talent. Show us your talents for crafts Art etc. Tables available for display. Easter Hot Cross Buns

Northern Section Meeting at Chipping village hall. Free food or cakes or both will be available 1.00pm. Peter McCombie. 01228 594792

Scottish Monthly meet: Bankfoot Inn, Main St. Bankfoot (on the A9 nr Perth), PH1 4AB. 01738 787 243. bankfootinn.co.uk? 12:00 Noon

Irish N.W Area Meeting Coffee’s Cafe Carrick on Shannon, 12.00 noon. Patrick Munnelly 086 3383499 email: [email protected]

Irish Leinster Ride-out Spa Hotel (near Lucan) 10.00 am Jim Sweeney 087 2300736 email: [email protected]

N. East Sunday Lunch ride-in to the Hadrian Hotel at Wall. North of Hexham. 12noon.

9 Western Coleford Carnival of Transport. Meet at the Classic Bikes. Chris Bates - 0117 9657757

Yorkshire Natter night Bear Inn, South Cave Market Place. 8pm


10 Oxford Natter night, Harcourt Arms, Stanton Harcourt 7.30pm

Southern The Phoenix Inn, Twyford, SO21 1RF11 Western Pub Meet for those at leisure. The Rose

& Crown, Wotton Road, Rangeworthy, BS37 7NB 12 noon lunch and a chat. Numbers required: Denis Bradbeer - 01454 775786 [email protected]

Northern Midweek run to Betws-y-Coed & Snowdonia, from Oakmere, (jtn of A556 & A49) 9.30am. Peter Wright. [email protected]. 07975880153

Mercia Natter Night 1900hrs The Clock W a r e h o u s e L o n d o n R o a d , Shardlow,Derby’s DE72 2GL

S. East Midweek run from Coopers Tun.Wells.10.30am

12 Mercia Natter Night 19.30hrs The Dog Henley Road, Mappleborough Rd. Studley. B80 7DR

Midland The Reindeer,Main St, Edingley. NG22 8DE Pub meet 7:30pm


13 S. East The Roebuck at Laughton.7.30pm15 Yorkshire Alpine Quiz/The Yorkshire Dales

Reservoir Run. Details to follow. Contact Steve Lamb: [email protected] or SAE to Steve 24, Patterdale Drive. Rawcliffe. York. YO30 5TW

Scottish Monthly meet: Buccleuch Arms Hotel, High Street, MOFFAT, Dumfriesshire, DG10 9ET. Tel: 01683 220003. www.buccleucharmshotel.com. 1:00 PM

Northern Leaving f rom Burton Serv ices (northbound) ,between jtn 35 & jtn 36 9.00am. Bill Smithson. 01539736454

S. East Glyndbourne Run with Tim & Sarah.Depart 10am Layby opp.Oakdene Cafe A20/M26 (01622 814060)

Southern Prescott Bike Festival Details on the Website Calendar Chris Tite on :07946577300

Oxford Ride out: Sammy Millers Museum via Erlestoke, John & Wendy Ottaway 01865 730523

E. Anglia Pub meet - The Chequers. 7 Church Road, Wimbotsham, Norfolk PE34 3QG 12 noon

London An informal, unplanned Ride-out from Beaconsfield. Just turn up. 10:30 AM

Ulster Meet and Eat. 1pm Ballyvoy. Barnish Café.

S. West Sunday Ride Out. Helen Beer 07866 953940

17 Irish Cork Ride Out. 6.30pm TexOil Petrol Station, Glounthaune. Two groups (leisurely/ livelier). Liam Quinlan & Con O’Leary, contact 086 8252774 [email protected]

Northern New Members Lunch Run. Meet at A6 lay-by Broughton crossroads 9.30 am. Graham Fell. 07545 174777

Northern Evening meeting, The White House, Peel, Isle of Man 7.30pm. Andy Brown. 01624819088

Midland The Griffins Head, Mears Ashby, Northants.Pub Meet. 7:30pm


Yorkshire Natter night Squires Cafe Bar, Sherburn-in-Elmet. 8pm

18 Northern Midweek run from Kirkby Lonsdale 10am. Mike Gibson. [email protected]. 01229 582787

N. East Social get-together and tyre kicking session at The Waggon Inn, nr. Ponteland. 7.30 pm.

E. Anglia Pub meet - The Lamb & Flag. Main Street, Welney, Cambs PE14 9RB

S. East C l u b n i g h t a t T h e B u l l , E a s t Farleigh.8pm. Quiz nite.

19 Southern Horton Inn, near Horton, Dorset, BH21 5AD on the A3078 7:30 PM

Midland The Kings Head, Kingsway, Tealby Lincs. LN8 3YA pub meet 7:30pm

20 Northern Natter night, meals available, at The Border Rose ,Rochdale Rd, Walsden, Todmorden 7.00pm. Alan Stretton. 01706 656606

21-22 ALL National AGM Moffat - Moffat Town Hall, Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway, UK 10.30am

22 Mercia Section Run. Meet at the OK Diner. Watling Street, Cannock WS11 0BN. Café opens at 8am for coffee or even a full breakfast. Run starts 09.30hrs to Croft Castle near Leominster. Organiser Brian Cooper

Scottish Monthly meet: Inverurie Hopeville Social Club, 34 Harlaw Road, Inverurie AB51 4SR. Tel: 01467 621478 12:30 PM

E. Anglia Posh Pigs Cafe - Beccles - Posh Pigs Cafe. Ellough Industrial Estate, Beccles NR34 7TD 10am

London Ride-out for lunch at The Oyster Bar on West Mersea leaving Junction 26 at 10:00 hrs.

Western Prescott Bike Festival, Gotherington, Cheltenham GL52 9RD See you there?

Oxford Chinese meal at Wallingford, Bob Mack 01235 767221

S. West Sunday Ride Out. John Dyke 01647 231510

24 Irish Cork Ride Out. 6.30pm TexOil Petrol Station, Glounthaune. Two groups (leisurely/ livelier). Liam Quinlan & Con O’Leary, contact 086 8252774 [email protected]

Yorkshire Natter night. Gildersome Conservative Club. Street lane, Gildersome 8pm

Oxford Natter night, The Fox & Hounds, Theale, Nr Reading, 8.00pm

25 N. East Lucky Few Run. Coastal Trip. Start from the Waggon Inn, Ponteland. 10am. Derek Procter , Tel. 0191 2812414.


Western Evening Meeting – 99 Neath Road Rhos, Pontardawe, Nr Swansea 19.30 hrs Brian Price – 01792 862152

26 Irish Dublin Meeting. West County Hotel, Chapelizod. 8:00 PM Jim Sweeney 087 2300736 email: [email protected]


27 S. East Borders.7.30pm.The Chestfield Barn.CT53LU

27-29 Yorkshire/ Midland Camping weekend at Low Farm Park,Spring Lane, Folkingham. Sleaford. See Around the Compass for details.

28 Western Ride to Nowhere. Meet up, (ready to leave) Gordano Services (juct.19/M5) at 11.00am. Ride around the scenic Mendips Hills, to finish somewhere close to Clevedon. Richard Frost 01934 641461

S. West Ride out to Rick Stein Fish ‘n’ chips. With a ride around N. Devon. Starting at 10.30 am Saltash services

Southern Gail’s Pub Walk - Meet at: Soberton Village Hall, SO32 3PF at 11.00 am

28-29 Vintage Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show - Stafford County Showground, Stafford ST18 0BD

29 E. Anglia Visit to Hideout Leather - Ashdon, Nr Saffron Waldon, Essex. Tour the manufacturing processes and view their products. Tea, Coffee and sandwiches provided. Booking essential. Tim Robinson 01353 776279 [email protected]

N. East Phil Knight’s Mystery Tour of Yorkshire. Start Scotch Corner Services at 10 am. Tel. 01325 484288.

S. East Lunchtime at Hadlow College Cafe.TN110AL. Run 2pm.High Tea Run with Kevin G. (01304 840223)

S. West Pub Meet 12-noon. The Weary Traveller, Cullompton, EX15 1BQ.

30 Western Monday Ride into Shropshire. Motor Cycle cafe Quatt on the A442 Kidderminster to Bridgnorth road. Bob Dunn - 01384 390344

Northern Evening meeting at the Harraby Inn Carlisle 7.30pm. John Bell. 01228 535173


The Social SceneWhat’�s�happening�out�and�about,�brought�to�you�by�the�National�Social�Secretary

I would like to thank all the members that have so far volunteered to assist at this year’s National Rally. Please consider this as still an ongoing appeal and the rally team need to keep requesting for assistance. I am sorry to keep going on about this but it is because no section has actually driven this forward we really need volunteers from all sections to assist us with this national event.

By the time you read my report, the clocks will be only a couple of weeks before being adjusted forwards on Sunday 25 March. I like this time because it really does open up the daylight riding hours.

The National AGM 21st April is just the place for the bike to be ridden on its first “north of the border” run this year. The Scottish section has taken on board this challenge and I thank them for being our hosts. It would be good to offer them your support and I would ask as many members as possible to join us in Moffat. It’s your chance to come and meet the team that are responsible for running the clubs affairs and introducing change for the betterment of this club.

I have just finished working with all the section social secretaries and with the diary keeper Ian Caswell for assisting me to collate the Main Events diary. Piers Kurrein has put the artwork together and I thank them all for their hard work. This year’s list of events are a credit to the social teams and I know

how much behind the scenes work goes into producing them so it’s now up to you to show your support and participate in these activities.

A paper version will be distributed to all members along with their April Journal. However if your keen to get booking or simply just impatient

and would like a downloadable PDF version a copy will be available on the clubs website.


Around The CompassPlease send Around The Compass changes to [email protected]

with “Compass” as the subject16th - 18th March. Scottish Section. Mick Reed’s

Glenluce Weekend. For details contact Judy Lepley on. 01592 874592 or email [email protected]. Camping . £7 per night. No need to book. Accommodation is also available in on-site Caravans and at a sister site 1.5 mls away. B&B available opposite entry to site.

6th - 9th April. South West Section, Easter Camping weekend St Agnes Cornwall. Guided walk on Saturday to section of Lands End Trial. Blue Hills Camping, Cross Combe Trevellas, St Agnes, TR5 0XP, Les Madge 01647 24523

27th - 29th April. Yorkshire/Midland sections. Camping W/E Low Farm Touring and Camping Park, Spring Lane, Folkingham, Sleaford. NG34 0SJ. Tents, Motor Homes, Caravans. Socialising in “The Cart Shed”. So bring your boots n spurs!! Contact Sue ‘n’ Jim 01733 205927

4th - 7th May. N. East Section. Scotish Weekend at Nethy Bridge. £42 per person, per night incl Dinner bed and breakfast. Contact Dennis Maggs on 0191 371 9610

4th - 7th May. 3 Section Joint Camping Weekend. Church Farm Camping and Caravan Park. Sixpenny Handley, Nr. Salisbury, Wilts SP5 5ND. Contact Noel Robertson Southern 07747536237. Denis Bradbeer Western 01454 775786. Sally Robinson S.West 01395 597725.

4th - 7th May. Ulster Section Scottish May Day Weekend. Fort William. Caledonian Hotel. Three nights D. B+B, rally fee, £120 P.P. sharing. Two nights Fri: Sat: £95 PP sharing D B+B, incl: Rally fee. All sections welcome. Travel details & ferry discounts to follow. Contact: accommodation Jackie Hunter 02890506677; travel Leslie Allan 07846042601.

