An archive of posted features, news, and photos.

STORIES AND PHOTOS

2008

BMW Museum Back in Business - 6/20/08
Re-opening for the public at its location at BMW Group HQ in Munich on June 21, it offers the visitor an innovative synthesis of architecture, art, and communication media.

HP2 Megamoto - 5/22/08
Limited Edition, Unlimited Power. Once underway, I started to feel this machine out a bit. The first thing I noticed was the incredible raw power in any gear at any speed. (June Owners News)

BenchWrenching - 5/22/08
Getting to the 2008 Rally in Gillette - Safely. By Paul Glaves (June Owners News)

MotoSafe - 5/22/08
A monthly service of the BMW MOA Foundation. Experienced riders know that riding a motorcycle is an active experience, not only physically, but especially mentally! (June Owners News)

2008 Mileage Contest - 4/15/08
It's time to register for the 2008 BMW MOA Mileage Contest. Also have a look at the 2007 results!

BMW Motorrad unveils S1000RR - 4/16/08
The new General Director of BMW Motorrad outlined the company's future goals and unveiled the new racing superbike, the S1000RR.

Indy Dealer Expo - 4/15/08
Every year the newest and brightest in gear, accessories, security devices and all things motorized meet in the convention centers of downtown Indianapolis. (May Owners News)

Pfeiffer does it again - 4/15/08
BMW Motorrad’s Chris Pfeiffer successfully defended the Streetbike Freestyle World Championship in Zurich, at the SWISS-MOTO Motorcycle, Scooter and Tuning Exhibition. (May Owners News)

A Tribute to Ron Shepard - 4/15/08
Remembering a motorcycle training visionary. Although he was not a BMW rider, his efforts impact all motorcyclists in one way or another. By David Hough. (May Owners News)

Accessorizing the R1200R - Part 1 - 3/21/08
Accessorizing the R1200R Perfecting the perfect bike. A step-by-step guide. (April Owners News)

F800GS Test Ride - 3/21/08
BMW MOA contributor Rob Nye rides the new F800GS in South Africa, and offers this review. (April Owners News)

At the front of every adventure is a BMW - 3/21/08
With thousands