4th - 7th May. Scottish Section. Glenshee weekend The Scottish Section invites you to a FUN weekend in beautiful Glenshee at the Spittal of Glenshee Hotel. Set in the north east corner of Perthshire on the A93 (PH10 7QF). Dinner B&B £30.00 p.p.p.n – no single supplement!! All the rooms are en-suite. *** NO BOOKING REQUIRED FOR CAMPERS. JUST TURN UP ***. Book direct with the receptionist, Spittal of Glenshhee Sales: 01250 885215 When booking please let them know if you will be arriving late so that you will not miss out on dinner! Be sure to say you’re booking for The BMW Motorcycle Club weekend!! 3 course Carvery dinner each night – Entertainment on the Saturday night. Runs/ walks. (Campers : £5.00

per tent per night. Showers and toilets in hotel. If you want to eat in the hotel the costs are: B’fast £5.00p.p. Let staff know on arrival if you want the carvery @ £14.95p.p.). For further info contact Judy Lepley Tel.no. 01592 874592. email: [email protected]

11th - 13th May. N. East Section. Camping weekend at the Warren Campsite near Bamburgh, Northumberland. Contact Graham Walker on 07931 710991

11th - 13th May. Scottish Section. Lochearnhead Bunkhouses Heated cabins with padded sleeping platforms. Good toilet/shower block. Take sleeping bag, towels. Log fire in the ‘old Railway Station’. Cost: £20.00 p.p. for weekend including food. Booking essential for allocation of accommodation and catering purposes. Please contact: Judy Lepley - Tel No. 01592 874592 or email: [email protected]

18th - 20th May. Ulster Section. North West 200 Weekend. Camping at Coleraine Rugby Football and Cricket Club, Coleraine, for £7 P.P.P.N. Breakfast £5, Dinner Sat: night £12. Camping is available from Thur: night 17/5/12, but no catering on Thursday. Booking, info, and details of ferry discount: Shane Noble 07734315163; [email protected].

25th - 28th May. Mercia Section. Cornish ‘Trickys’ Weekend. We are returning to Tricky’s Hotel, one of our favourite haunts. Based in Redruth and well sited for visiting all that Cornwall has to offer, the accommodation is in Lodge style rooms with a bar/ restaurant serving meals from 12noon till late. www.trickyscornwall.co.uk. Guide price £75 (tbc) per night for a double room including full English breakfast. Ride outs Saturday & Sunday. Limited room availability, so first come first served. Deposit £75 per room. For Details contact: Mr. D Harris. 01527 759238

15th - 17th June. S. East/ Western Sections. Red Kite Camping weekend II. Erwlon Caravan & Camping Park, Llandovery, SA20 0RD. £5.00 per person per night for a tent and bike. Caravans and camper vans also welcome. Booking required with organiser. Colin Ross - 01562 820458

16th-18th June. N. East Section Borders Reivers Run. Watch the journal for the booking form.

22nd - 24th June. South West Section Globe Vale Camping, Radnor, Redruth, Cornwall, TR16 4BH Paul Briars 07968 845614 see website for


links to site22th - 24th June. Yorkshire section. Camping

at Serenity caravan park,High street, Hinderwell.betwixt Staithes and Runswick Bay. TS13 5JH. 8m North of Whitby on A174. 1 Mile to Cleveland Way. Village pubs and shops.This is an adults only park.caravans/campervans, need to book 01947 841122. Stuart & Elaine 01274 832309

22nd - 24th June. Scottish Section. Longest Day Rally Broomfield Campsite on the banks of Loch Broom, Ullapool. No booking required for camping. An area will be set aside for the club. Club trailer & marquee will be there. Free tea & coffee all weekend. BBQ available for cooking. B&B’s nearby. For hotel and B & B bookings: www.visitscotland.com or tel.no. 0845 2255121. For further information please contact Judy Lepley email: [email protected] Tel no. 01592 874592. Why not make a holiday of it & attend the Fort Augustus weekend 29th June - 1st July as well??

22nd - 24th June Western Section Camping weekend at the Townsend Touring Park, Pembridge, Leominster, Hereford. HR6 9HB £5.50 pp per night for bike and small tent, numbers required Contact George and June Lukins - 01432 862152

29th June - 1st July. Scottish Section. Fort Augustus - 30 Year Anniversary See www.cumberlands-campsite.com for facilities. Camping - no need to book. Cost: £7.00 p.p.p.n. . (when checking in to the site state you’re with BMW Club for this special rate). Part of the campsite being allocated for our use only. Marquee will be there. Free Tea & coffee all weekend. BBQ available for cooking. Stravaiger’s Hostel & Bunkhouse : www.highlandbunkhouse.co.uk (20 twin rooms. 10 twin bunkrooms). It’s on the campsite. Book direct with the bunkhouse - Tel: 01320 366257 or [email protected]. For hotel and B & B bookings: www.visitscotland.com or tel.no. 0845 2255121. For further information please contact Judy Lepley email: [email protected] Tel no. 01592 874592

6th - 8th July. S. West Section. Summer Camp. Tiverton Rugby Club, EX16 6SG. Contact Chris Crocker 01884 252759

7th - 8th July. Scottish Section. BMF Kelso Bikefest. Details of the event at ht tp: / /w w w.thebmfshow.co.uk / the - shows /bikefest-kelso/ or tel: 0116 2795112 Section members who wish to volunteer to help on the Section stand please contact Jim for details. Lots of B&B’s are available in Kelso. The club trailer & marquee will be there with free Tea and coffee all day and the BBQ will be available for cooking. Socialise in the marquee in the evening

whether you are B&B’ing or camping. Further details Contact Jim Lepley or [email protected]

15th - 17th July. Yorkshire section. Camping at Brookside, Burton upon Sather.contact Dennis 01924 824088. BMW members run this park.

21st - 23 July. Scottish Section. Rathaid Run. South West Scotland. Full details to follow later.

20nd - 22th July. Yorkshire section. Camping weekend at Brookside CC Park, Burton upon Stather. Back by demand this popular site is run by BMW members and offers really good facilities. Its on the river side with Pub . Contact. Dennis 01924 824088.

27th - 29th July. S. West Section. Aberdare Park Road Races Camping Weekend. Grewan Caravan and Camping Park. Cwm Taf , Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan, CF48 2HS. Contact Robin Wale 07791798704

3rd - 5th Aug. S. West Section. Slimbridge Camping weekend. Tudor Caravan Park. Slimbridge GL2 7BP. Contact Keith Hackett: 07940531980

3rd - 5th Aug. Yorkshire Section. Yorkshire Day Weekend at Grassington.more details to follow.

4th - 5th August. Scottish Section: BMW Mottorad eXtreme Event, Knockhill Racing Circuit KY12 9TF. Including: * Simon Peavey (off road riding) * Stunt Rider. * BMW GB with a fleet of test road bikes. * Race track open for all plus BMW race bikes to play on. * Classic bike show. * Tented village, trade stands/exhibitors. Scottish Section marquee will be there with the usual free tea and coffee all day. Contact: Judy Lepley on Tel.no. 01592 874592 email: [email protected] 17th - 19th August. Scottish Section. Dalraddy Park - 30 year Camping anniversary. Dalraddy Holiday Park, Aviemore, Inverness-Shire PH22 1QB. Full details to follow later.

31st Aug - 2nd Sept. Yorkshire section. Camping at Coniston Hall Farm, Coniston. Lake district. Large lake side camping area, basic but clean, shop on site. Only 20mins walk into Coniston, plenty of shops, pubs, restaurants, garage etc. Fabulous scenery and twisty roads – why not try a walk on the wild side. Stuart & Elaine 01274832309

3rd - 18th Sept. Yorkshire Section. Euro Hotel Trip. Amsterdam-Hamburg-Berlin-Prague-Cochem/Koblenz-Luxembourg-Bruges. Mostly two-night stopovers to allow sightseeing, and four nights in Prague. Maximum ten rooms available - four already gone. Restaurants at all hotels, breakfast included at most and available for small extra charge at others. Plan your own ferry crossings, routes and excursions, perhaps solo or with others, but all stay in same hotels each night.


Detailed info on Yorkshire Section area of BMW Club Forum or from organiser - Martin Ellis 01623 401405 [email protected]

14th - 16th September. Dartmoor Camping, Harford Bridge Holiday Park, Peter Tavy Tavistock PL19 9LS Debbie Sampson 01726 61642 Optional Pasty supper on Friday. Dartmoor ride out on Saturday. Hospitality caravan and gazebo on site.

14th – 16th Sept. Mercia Section. Hotel Weekend at Saltburn. £40 per person per night, half board. Deposit of £40 by the end of March with the balance due by end of August. Contact Keith Jackson for further details and booking Tel 01332 668159

16th - 18th September. Yorkshire Section. Last Camping Weekend of the year.with Harry(Postman Pat) Beadle at Gargrave. Nr Skipton contact 01642 781202.riverside site with short walk into village, shops pubs etc. Fantastic scenery and roads to ride.

28th - 29th Sept. Mercia Section. 20th Anniversary Roman Way Hotel Cannock. £70 per couple per night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast.Live music Saturday night with a 60’s band. Ride out Saturday for those staying Friday night. Booking essential, all 54 room reserved and a deposit of £50 per couple asap. Cheques payable to The BMW Club send to Colin Ainsworth 22 Marlborough Road, Breaston, Derby. DE72 3DD

28th - 30th September. Scottish Section. Glencoe Gathering: Area set aside for our club. There are also Hobbit Houses available for hire. For details of site facilities call Invercoe Campsite 01855 811210 or www.invercoe.co.uk Mention you will be attending the BMW Event when enquiring. Camping price tba. The marquee will not be there so please take your own cooking stoves to use in the brick gazebo. The Glencoe Hotel is also in easy walking distance for good bar meals. B&B available across from the site exit. Contact Judy [email protected]

2nd - 4th Nov. S. West Section. The Hippo Rally. Details to follow. Contact Sally Robinson 01395 597725

16th - 18th Nov. Western Section Hotel Weekend at the Cavendish Hotel, Exmouth, Devon. Two nights bed, breakfast and evening meal, Standard twin or double rooms at £128.00 singles £78.00. Sea View on twin or double add £28.00 For further info and booking form contact Denis Bradbeer, Western Social Secretary, Tel 01454 775786 Email [email protected] £10 pp deposit by April 30th and final payment by 31st August.

7th - 9th December: Scottish Section. Hotel weekend with dinner dance on the Saturday evening. Full details to be advised


East Anglia SectionWelcome to 2012, another day, another year in which we get to ride in the choicest of roads and conditions, winter that is more like autumn or spring and who knows what summer will bring this year, perhaps we will be lucky and the sun will shine, the rain will stay away and the campsites will be welcoming for all those trips far afield.

We started the month with our now annual section New Year’s Day 5 counties ride, a hardy bunch, braving the weather and perhaps slightly sore heads following the previous evenings celebrations. With 12 bikes and 13 members the meeting point at Tesco, Bury St Edmunds cafe was full of talk about new gadgets and gifts from Xmas and the inevitable discussion about fuel costs and replacement shiny things. Once under way we all slotted into the routine of the drop off system, taking turns to act as marker at each change of direction taking us towards another county, from Suffolk to Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Essex and back to Suffolk, in all we covered 156 miles for the full loop, with some covering even more as they came from further afield. Thanks to Dik Langan and Tim Robinson for organising this event and to Mike Davies who has put together a full report, including photos, which can be found on the website. (http://www.bmw-club.org.uk/~eastanglia/Events/2012/5Counties/5CountiesReport.html)

Our traditional weekly tour of pubs and cafe’s during the month continue, this year we have changed the routine slightly with two fixed venues on the first and third Sunday interspersed with venues across the section, from cafe visits with old favourites, Café Jaqui, new ones to try out, Grove Café to suppliers such as Hideout Leathers, a mix

Section and Register NewsPlease send all Section News entries and contact detail changes to Section News (see page 3 for details) - not to the Editor please.

for all tastes spread around the section.We are continuing to support the manufacturers

launch days with the first on the 4th February when a number of us will be promoting the club at Balderstone’s, Cannon’s and Lind. For those of you intrigued by BMW’s introduction of a ‘twist and go’ scooter come and lend a hand on the 24th March, you may even get the chance to have a go, speak to one of the committee if you are interested, or just turn up on the day.

Our camping events this year have been planned and include Banham, for the GS weekend and Pickering for the Black Bull rally. There are other opportunities for the dedicated pursuer of outdoor living at other events such as the Museum of Power Bike Show and the Copdock Motorcycle Show, each of which we will be attending to promote the section and club.

There are a number of continental trips organised this year, these include Oirschott at Easter, Dave’s birthday bash in May and the European Adventure to the Pyrenees in September.

For further details on all of these, and future events please have a look at the section website (http://www.bmw-club.org.uk/~eastanglia/index.html) where further details and the organisers contact details can be found.

On our recent Sunday visit to Saucy Megs Café in Soham we met up with three new members, Pete from Fordham who managed a 60 mile trip to get to there, (he only lives four miles away) also Dave and Amanda who braved the cold coming from Maldon on a bike some of us recognised as being previously owned by another member. In all 6 bikes with 8 members managed the trip which was made even better by the excellent bacon butties and hot tea.

For all of you huddled by the fire, happy reading and we look forward to seeing you when the weather and riding conditions improve, as for me, I will be out there at every opportunity and look forward to catching up with you.

Safe riding.

dave Massey East Anglia Social Assistant.

[email protected]

Tim Robinson East Anglia Social Secretary

[email protected]


irish SectionThe days are starting to get longer, spring is in the air, and I know that we are all getting our bikes ready for another year of enjoyable riding. Indeed, by the time you have read this, the Mini Thatch in Curracloe, Co. Wexford will be over, and no doubt enjoyed by all.

It’s the quiet season now, there is little to write about, except to say that we have lots of fantastic events planned for 2012. If there are any members, or indeed, possible new members reading this, that may not be on our e mail listing, please will they send a mail to me at; [email protected] and we will make sure that you are added to our data base, then you will be kept fully up to date on events, and last minute additions, that you may wish to join in. Please note that we have our own section web site: http://www.bmwclub.ie/page1.php and we earnestly ask our Irish section members to register here , we would also welcome comments, and helpful contributions (even jokes,).

Can I also remind Leinster area members, that we still meet on the last Thursday of the month in the West County Hotel (10 mins, Dublin side of the M50 off the N4) New members particularly welcome, and indeed if you are not in the Leinster area, please check your journal you will find a monthly meeting in your area.

That’s about it for this month, safe riding and let us all look forward to yet another fantastic year of events in your club!

Jim Sweeney 08723 00736

[email protected]

London SectionFirstly, apologies for the lack of news in the February Journal – my computer was “late”. The Section Christmas Dinner was a success with twenty two of us enjoying a splendid feast at “Biggles Restaurant” on January 14th. This could become a regular venue - unless of course you let me know otherwise

Six of us attended for the December Mystery run although it was not a mystery for very long: Phil Morrin “spilt the beans” at the start, me having made the mistake of letting it slip the night before on the basis that he was not attending, Thame was the destination where we enjoyed a couple of pints and a first rate Pub lunch in the Six Bells (some of us drunk Coke – but only a little- apparently coke is more expensive than beer).

You should all have received your Section Diary of Events with the January Journal - anyone not in receipt please let me, or John Lynch, know and we can forward further copies. (or of course check the Section Website where events are also listed along

with any changes as they occur)Not so many turned up for the January run to

Duxford although the weather was good if a little chilly. Three Petes attended – Pete Bolsover, Peter Ball & Moir. Hopefully the February visit to the Hook Norton Brewery will have attracted more.

The Continental Weekend, proposed for the beginning of June Bank Holiday , is likely to be moved to an alternative weekend due to lack of available Cabin space on all of the crossing routes that I and Peter Bolsover have checked ; I am suggesting the 3rd or 4th weekend in June or the 2nd or 3rd weekend in July. (The National Road Rally ( non BMW event ) is over the weekend 30th June – 1st July ) The intended location will be in Brittany which may involve one night each way on one of the more economical crossings ( Le Harvre , Cherbourg etc.) and, say, 3 nights there. Let me know what you think. More up to date information will be posted on the Section Website as soon as it becomes available.

Finalized Club Track Days dates, at Snetterton, are now confirmed as Mondays 18th June & 6th. August ( see Roberts` Article in the February Journal ) so lets see if we can muster a decent London Section presence for both – at least two London Section Members will (should be) instructing – both thoroughly nice blokes. They are great fun and excellent value. ( the Track Days, not the thoroughly nice blokes although they are also good fun but I`m not sure about their worth)

One final item is to remind you of is that if you consider any Club issues worthy of being raised at National Committee Meetings please let me know and I try to oblige ( NCM`s are held three times a year).

One final, final item concerns the September “Hotel Weekend”. This will be at a venue in England, or Wales and although I have several places in mind I would welcome any fresh ideas that you may have. Please get in touch if you have any suggestions. I intend to book accommodation before the end of April so do not dally.

Go carefully,

Peter Jones 07710 887958

[email protected]

Mercia SectionOur first meeting for 2012 was at the Repton Village Hall. The meeting was for a full English breakfast, although our caterer Lorraine and partner Charles turned up much later than planned, I think someone forgot to set the alarm clock? I detected a pyjama cord hanging out of the top of Charles trousers? The meeting room was full to bursting and that’s how we all felt after indulging ourselves with a great breakfast / brunch. What a fantastic change from all


that turkey over the Christmas period! It was really good to see so many members out and I’d like to say hello to a few we don’t see too often, they are Alan Head and Roland Brzozowski, Ed Seadon and Brian Cosgrove who was taking a rare advantage of having time to, at last, attend a Mercia meet. And not forgetting all of our regulars too, without you guys I’d be several stones heavier, thanks for the help!

The weather was surprisingly pleasant and mild, so much that we had quite a few members coming along on the bikes!! Whoohoo! Is this a bike club?

The Section also invited East Midlands Air Ambulance, our chosen Charity, to attend, give us a talk on the Operations, and receive a cheque to the value of £652 plus another £122.85 collected on the day! Well done all. The Air Ambulance were pleased with the large sum collected on their behalf. As a result of our efforts they have agreed a visit in August this year to the Operating Centre at East Midlands Airport. Here, we’ll get the chance to meet the crews (so long as they are not called out), look over the new Helicopter and get some personal stories from all those involved. Make a note in your diaries if you’re interested. The date will be published in the Journal but you heard it here first! Saturday morning 18th. August. As you can imagine, they will have to limit numbers and that means they’ll only take 8 persons through each time, hopefully that will continue until all have made the visit. This will undoubtedly involve some of us hanging around a while, I believe there’s somewhere we can lubricate our throats with tea or coffee, look out for more detail later!

The meetings at the Clock Warehouse and The Dog still enjoy good support. It was great to see John Humpherson visit the Clock in January, the venue here is really comfortable for us and food can be had at £10 for 2 people and they are full sized meals so not expensive. John Humpherson ordered a mixed grill and had to strip off to eat it all! A warm welcome to new Midland member from Castle Donington James Hodgkinson joining us

here. Also good to see was frequent visitors Mark and Brenda Hyman, it was a bit of a surprise to see Mark really, especially as he got the date for Breakfast wrong and turned up a week late? John Humpherson tells me that The Dog also enjoyed a good turn out in January, no new members there, but plenty of regulars, thanks for the support folks! It’s really important that we continue to support Natter nights. Whilst we are on the subject, The Rose Inn has seen a drop in attendance for one reason and another; we have a new venue much better suited to our needs now folks! Check out the Diary for details but we start the meetings at the Axe & Compass in Wolvey near Hinckley from this month, March. If you haven’t been to any of these nights please don’t forget that we won’t recognise you if we’ve never met before, make yourself known to someone there and we’ll be doing our utmost to ensure you have an enjoyable night with some great company!

The last meeting for January at Repton was for the usual Pie & Peas meeting, has anyone cottoned on yet that everything involves food? Again a full house, it’s great to witness the buzz from a friendly crowd of like-minded people. The only time silence fell was from 12noon, can’t imagine why everyone suddenly went quiet? Lots of knife and fork activity though? In addition to our regular supporters I’m pleased to welcome Karen and David Slater from the Northern Section, also Chris Warland, Doug Riach and Brian Cosgrove, doing well here Brian, that’s twice this year you’ve managed to work a pass to the Mercia events, keep it up my friend! Good to see you all.

That’s about all for now folks, I’d better shut up a while or I’ll be getting slapped wrists for too many words! But don’t forget this month we have the Bowling at Tamworth, still not too late to get in but we have a much higher than usual attendance so don’t delay, get in there! And of course at the end of the month, Repton with delicious Stew & Dumplings this time!!! Loosen the trousers!

Colin Ainsworth

Colin Ainsworth 07799 653789

[email protected]

Midland SectionFebruary came and went, and apart from the Towcester and Greetham meets, the only other event worthy of note was the Midland post Xmas meal, which was once again well organised, with a 4 course meal at great value, and good company as usual. Thanks go to Bill for organising again.

Looking forward to the Rhino rally, just hope the ice thaws, otherwise it could get a bit hairy! Let you know next month.

Towcester meet is on the 4th, get there in/ on


whatever mode of transport you wish, just make the effort.

The Greetham meet on the 11th is the section brong and buy sale, and hot food prepared by your committee

Will be available. Usually a good turnout, doors open about 11:30am.

The 25th I will lead a ride from Costerworth services to Mablethorpe, where the sand racing will be taking part on the beach. Should be a good day out, and I would like to leave Colsterworth sharp at 09:45 if possible.

The normal pub meets as detailed in “where we meet” on the back page of your D.O.E. are continuing as usual,

And if you need any further info, please don’t hesitate to ring me.

That’s about it for now, always quiet this time of year, but hears hoping for a good biking 2012.

Bodger

Steve Foreman 01536 722048 07770 827574

[email protected]

Northern SectionHello again my dear folks and folkesses. How are all you Guys and Gals doing, well I hope . It,s March already, can you believe it !!! Have any of you managed to get them out yet , your bikes I mean . I got mine out , ohhhh ,matron, was very enjoyable , bit rusty on first corner but slowly it all came back to me , yummy , yummy , yummy . Did I ever tell you just how much I love my bike. LOL

By now you should have all received your Diary of Events for 2012, along with your stickers . One minor bit of housekeeping to take care of , Vera Hunts natter night takes place at the Briars Hall , Burscough . I wonder if all you lovely peeps that organise the natter nights could email me a few lines to let me know how things are going each month or so , send me some pics if you wish ,I’ll make every effort to get them into The Journal .

It,s my intention to offer for sale some 50th celebratory regalla (rugby style shirt with embroidered badge for around £18 and a T shirt with iron on badge for around £8 ) ,along with celebratory BMW mugs . Look out for an order form coming to a journal near you . Orders will be taken and payment asked for in advance , watch out for me at our various events ,where I hope to be modelling a sample or two for your perusal .

This month ,March , will see our last winter section meeting ,at Rixton , before moving to Chipping Village Hall for the summer meetings . GOOD NEWS !!! Graham Fell has managed to persuade Southport Superbikes to attend one of our Chipping meetings with a display of BMW bikes and

merchandise, we are hoping to lay on some sort of sunday lunch and maybe incorporate some 50th celebrations . You heard it hear first , so keep your eyes peeled for updates .

As you know our national rally will be at Ellesmere College ,Shropshire, this year .

It has been ,and still is , my intention , for the northern section to have some sort of presence at that event , signifying our 50th annerversary , but I am coming up against some friction / negative feedback , from the national social secretary . So before I try to push much harder I would welcome any thoughts from you guys , on this matter . No point me busting a gut if no one else cares

Not too many run outs during March , but looking ahead into April , things start to take off .

Frank Hambleton , Bill Smithson, Peter Wright , Graham Fell ,and Mike Gibson will all be leading run outs , check your diary for details . April 21st sees the agm at Moffat, a very scenic town in the borders , lunch needs to be ordered in andvance , and evening meals will be at the very biker friendly Buccleuch Arms Hotel .

So thats all for now my dear fellow members . Take care . Peter , The Biking Viking . Ohh yes ,I almost forgot , I love my bike ,

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Peter McCombie [email protected]

North East SectionWell this year started with a weather whimper not the all out bang we had to put up with last year. I know a few of the section have been out and about riding but really it isn’t the best time of year to be really enjoyable.

The first meeting of the year at The Rowing club on the 4th January wasn’t a bad chatter night with around 15 –20 turning up. The Top Box bring and buy sale only produced a few bits and pieces and I don’t actually know what was sold or bought.

Then there was the Lunch time ride in at the Coach and Horses just south of Durham on the A167. I was not around to go to that, too busy walking in the Lake District I’m afraid. I did not get any feed back so that one will have to pass.

The 2nd natter night at the Waggon Inn north of Ponteland was a better affair. Again I wasn’t able to get but I understand it was the best turn out for a while with a couple of potential new members on the scene, but apart from that it has been probably the quietest month for a very long time.

Now a bit of section activity news. Changes! The long run to be lead by me on Sunday the 1st of July has been cancelled and now will take place on Sunday 16th September 2012. All arrangements and times will be as for the cancelled July date.

The uncertainty by Durham Police has now


come to a head and the event ‘Bikewise’ will now take place on Sunday 1st July 2012. (hence the cancellation of the run as above) It starts at 10am and goes on till it finishes, which is anyone’s guess – usually between 4 and 5pm. It is a total freebie, (except food) with plenty of parking for both bikes and cars.

Bikewise is held at Durham Police HQ at Akeley Heads which is just off the A167 on the west side of Durham. The event will be well signposted with diversions for those who may have to ride through Durham City itself.

Attractions include:- Riding demonstrations, riding kit for sale at a good discount, classic bikes, some surprising Police bikes and a variety of trade stands. Not to mention the BMW Club stand. Talking of which, would anyone like to spend a few hours chatting to potential new members or even persuading other BM owners to join. If you do, get in touch with Phil or myself for more information.

John King 07833 705652

[email protected]

Oxford SectionApart from the normal natter nights just one event to report on, I was unable to attend the Bring and Buy at Uffington, therefore John Broad very kindly wrote the following report;

What a difference a mild winter’s day, with no rain makes to the attendance of the BMW Club Oxford Branch Bring & Buy event. It is rare indeed to see motorcycles parked from the Hall all the way to the entrance to the vehicle park; and all were BMWs apart from one little Honda twin and my brother’s recently acquired Moto Guzzi. The rest of the park

being filled with cars as many brought items to be sold and others needed the larger vehicles to be able to carry their bargains away. In the foyer the hard working team of ‘cooks and bottle washers’ offered excellent mugs of tea or coffee, soup, bacon or sausage baguettes for a very nominal sum.

The main hall itself was packed with traders and members either selling or looking for that missing part for their bike or a bargain item to add to their collection of stuff. Across the back of the hall a range of stock from the local dealers North Oxford Garage and Bahnstormer, courtesy of their parts manager Darren Parnell, could be purchased at discounted prices.

With everything from boots, clothing, panniers, books and various parts of old BMW bikes up for grabs the tables were soon clearing. I reckon the most interesting part for sale was a pair of metal brackets, hinged at the junctions of the ‘H’ shape. These are required for setting the correct location of the rockers on old air head boxers I was told, seemed odd to me but I suppose it was true.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the day with all the goods being transferred from one vehicle to another and a bit of cash being made for items that otherwise would have continued to fill up the shed or garage. The club made a bit as well as the treasurer collected the percentage from the vendors. Thanks must go to all those who set everything up and cleared away at the end of the day. The ride home with the sun on my back on dry roads completed the day in fine style.

Up and coming events The meeting on 11th March at Uffington Village

Hall is at 12.00 in the hope we can all ride in and back home again in the day light, as always snacks will be available, still not too sure of the auction on this day, updates will be on the web site nearer the


date. I still believe there are a few places available on the Bournemouth Weekend March 30- 1st April contact Geoff [email protected], 24th March there is the launch of the Maxi Scooter at both North Oxford Garage and at Bahnstormers our local BMW dealers so come along and support the dealers and meet your fellow BMW members, dream about your next bike and you might even get a free cup of Coffee! Well as I’m writing this it’s freezing and the gritters are about, but hopefully it won’t be too much longer before we can get the bikes out without having to spend hours after the ride cleaning off the salt etc, fortunately, I personally don’t clean my bike, my husband likes cleaning bikes!!) Look forward to seeing you at an event or two.

Wendy

Wendy Ottaway [email protected]

Scottish SectionSunday was a cold dry bright sunny morning, no sign of the snow they had forecast earlier on in the week and high winds of the last few days had gone. Just fine for a run out by Banchory and Braemar and onto the Spittal of Glenshee for a pub lunch with others of the Scottish section. The roads were dry and traffic pretty light on the A93 as I cleared Aberdeen. I had the big Aeroflow screen off the other day and I enjoyed riding the R1100R without the protection that it gives the rider, it seems to make the bike more agile and easier to ride about town. I was glad to have it back on this morning though as it was now bitterly cold, the cold also kept my speed to a comfortable 50/55 mph and I was waving cars passed as they crept up slowly behind me. The heated vest was at maximum setting and heated grips were as high as I could comfortably bear them on the palms of my hands. There was a slight covering of snow by the time I reached Ballater none of which was on the road. A hunt for a much needed cup of hot coffee found me in the old railway station waiting room cafè, no heating

was apparent, probably why the other occupants were still wearing their jackets, anyway hot coffee soon warmed up the neither regions that were feeling the cold. Ice lay about the road where the council salt lorry had not been, so my departure was as cautious as my arrival had been. Was soon in Braemar and the snow was now by the verge, the roads were wet from the many coatings of road salt they had recently received. The snow gates were open so I now headed directly south out of Braemar and onto the Glenshee ski centre at Cairnwell. Drifting snow on the road as I headed towards the summit at 670 metres this being the highest road in country. The challenge to continue was stronger than urge to return so onward I continued. A few cars parked at Cairnwell, winter hill walkers enjoying the challenge of a winter walk. No skiers out yet, a solitary snowplow stood century like at the summit the driver enjoying the Sunday Post! As much snow on the south side as the north, it was wet snow and not likely to be a problem unless it froze but by that time I will be home. I was glad to arrive at the hotel, the road in and out of the hotel has been by passed by the salt lorry, snow was now lying on the road so another cautious approach into the car park. The log fire in the hotel was a welcome sight as much as hot coffee and a bowl of soup. I was joined later on by Alan and Fiona who were the only other members to attend the Sunday lunch. We enjoyed each others company wondering who else would join us for lunch but no one else appeared. I did not hinder long at the hotel and was soon returning home. Alan and Fiona had told me about the road conditions going south so I decided to return on the roads I had arrived on, at least I know they are passable. Home by 3 pm or so by this time it was a little bit milder, the bike was filthy from the salt and sand from the roads and I was pleasantly satisfied I had been for a Sunday run on the bike. That’s what Sunday’s are for?

Bill Downie.January’s Lochearnhead log cabin weekend

was excellent. Weather was cold but kind. The company was first class and the craic great. Most


people went out walking on the Saturday and quite a few headed along the old railway track to the Kings House hotel in Balquhidder for lunch. Marjorie ventured onto two wheels without an engine for the first time in 15 years. Jim dropped us at the top of Glen Ogle and much to the amusement of the two Toms, Marjorie wobbled her way back down to Lochearnhead and then sailed on to Balquhidder absolutely brilliant. 30 people sat down to excellent dinners cooked by Marjorie and Jim on Friday and Saturday night. Steve did a great job cooking the breakfasts on both days. A big thank you to Tom and others who brought along made up rolls for Friday and Saturday lunch. Thanks to Dave’s wife Kim and his mother-in-law for the meat pie and baked ham. Thanks to everyone for pitching in with the cooking, serving, washing up etc. Everytime I saw Ian he was emptying the rubbish bin – thanks Ian. Many thanks must also go to the guys who gave up their normal cabins, with only minor grumps, so that the 6 couples attending could have a small cabin each. This was my first full Lochearnhead weekend and to be truthful I was not looking forward to the “spartan” accommodation but I have to say that the log cabin was perfectly acceptable I was not cold, my bunk was comfortable and the toilet and shower block was warm and clean. I had a really enjoyable weekend with a great bunch of people in a superb part of the country and sorry folks you will have to put up with me again at the May weekend. Look forward to seeing you all there if I don’t see you before.

For many years Gerry’s Rannoch Run has been a popular and fun filled ride out. Whilst Gerry was recovering from his terrible and very close to death accident Ron Male took on the organisation of the run and kept it going until Gerry was able to get back on his bike and take up the reins again. After communicating with Gerry recently it is with much regret that he and I have decided that due to unforseen circumstances Gerry’s Rannoch Run on Sunday 8th April will have to be removed from the calendar this year. I sincerely hope that Gerry’s Rannoch Run will appear on the calendar again in

the not too distant future.Please note that the natter nite held at the Osprey

in Newton Mearns, Glasgow is no longer an official Scottish Section BMW Club natter nite. A new venue for this Scottish natter nite will be announced shortly. Watch this space

Judy Lepley [email protected]

Southern Section The year started well, with a great January winter talk at Rake. Dr.D’Arcy chatted to us in a very informal way about the actions needed if you encounter a road accident. At his insistence, there was a lot of audience participation, and although a serious subject and I am sure we all learned a lot, there was also a lot of laughter. Some of the ‘casualties’ had quite an easy time, but poor Neil, a newcomer to the club, nearly had his ears pulled off as someone tried to remove his helmet. Dr. D’Arcy also told us about his experiences when he attends natural disasters. He showed us a slideshow of his time in Haiti, with the search and rescue teams after the earthquake and in Japan after the tsunami. His pictures and explanations really brought to life the things we have only seen on the news.

The following weekend, we had a totally different


event, F1 Simulator Racing. Noel sent me the following report. ‘We started the day with 17 drivers, including 4Ladies and thanks go to Steve & Catherine Moxey, Dave Hawkins and John Hillier for joining us from Oxford section. The day started off with a briefing and then we took to the cars (simulator pods) for a practice session, where unfortunately, we had 3 early retirements due to vertigo. We were then broken into 2 groups for the races. The practice session gave us our grid positions for the first races of the day, which took place in a Formula Ford car. These were very challenging with loads of under steer and little down force. After 3 races in the Formula Fords we were promoted to the F1 cars for the final races of the day. These were the real deal with loads of torque, speed and down force (if you could get them up to speed and in a straight line). Points were tallied throughout the day by the computer and commentary was led by our 2 race officials from the Race Centre. Spectators were treated to a very exciting day of racing (far better than BBC), with screens all around the room to monitor thrills and spills of each competitor, with a main screen in the centre of the room following the leading bunch (normally 1 loan racer). After our 3 hour session the final points were calculated and after much deliberation from the race officials, with 3 ties on points, the results were given. Congratulations go to: in 3rd spot Steve Smith, in 2nd place Dean Carpenter (Chippy) & in 1st position Darren Thirlwell (Bob Pike’s Son-in-Law). A very big thank you to all of the drivers and their support crew who attended the day and by the reactions it seemed as though everybody enjoyed themselves.

As I write this, I am looking out of the window at 4 inches of snow on the ground. Hopefully this will have melted by the time you read this, as we have a busy programme for March. On the 4th we have 2 events. The Goodwood Breakfast Club is a new venue for us this year, and will be on the first Sunday each month between March and September. Contact Jon Richie for more details. [email protected] We then have Mathew Cashmore ‘The London Biker’ giving us our third winter talk at Rake at 14.00hrs. Nigel says he is very entertaining, so come along early for a cup of tea and a chat before the talk. On 9th to 11th, Noel needs volunteers for the British Motor festival at the Royal Windsor racecourse. Let Noel know if you can help him advertise the club and recruit new members. Entry is free if you help out on the stand. Noel is available on 07747 536237. The 18th, and we have our regular annual event, the Ides of March Treasure Hunt. Meet at West Meon Hut at 10.00hrs and come and test your brainpower. The following weekend Dave Goldsmith is organising a brunch run. Meet at Petworth car park in Redhill for a run to the Redhill Aerodrome. Dave can give you more details on [email protected]

April 1st. and apart from April Fools Day, it is

also the Goodwood Breakfast Club. The 6th to 9th, Easter weekend, we have our Camping and Caravan weekend at Paignton. Noel is your contact for more details. On 15th Chris Tite has suggested a visit to the Prescott Bike Festival at Cheltenham. Contact him on 07946 577300. The 21st is the National AGM at Moffat. This is the chance for members to influence the running of the club, so come and have your say. This is your club, so please come out and meet other members and come and enjoy some of the events. All the details of our events are on the Southern section website. www.thebmwclubsouthern.com

Now, just a reminder from the Southern Membership secretary. If you re-joined after the cut off date in January, you will not have received your February journal. Please send John Chandler stamps to the value of 92pence and he will send you a copy.

I know most members now use the internet, and therefore have access to the website, but I know some still rely on the journal for the details of the calendar. If you need any more information, please contact your social team by phone. We will be very happy to help you.

Noel Robertson [email protected]

Gerri [email protected]

01895-446896 (not after 20:00hrs please)

South East SectionAfter a successful New Years party for which about 50 members gathered at the Poultwood Golf Centre to enjoy a scrumptious buffet followed by a disco. Prizes were awarded for best bike competition and photo competition. I presented Shaun Mulligan Secretary with a bottle of malt whiskey for all his efforts over the past year. May I say a personal thank you to Shaun for all his help in this difficult year.

On the subject of parties I would like to ask SE Section members how they feel about something a little different for next new years party. I am looking into hiring a hall, be it a village hall or community centre and having a barn dance or ceilidh with live music and a caller. There would also be a buffet. Please let me know your thoughts on this you can email me on [email protected]. If this is not your idea of a good night you can suggest an alternative, please let me have your feed back so that I can pursue any ideas and book a venue as soon as possible, of course if you want to be involved in the planning or catering for the event please speak to me on a club night or ring or email me.


Thanks for that Rose.I must thank the generosity of those present at

our New Year Bash who also upped the bidding on the Collage I put together of the club activities. The winning bid was from Alan Thomas who then donated it to Mattie to show at our BBQ/Events. The proceeds from this were added to that from members donating in lieu of Xmas cards, to the Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance (our chosen charity) Adding up to £137.

Thanks also to the generous people who later helped me celebrate my birthday, including Rose again for supplying exceptional Trifles. Apologies to those we could not fit into Brenda’s, I would not have cooked enough Irish Stew.Thanks also to Brenda, Wallace and Misty for organising this, it was lovely.

We have done less well maintaining our website since its handover, we have had crashing computers and disappearing items from this which we plan to rectify as I write.

My “Secretaries” run included some lovely views over the Kent fields, through quiet woodland via some forestry roads, there was only a little ice at the roadside but it was a bright and sunny day. Just as well I did a “sighting lap” on Thursday as on the planned Sunday I spent all morning clearing snow! Now we must look forward to The Hawks run on 11th as the first Sunday run of the year, should be good.

Coopers, Borders and Lunchtime meetings in January were well attended with 12-9-8 members meeting.

Please note on 18th our meet for The Pioneer Run is brought forward to 8am.

Also B&W.Railway with Paul is now Sunday 3rd June, not Saturday.

Andrew Ayriss brought an idea to our clubnight, with his Father they are doing a re-run of a “West to East” but this time East to West. Ness/ Lowestoft to Whitesands Bay. St. Davids. This is not a BMW event but they are happy to give further details for those wishing to join them. Contact Andy.07828 471 867 or [email protected] (oh yes, and they are doing it on Velocettes)

Omitted from previous Journal:-

At our Christmas Lunch The South East Section awarded the Club Man and Club Lady of the Year to Kelvin and Paula Duff. The Runners Up were, Ron Rugman and Linda Thomas. Unfortunately Linda was not able to attend.

These were awarded according to points accrued by attending Meets and Runs so no surprise that a couple always out together should get top marks. This year we gave bonus points to those who lead runs, Ron, especially prominent as a willing and competent leader and extra points for attending National events.

Linda managed Club lady Runner Up before a

minor “accident” kept herself and Alan off the road for a few weeks, glad to see her back on as soon as she was able, grit and determination there then. A close run thing.

The Chairmans Shield was awarded to Rosemary Warner as thanks for all the hard work she has put in for the club during 2010 and 2011, organizing social events, and cooking cakes etc which we have all enjoyed.

Brenda was presented with a potted Lilly in appreciation of her general help with social events and particularly how she collects cash for our raffle each night, usually as they come through the door!

Elaine Bronger, our Treasurer for many years was also awarded the same for her service to the section, unfortunately our stand in photographer was still holding her flowers so missed the pic.

Well Done to all these people.Shaun.X

Shaun Mulligan 01634-241215 [email protected]

Section Social secretary Lou Warner 01622-678997

[email protected]


South West SectionThere a few amendments to the DOE these are

as followsBryan Boothby’s phone No. is 01726 833554 Phil Sampson’s phone No. is 01726 61642 The post code for The Canal Inn Wrantage is

TA3 6DF The date for the National AGM is 21st April There will be a Sunday Ride out on 19th August The end of November (30th) Pub meet is actually

on the 1st of DecemberDon’t forget to look at southwest club websites for

latest updates and new additions.The first of January’s pub meets was at The

Jamaica Inn in Cornwall on Sunday 8th .Considering the miserable misty weather, there was an excellent turnout of 19 members one or 2 had come in their cars as I did as my trusty GS is having a bit of a winter refurbish, but several did brave it out and came on 2 wheels. Every one had good xmas and are looking forward to the ride outs in 2012. We were treated to an excellent carvery as usual.

What started as a grim day turned out reasonable for the first visit for about 25 years to an old haunt, the Canal Inn, Wrantage, near Taunton, 25 members including two new ones, Peter and Corey from Weymouth attended. It was nice to see some new faces from the east side of the section as well some of the regulars. The Canal Inn did incredibly well in feeding most of us as we overwhelmed them with increased numbers, 25 members managed to find the Inn even though I did my very best to confuse them by putting the wrong post code in diary! There could still be some lost bikers in the Somerset countryside cursing their sat navs! The last of the January Meets was at the Weary Traveller where considering the terrible weather, 8 ventured out and enjoyed the occasion. Coming up in March we have a 2nd visit to The Canal Inn and the usual visit to the Jamaica Inn and Weary Traveller. In April we have our first Camping weekend over the Easter break, Bluehills Camping, this is a new one in the far west of Cornwall (almost tropical down there), coinciding with Lands End trial. The last section is located at Bluehills on the Saturday.

With the addition of the TBC’s in the Diary we are hoping to see a different selection of events from more members as they get the chance to have a go at inviting others to new venues or runs. We all have our favourite places or roads to ride why not share these with other members, call or email me or a committee member with your idea, you won’t be alone out there.

We have had coloured stickers printed in 3 different sizes of the Southwest club badge, the same as the one on the top right hand side of the Diary of Events, the smallest at 15p, 30p and 50p + postage, or ask me or a committee member, who will bring them to the meets or rides.

don Rabson 01840 212913

[email protected]

Ulster SectionBAFTA’s, Golden Globes and the odd Oscar or two are very highly regarded awards for those media actor types, also known as ‘luvvies’, we in the Ulster Section are much tougher. So no mincing about, its launch time for our Photo. Competition, 2012, Charlie ‘Chubby’ Carruthers is the artistic director, you are your own production crew; so get snapping, a highly prized award could be yours, along with a new career, fame and fortune. Charlie Carruthers has all the details and entry forms, you can also download a copy from Ulster Section website, same format as before, nine locations to visit and photograph, our competition is also linked to the Boyne Riders comp: and vise versa for those who wish to tackle both.

BMW Motorrad new season launch, 4/2/12, Hurst’s Mallusk, was quite a show with several revised and special edition versions of the range on display, not soo long ago the entire range was based on one engine with the cynics saying you were paying more for bigger holes in the barrels. Todays range is the most comprehensive ever, from singles to six’s, the up-dated S1000RR back on top of the sportsbikes league, and coming our way soon two large scooters. Hurst’s are now offering a reduced cost service deal for BMW bikes over 5 years old, give them a call for details.

The year is exactly one club run old, but already there is some controversy regarding riding and the Drop-off-System. Here are some clues:- dropping back to create a gap, to enable the rider to have a blast and catch the run again: leaving the run without indicating to those behind you that you are doing so, with the result the rest of the group follow you and not the run. Most of the rules and procedure are quite simple and straightforward, fine if you don’t want to go on the run, or leave it at any time, but spare a thought for others who don’t know what your’re doing. After the last two winters being some of the worst in NI, this one is now one of the mildest ever, and those that can are out and about on their bikes, postponing the seasonal bout of cleaning and polishing.

To fill in the long evenings I decided to take up a course of study, Pyschology and Sociology, it’s very simple!! Everyone is in a group, then there are individuals, they are in a group also, but you don’t tell them as they get very annoyed, and in trying to be very individual they conform, while trying to be non-conformist. Next month a quick over-view of Theoretical Mathematics, that’s even simpler!! If it doesn’t add up, it doesn’t matter.

Next club run, 25/3/12, 10-30am Scrabo Tower


Newtownards, kicks of the season properly, details in this Journal for the North West 200 Weekend and a reminder that we have a discount with Stenaline, see me or any committee member for details. Copy date for this Journal is ahead of Feb: meeting and our main bike show, the Adelaide Bike Festival, I will report on these events next month. Speaker for April’s meeting, 3/4/12, 8pm Corr’s Corner, is Chris McGaffin, Ireland President of the Iron Butt Association.

Norman Shearer [email protected]

Western SectionThe first Western Section meeting of what I hope will be a good year for all of you was an excellent affair. No wonder the attendance was so good with such generous cauldrons of home made soup on offer. Personally this is my favourite thing, a variety of lovely soups with good bread and the luxury that is, real butter. The little hall and its surroundings looked particularly inviting on this sunny day. Of course we had made the usual pilgrimage to Tintern en route. What a delightful area, all round.

On 15th January Denis had arranged a breakfast meet again beside Bristol’s extensive harbour complex. Very good as always and followed by (for some) a stroll along the water’s edge. Perhaps we should think of, and give thanks to the poor souls who, all those years ago, were tasked with digging out this huge, artificial, non tidal enclave. By the way check out the very nice and very instructive information boards along both sides of the harbour. They alone are worth a visit.

Our, by now regular buffet and skittles match at Ham took place on January 22nd and was very well supported. Some motorcycles were in evidence too. And all this in January!

On 29th January some chap called Chris Bates had put a garden centre visit on the programme. Several motorcycles turned up for this despite the dull coldness of the day. Such a drab day that the above mentioned committee member rode straight to the meeting and straight home also. Unusual. An unfaired machine can be chilly at this time of year. By the way I hope you are all keeping warm. Break out the stone hot water bottles and the bedsocks or alternatively the motorcycles and the heated waistcoats.

This years Hotel Weekend has been booked at the Cavendish Hotel Exmouth, please note the change of date from the Western Programme date of the 2nd to the 4th November to the 16th to 18th November.

Chris Bates

denis Bradbeer [email protected]

yorkshire SectionAs I am writing this it’s been snowing for four hours. Oh heck it’s Cracoe meeting tomorrow and I’m upto me neck in bacon, sausage and baps, I shall pray for a thaw, whilst pouring another large G ‘n’ T.

So back to our favourite pastime - motor cycling, or lack of it, though I did try my warm riding gear on the other day (just to take the dog out) and it does fit after all the festive excesses. Your year Diary will show you what has been arranged for your participation this year, but more events are very welcome either ride outs or whatever. Whilst being proud to be the largest county it does mean that some events don’t always get the support they could. Referring back to the evening runs we have tried in the past; fish and chip suppers etc. But that doesn’t mean we can’t try again. So if you feel you could host something along these lines do please get in touch.

Its Manchester Bike Show on Saturday 17th March I don’t know if our club has a presence there (no doubt some wig will tell me) but just thought to mention it.

Thursday 5th April ride in for lunch to historic Kirby Stephen with Peter 01904 672883. Lunch at the Black Swan, Ravenstone Dale.CA17 4NG.

Sunday 15th April the Yorkshire Dales Reservoir Run – details of this Treasure hunt/ Quiz ride are available one month in advance only (to stop you cheating ! as if you would) from Steve Lamb [email protected] or SAE to Steve at 24 Patterdale Drive, Rawcliffe, York. YO30 5TW.

Camping with the midland section is our first major get together in April 27th to 29th these joint rally weekends are proving well popular. It’s open to all members in tents, camper vans or caravans. Sue n Steve who do the biz, are well supported and provide plenty of entertainment both on and off site. Contact. Sue 01733 205927. Steve 01536 722048. If you are a new member we would love to welcome you and your mates/ kids/ mother in law etc.

Martin’s European tour 3rd September is filling up so if you want to go better get booked up PDQ. See the advert in the February journal on the BMW club forum or contact Martin 01623 401405.

I have had some feedback with regards to another Sunday lunch meeting venue more to the south of Yorkshire. The Glasshouse Inn was one suggestion, but after an exploratory visit by some members this was discounted as the food on offer was not what biker’s term “rider friendly” i.e. no snacks.

However our erstwhile troop has come up with the Cubley Hall, Mortimer Road, Penistone. S36 9DF. Which has a large flat car park, does various food options, and is biker friendly. Another bonus is it is a great area for riding our bikes. So give it a try and if you like it let me know.

Before I sign off. some of us helped Roy Marsden celebrate his 65th birthday last weekend and one figure who was missing his brother Ken, was remembered with much affection by us all.


Elaine 01274 832309

[email protected]

vintage RegisterI must return to my last month news, we have yet to have any bikes offered for the Stafford Show and time is now running out to get the insurance so please if you have a machine that you would like to show get in touch as soon as possible.

On the subject of machines suitable as you know we, like the VMCC run a 25 year running total and this is now bringing into the arena the 8 valve Ks so it is not all ‘airheads’ and further on this point I may be contentious; in our time the matching numbers syndrome was not evident and the main object was to keep bikes on the road so I personally believe the ‘ bitsers’ are all part of our history. A couple of years back a number of French Police R50/2s were imported into England and I don’t think one had matching numbers, when one went bang it came in for a ‘new’ refurbished engine and was back on the road in a couple of days still a wonderful piece of BMW engineering; the ‘British’ scene has many such examples which are now highly regarded and command high prices , Triton, Norvin,Norvel,Tribsa to name but a few, so why not BMWs with ‘wrong’ engines and non matching numbers? ( Too many restorers are renumbering their work just to join the ‘Band waggon’ money.)

Even more contention, I am getting a number of requests for information and spare scources for EMW R35s and the early post war ones still contained some genuine BMW parts, though most now seem to carry BMW livery which is a shame as even with the red badge they are still part of the continuing history of our chosen marque and I would not put up any objections if there were one on our stand.

We do always put on a very good show at Stafford and I am convinced this year will be no different but it would be really good to see some new faces and machines.

There has been a lot of correspondence regarding the ‘Forum’ recently and it all seems to come from members and non members who have little else to do with their time than ‘pick holes’ from the comfort of their centrally heated computer communication centers, the non members I would ban the lot even from the spares and sale pages and the members I would also limit their connectivity until such time they can can prove they can do a better job than the volunteers they are criticising, I believe a lot of this crap is affecting the membership levels.

As ever I come back to my feelings that we are NOT a business although to protect ourselves we have had to become one, we are a Motorcycle Club and the whole object of my membership is to enjoy all that motorcycling can give me and if you don’t like that philosophy then go away and find a a group or club where your negative attitudes rule.

This Chemo is making me grumpier than ever but my main grump is that I am unable to get out and do what I desperately want to do that’s ride my bike.

Although we have snow forecast over the next few days it does look as though it will not be as bad as last year remember Spring is just round the corner so are those machines all fettled and ready to go?

Whatever you do do it gladly and safely and remember we volunteers are not professionals and we do try our very best.

Stafford Show dates 28th - 29th April

Robin Walker [email protected]


Mutual Aid

1. Note – adverts are NOT accepted over the phone – please send them by post or email to the Mutual Aid Officer whose name and address are on page 3. Please remember to include your full postal address.

2. All adverts should be readable, well punctuated and unambiguous. If writing, please use capital letters for clarity. If e-mailing, please only use a simple font such as Arial or Times New Roman. NO ATTACHMENTS PLEASE!

3. The maximum length is 65 words, excluding your phone numbers, name and email address. If you wish to use more than 65 words your option is to pay for the advert at 24p a word (including VAT) for the WHOLE advert. In that case, we would need payment with the advert when submitted. Note – one advert/month per Mutual Aid category. Adverts may be edited where deemed necessary by the Editor.

4. In your advert, please include your forename, phone number(s) and an email address if available.

5. You must include your name, full address, Section and membership number. These will not be published (unless requested) but we will check membership.

6. Mutual Aid Adverts are accepted for a one-month insertion only. Any subsequent submissions are the responsibility of the advertiser.

7. Please note the copy deadline in the Journal and understand which edition it applies to before querying why your advert doesn’t seem to have appeared. Please submit your advert well before deadline date if at all possible.The BMW Club cannot be held responsible for the quality or availability of items or goods or for any arrangements for delivery or payment.

8. Adverts from non- members are accepted at a fixed cost of £16 (including V.A.T.) for up to 65 words plus your phone numbers, name and email address. For further information, please contact the Mutual Aid Officer.

9. Neither the Club nor the Mutual Aid Officer can advise advertisers regarding the value of goods offered for sale. Neither can the Club or the Mutual Aid Officer recommend suppliers of goods or services to members.

Business Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977Any advertiser who places an advertisement concerning the sale of goods being sold in the course of business shall clearly indicate this fact. This applies whether the advertiser is acting on their own behalf or for another party. If you have reason to believe that you have been misled as to the status of any advertiser, please inform your local Trading Standards Department and the Editor immediately. The fine for breaches of this order is up to £1,000.

Mutual Aid Adverts are to enable BMW Club Members to buy or sellmotorcycles or related items that they own. The service is free butsubject to the rules below, and is not normally available to trade

advertisers.

Note: Mutual Aid closing date is the 1st of each monthMotorcycles For Sale

“K” SeriesK100LT - 1992 - 55,000 miles. White. Panniers with keys. Not immaculate but practical workhorse. MoT December and Tax June 2012. £1,100 or £1,250 with Ohlins shock. Mark 07936 794095 or e-mail [email protected] (Hastings).

K1200LT SE LUx - 2007 - Black. 22,000 touring miles, Full BMWSH, transferable warranty. Heated seats, heated pillion backrest, cruise control, etc. Excellent condition. Tax July 2012, MoT June 2012. £7,500. For further details contact Fred 07980 667006 or e-mail [email protected] (Perthshire).

K1300GTSE - 2009 ‘58’ - Candy apple red. Full BMW service history. Excellent condition and always garaged. ESA, ABS, ASC, Zenon headlight, heated seats and grips, computer and tyre pressure monitors. Electric screens (standard and tall), colour matched panniers. 36,000 touring miles. 50 m.p.g. and a very fast and comfortable tourer. 12 months MoT and Tax plus BMW warranty. Can deliver.

£7,995. Terry 07801 727321 or e-mail [email protected] (Lancashire).

“R” SeriesR26 - 1957 - For restoration, almost complete, all spares obtainable. Dismantled into major components, no rust. Workshop manual. Free tax eligible. Spares value alone exceeds asking price, £750. P. Howell 01789 773801 or e-mail [email protected] (Warwickshire).R80/7 WiTH RS FAiRiNG - 1980 ‘V’ - 53,000 miles, Black. MoT until September 2012. Garaged on SORN (was doing 3,000 miles/year until I bought R1200ST). Major service by Jim Cray in 2009. Stainless exhausts, dial-a-ride shocks, twin discs, hard panniers, three owners (dad, brother, me). £1,100. Henry 01872 863594 (Cornwall).R80RT - 1981 - Ex-police, 168,000 miles. S/s exhausts, push-rod tubes, brake hoses and all nuts and bolts. New pots and a top-end, s/h electronic ignition unit, new discs and rubber gaiters. MoT’s, parts invoices, some spare parts, an exhaust spanner and manual. Offers. Stefan 01543 677156 (evenings only) or e-mail [email protected] (Staffordshire).


R100GS - 1989 - Two owners. Excellent condition. 30,000 miles. Photographs and full service history, on request: e-mail [email protected] (London). Metal Mule luggage, wired for Autocom and BMW GPS. Initially UK registered. Currently French registered. Located south of Limoges, France. Buyer collects. £5,750. You will not be disappointed! James 02088 741306.R1100R - 1996 - Red/silver, 69,000 miles. Very good condition. Professionally restored by Rainbow BMW Rotherham. Tax March, MoT April. Panniers, heated grips, BMW Kaufman screen, Sergent solo seat, engine bars. Genuine reason for sale. £2,300. Andy 01636 679473 (after 3 p.m.) or e-mail [email protected] (Newark).R1100RS - 1994 - 67,000 miles. Grey. Recent new clutch, tyres, battery. Panniers and top box. MoT and Tax November 2012. Everything works including ABS! £1,500. Mark 07936 794095 or e-mail [email protected] (Hastings).R1150GS - 2002 January ‘51’ - Graphite grey. 78,600 miles. Remus exhaust, Sergeant two piece seat, Ohlins suspension front and rear. Meta alarm/immobiliser, fog lights, twin rear lights, HID headlight, Adventure screen, heated grips, hand guards, BMW side cases plus many other extras, contact me for a full list. Taxed until May 2012, MoT to July 2012. Very good condition. All standard parts included. £4,600 o.n.o. Stephen. 01708 768263 or e-mail [email protected] (Essex, Romford).R1150R - 2002 June - One owner, 38,000 miles. Standard bike. Blue. ABS. Heated grips, rear carrier, mud flaps, Kisan signal minder. New battery and rear disc. Taxed to 31 May 2012 and MoT to 2 July 2012. £3,250. Philip 01865 841222 or e-mail [email protected] (Oxford).R1200RT - 2008 ‘57’ - Titan silver, ex Police, 28,000 miles with full and comprehensive service history. Standard Police specification with single seat, heated grips, crash bars etc. Excellent condition throughout and open to any inspection. Taxed and Tested. Can deliver. £5,495 o.n.o. Willie 01383 830866 (Fife).R1200ST - 2006 model - Heated grips, centre stand, blue/silver. Taxed and Tested. 8,500 miles from new. Excellent condition. Panniers included. £4,950 o.v.n.o. Nick 07561 311896 or e-mail [email protected] (Merseyside).

OthersCagiVa 650 V RaPtOR - 2001 December ‘51’ - Yellow. 7,500 miles. Alarm/immobiliser. Rare model for year. £2,500 o.n.o. Stephen 01708 768263 or e-mail [email protected] (Essex,Romford).TRiUMPH TROPHy 1200 HEdiNGHAM SS SidECAR COMBO - All colour matched Lancaster red, 1992. Always garaged. Genuine 3,250 miles only. Unit subframe, leading link forks, floating calipers, 15” wheels, linked sidecar brake, uprated

suspension, spotlamp, hd battery etc. Unmarked. Immaculate fast sport tour outfit. Taxed and Tested August 2012. £7,500 may part exchange or w.h.y. Bob 01440 788910 or 07831 313852 or e-mail [email protected] (Essex).

Bits & BobsBiTS - Four rib hub, £10. Givi top plate and bracket, £25. Bagster tank bag, £25. Stef 01539 441311 (Cumbria).BMW MOdEL MOTORCyCLE COLLECTiON - Reducing my collection of 21 scale model BMW bikes. Various scale sizes. Bikes and sidecars. All in pristine condition. Sensible offers please. Oxford tank bag with magnetic base, Sovereign Lifetime Luggage. Expandable. Waterproof cover. Colour light blue. As new. £55. Willing to haggle. All plus postage or collect. Peter 01254 247113 or 07912 141412 (Blackburn, Lancashire).BMW MOTORRAd NAviGATOR ii (2010) - All leads included in original box plus in-car mat with speaker lead. Bike mount with BMW bracket to fit 1200GS windscreen bars. Version 9 map update installed. The sat nav is a few years old in perfect condition. £100. Stephen 01582 78307 or 07966 232762 (Luton).BMW TRAiLGUARd - Gortex lined jacket, medium, never worn, sell for £250. Wunderlich performance controller for R1200GS, £100. K1100RS rear suspension unit, £90. Multivario tank bag for K75, K100, K1100, £50. Hank 01654 702562 (Mid Wales).BMW TRAiLGUARd JACKET - Black/silver (see pages 40/41 2011 Rider Equipment brochure), size EUR 52 (approximately 42”), hardly worn, as new. Excludes ‘C’ Change waterproof insert. Cost new £400, asking £150 plus p&p. R1200GS Adventure Footpegs: Pair of standard, wide R1200GS Adventure Footpegs. BMW part numbers 46717694 557 and 558. Straight replacement for R1200GS narrow foot pegs. Turn your 1200GS into a 1200GS Adventure! Are £80 new, asking £35 plus p&p. Brian 07884 438879 or e-mail [email protected] (Essex).CENTRiFUGAL AdvANCE UNiT - Complete with back plate for R100S, £45. Ditto but without back plate for R75/6, £35. Or both for £70. Gear box for R25 in perfect working order, £80 o.n.o. Pair of BMW Classic 33 litre panniers in good order but require new locks, £20. One pair of original BMW shock absorbers for R75/5/6, damper/springs and shrouds in excellent order, £50. Dieter 01778 348951 or e-mail [email protected] (Lincs/Cambs).F650 gS NUMBER PLatE FOR SaLE - Plate is on retention. Reads F650 GST. T for Tourer. Offers around £795. Paul 07958 312862 or e-mail [email protected] (Yorkshire).


F800ST LOW HEiGHT SEAT - For F800. £35 plus postage (new £148). BMW Part No. C52.53.7.679.377. Chris 02076 096271 (p.m.) or e-mail [email protected] (London).

FOR R1150GS 2002 - Touratech luggage rack, £10. Original collector box, £50. Original silencer, £100. Original screen, £25. Original frame and panniers, £175. All plus P&P. All in good order. Ray 01543 274285 (Staffordshire).

OiLS - Morris Oil Golden Film SAE 40, approximately seven litres, £12. Morris Oil AP 90 gear oil, approximately four litres, £8. Or £15 the two. Plus P&P. John 01245 400261 (Essex).

PARTS - 21” front wheel rim for F800GS (21 x 2·15); Bridgestone Battlewing front tyre 90/90 x 21; 21” inner tube with tape; £120. (Will separate. Offers for separates.) BMW Vario top case, mechanism stuck in expanded position, £110; luggage rest to fit top case to F800/650GS, £40 (both together, £130). Pair of BMW ‘extra large’ side cases. Will fit R1100/1150GS/R, £150. All o.n.o., plus postage or collect. Stephen 01708 768263 or e-mail [email protected] (Essex, Romford).

SCHUBERTH SRC RidER COMMUNiCATiON SySTEM - To fit Schuberth C2 and Concept

helmets. Has integral radio and is able to connect to mobile, sat nav, MP3 and can be paired to pillion. Three months old. £180 plus postage (£284 new). Cliff 07973 312983 (Kent).

TOURATECH - ‘Hard Parts’ steering protector for R1100GS, £55. Portable fault code reader/ABS reset tool R850/1100 and K1/100/1100, £25. R1100/1150 K&N (BM-0400) air filter, £20. All plus P&P. Pannier inner bags for R1100/1150GS/R etc., £45. F800/650 Touratech pannier frames for hard or soft luggage, unused, £195. F650GS (single) sump guards for engine and stand, £55 for both. All plus P&P. Peter 01606 782159 (Cheshire).

Wanted1951 R51/3 FRONT MUdGUARd - Any condition considered. Also require riders saddle. Please help me finish rebuild. Alan 01908 378598 or 07759 844793 (Milton Keynes).

BMW - R65, R80 and R100 Basic, GS, RT and RS models, any condition, cash waiting, can collect. Ian 01694 723546 (Trader).

GORTEx LiNER - For BMW Atlantis 3 suit, jacket size GB42, trousers size GB40S. Robin 077917 98704 or e-mail [email protected] (Cornwall).

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Small Business AdvertsSmall Business adverts are available to any individual or business.

For rates and terms please contact Charles Knight (details on Page 3)

Accommodation & TouringUK & R.o.I.

4 StaR B&B iN WONDERFUL PERtHSHiRE. Luxury en-suite accommodation in tranquil Balnaguard 5 miles South of Pitlochry. Wonderful breakfasts, spectacular views. £25-£30 pppn. £150-£175 per wk. Lockable garage for m/cycles. Ann Croft Tel 01796 482627; website www.balbeagan.comB&B gLaiSDaLE. Near Whitby. 3 x twin rooms, en-suite. Garage for motorcycles. Tel: 01947 897 272 B&B iN tHE BORDERS. A68 Jedburgh. Quality 4 Star accommodation. All rooms en suite/private facilities. Fabulous views over the town and only a 5 minute walk to the centre. Secure off road bike parking. Friendly hosts Chris & Amanda, Club Members. £29.50 - £45 pppn. Tel: 01835 862216 Email [email protected] www.airenlea.co.uk BEd ANd BREAKFAST MOFFAT SOUTHERN SCOTLANd. B & B, garage parking, wonderful biking area. One mile from M74 J15 on Edinburgh scenic route. Why not break your long journey here or spend a few days riding the local roads, enjoying the hills and bends. Club member. Chris 01683 220378 see www.buchanguesthouse.co.uk)GLENCOE – HiGHLANdS. Ghlasdruim B&B.All ensuite rooms, secure off road parking. Maureen 01855 811593 [email protected] LaKE DiStRiCt B&B iN BOWNESS-ON-WiNdERMERE. Panoramic views of Bowness and lake. En-suite. Covered/lock-up parking. Leisure facilities. 015394 88658 Web: http://www.abovethebay.co.uk LAKE diSTRiCT. holiday bungalow – comfort for four plus garage. Ideal touring location & available April to November. Member owned. Tel: 01695 422210 MANx MOTORCyCLE HiRE. Ride classic BMW Twins in the Isle of Man. Based in Jurby, you can enjoy the beautiful Manx roads riding classic BMW Boxer Twins on the most famous circuit in the world. Collection from the Airport or Ferry Terminal can be arranged. Please contact us: [email protected] Tel: 01621 868930 or 07835 653199. Visit us @ www.manxmotorcyclehire.co.uk

MONAGHAN SOUTHERN iRELANd. Canal Lodge Guest House. Rooms En-suite. Secure Bike Parking. Club Member. Ideal for touring Northern Ireland. Tel: 00353 47 81848 [email protected] www.canallodge.net NORtH NORFOLK B & B. Very bike friendly as owner is biker. Double room in own little building. Garage for bike. Plenty of local attractions including Holkham Hall nearby. Can be viewed on www.nelsonslocal.co.uk. Where to stay/The Plot [email protected] . Tel: 07774 996634SOUTH SHROPSHiRE. Clun Farm House, 16th Century B&B situated in stunning South Shropshire hills. Village location, 2 pubs. House parties catered for. Fantastic touring suggestions, great biking roads in to Wales. Secure parking. www clunfarmhouse.co.uk Tel: 01588 640432

EuropeAE AvENTURES BASEd NEAR TO SPA. in a quiet village providing B&B and half board, secure garaging, recommended touring in the Ardennes & Eiffel and escorted Nurburgring experience. Motorcycling adventure only 3½ hours from Calais that’s a bit special. See www.aeaventures.com Phone/Fax Neil or Ann on 0032 80398788 email [email protected] AUSTRiA. S/C fully equipped Chalet & Apartment (Sleeps 2-6). Superb touring roads & mountain passes. Excellent amenities. Secure parking. Close Italy/Slovenia Discounts for bikers - phone/mail for details. Liz Cannard. Tel/Fax 0043 4769 26415 www.alpine-dollshouse.com B&B gERMaNy - tHE BEaUtiFUL WESTERWALd. Tudor Home. All facilities for Bikers, Drying room ,secure parking, Bar ,evening meals, all rooms on suite .Fantastic roads great rides Mosel ,Rhein Valleys The Dambuster Run, Nurburgring and much more... Special for BMW owners 5 nights for the cost of 4. www.vinecottage.de email [email protected] 00492742911728 B & B iN FRaNCE. Stay with Mike and Heather Fishwick in Daglan, a beautiful village close to the Dordogne river, surrounded by castles, fortified villages, ancient towns and more! Canoe on the river, enjoy long lunches by the river, explore traffic-free roads, or just laze around. We offer safe parking with a double ensuite room at 45 Euros and a twin or double ensuite room at 40 Euros per night. Breakfast 8 Euros, 3-course dinner with aperitifs and wine 18 Euros. We are more than just a B&B


– we regard our guests as friends. Email for full information on [email protected]&B NORMaNDy-FRaNCE. 3 en-suite bedrooms, great roads, lovely region, perfect for weekend escape, 10% discount on B&B rates for club members, call 0033233640023 www.maisonlaudiere.com BRiTTANy - TOP QUALiTy MOBiLE HOMES. on coastal 4 star site in this tranquil region. ideal for family holidays or Section rallies. Great biking area with masses to do and see. Big savings on ferry costs. www.benodetbreaks.com or call Steve Jackson on 01543 473089 DORDOgNE – SELF CatERiNg aND B&B ACCOMMOdATiON WiTH POOL ANd SECURE GARAGE. 40 miles south of Limoges. From €25 Euro per night. Tours and Trail Riding. www.dordognemotorcycleholidays.com or phone Charles on +33 (0)553 501 239 FRANCE - LOiRE vALLEy. B & B plus ideal gite for two - north of Saumur. Tranquil location - Use of pool/hot tub. Evening meals available. Covered parking. tel: (0033) 241821184. www.theloireaffair.co.uk FRENCH PyRENEES. Self contained apartment in 200yr old farmhouse near Lourdes. Secure parking. Old Gascony, high mountains and Spain on your doorstep see www.flyride-pyrenees.com Tel: 0033(0)562354526 GERMANy SPECTACULAR HARZ MOUNTAiNS TOURS. Biker only B&B established 15 years. Let Greg and his R1200S be your guide to some of the best Biking roads in Europe. 200 year old beamed, newly renovated 10 bedroom B and B. All rooms ensuite. Courtyard garden for drinks and food. BBQ evening Saturdays in the season. Local beers and wine. Come and meet bikers from Denmark, Sweden, Holland, Germany and UK. Large locked garage for 20 bikes. Trained mechanic on call. 2 mins walk from lively local town with bars and restaurants. Run by bikers for bikers. Special rate for BMW club members. Email [email protected] www.harzbiker.co.uk Tel 0049 5524 3749 MOTORCyCLE HOLidAyS iN BRiTTANy FRANCE. A choice of accommodation , 2 bed cabin, 5 bed wood house or 6 bed cottage. Situated in Central Brittany in 20 acres of our own land including valley, woods and stream. An ideal base from which to explore mystical Brittany along uncongested roads. Prices from £30 per night. We have garages and extensive workshop facilities Discounts on Brittany Ferry Crossings. Email: [email protected] www.countrysideholidaysinfrance.co.uk Tel: 0033 296 365480NORMANdy / BRiTTANy BORdER - GOURMET BED & BREaKFaSt. Close to Mont St- Michel large elegant 200 year old town house restored and renovated to a very high standard. Individually

designed en-suite bedrooms, guests dining room, drawing room, lounge and conservatory for the comfort and hospitality of our guests. With landscaped walled garden and secure garage parking. Gourmet dinners are our speciality let us pamper you and tantalise your palate for a truly memorable dining experience. In the town of Saint-James just off the A84 auto route, twenty minutes from Mont-St Michel and the beautiful coastline with scenic routes and great biking roads. Tel: 0033 (0)233-589025,Email: [email protected] Web Site: www.petit-illyria.eu.com NORTH PORTUGAL- MiNHO vALLEy. Penedes Nation Park and Galicia. Interested? We offer farmhouse self catering and luxury B&B both with pools. Come and sample the real Portugal see our Website. www.portugal-holidayvilla.co.uk. Tel Maggie on 00351-251648107 or Mobile 00351 911595902 SOMME & yPRES BattLEFiELD tOURS. Our secluded farmhouse B&B, 100 miles from Calais, has secure, covered parking and workshop. Evening meals available. Your host is GS owner, author and historian. See World of BMW or www.martinpegler.com. Phone 00333 2286 5672. SOUTHERN BRiTTANy. Close Redon 3 spacious, comfortable gites, set in 3 acres of tranquil grounds which may be rented separately or altogether for a larger group: Sleep 2 – 16. Secure garage parking for bikes. Contact: Anne & Dave Chapman Tel: 01732-456459 e-mail: [email protected] SPAiN – TORREviEJA. Luxury 2 bedroom apartment. Enclosed terrace. Satellite TV. Landscaped garden. Communal pool. Restaurants, bars, shops. www.villamartin-apartment.com

ServicesLyNBROOK iNSURANCE. for Special Member’s terms including Classic & Modern Motorcycle Insurance (all makes) Tel 0845 130 4662 or 01277 206285. Also Travel and Europewide Breakdown/Recovery Tel 0151 336 5881 (quote Lynbrook)

Accessories & SparesSTAiNLESS STEEL FASTENERS. Part or full kits available, most models covered. SAE or e mail [email protected] for list. Chris Shaw Engineering 24 Station Road, Halton Holegate, Spilsby, Lincs, PE23 5PB Tel: 01790 755515 Mobile: 07702 862508 www.shawstainless.co.uk WWW.eBolt.co.uk. For stainless steel nuts, bolts and fasteners, tools and consumables Tel 020 8133 5241

ServicingANdREW SExTON. NORTH OXFORDSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE


BORDER. BMW Quality service, repairs, restoration and special tuning work, on all models. Collection and delivery arranged. Tel 01608 730111 B.E.M.W. For competitive prices on: Restorations, repairs & spares. Spares for vintage/classic BMW’s from 1935. CJ750, copies of 1938 BMW R71, from £3,455. Some new 1957 models in stock, LH/RH sidecars plus OHV machines available. Machine tools for the small/home workshop, including Chester Multi Function lathe/mill/drill. Parts made to pattern or drawing. S.A.E. for specification and services or visit our website. 2 Forman Street, Derby DE1 1JQ. Phone/fax 01332 298523. Eves & w/ends 01332 824334, www.bemw.co.uk)BEdFORdSHiRE, HERTFORdSHiRE. and surrounding counties BMW motorcycle servicing , repairs & restoration Steve Grover t/a Motoscot senior BMW Technician (ex service manager at Slocombes of Neasden for over 20 years) BMW diagnostic equipment and special tools on site Loan bike available collection/delivery service arranged. Will also service/repair all makes, models Phone 01582 419812 or Mobile 07843 056201 Email [email protected] www.motoscot.co.uk BERKSHiRE. & Surrounding Counties. BMW Motorcycle services. K, R & F Series. Independent BMW Specialist Servicing, Repairs & Spares. Collection & delivery. Weekend work & loan bike available. For all enquiries please contact Garry Webb Tel: 01344 860580/07770 444794. Email [email protected])CARdiFF MOTORRAd. Wales’ Number One Independent BMW Motorbike Specialists BMW Factory Trained Technician Services - Repairs - Diagnostics - Tyres - MOT’s All Makes Welcome 10% off labour to all club members Please call Mike on 07843528377 or 02920 565666 E-mail: [email protected] CENTRAL LONdON BMW SPECiALiSTS. All models to date 2v, 4v, BMW Diagnostic equipment, ex dealer Tech, 30 years exp. Servicing, repairs, insurance work.Tyres, spares FROM stock. 5 star workshop - full facilities.BMW authorised supplier.Bikes bought/sold - see Biketrader web page. Jap

& German 102 Druid St, London SE1 2HQ Tel:0207 237 2299, www.japandgerman.co.uk CRAy ENGiNEERiNG. BMW Twins road & race performance specialist. Fully equipped workshop for servicing, repairs, rebuilds & engineering. Tuning packages to suit your requirements. New & used spares. Tyres fitted & balanced while you wait. (Callers by appointment only) Phone/Fax 01795 538282 Faversham, Kent GJB MOTORCyCLES BRiSTOL. Service, repairs, onsite MOT’s and full diagnostics. Collection and delivery available. 10% discount on MOT’s for fellow BMW club members. Telephone Garry on 0117 9677016iNdEPENdENT BMW SPECiALiST dORSET. Servicing and repair centre. Qualified technician with 20+yrs experience. Diagnostic testing and after service date resets. Studley’s Motorcycles in Dorchester, Dorset. Tel: 07884 180968 www.studleysmotorcycles.co.uk MOBiLE MOTORBiKE SERviCES. Professional repairs and servicing for all BMW models at realistic prices. We offer a mobile service within a 40 mile radius of Nottingham. Call Jim Hill on 0797 123 6087 or 0115 9727153. www.ifixyourbike.comNORTH EAST. Independent BMW Specialist. Full service & repair for all models up to present day. Factory trained senior technician. Mobile service within 60 miles of Sunderland. Now breaking bikes. Call Mike Kendrick 0191 510 0265 or 07828 281003 SCOTLANd NEAR GLASGOW. Mostly Bricks & Boxers. Independent BMW specialist. Professional motorcycle servicing and repairs at realistic rates. Agreed labour cost restorations. Phone Jim Downie 01505 850341 or 07973 326928. [email protected] THE BOxER MAN – THE iNdEPENdENT BMW SPECiALiST. Full Service, Repair & Restoration facilities for R and K Series machines. Mobile service available within an 80 mile radius of LEICESTER. Call Phil on 0116 2668913 or 07860 588076, www.boxerman.co.uk

UK Importer for TripTeq Sidecars

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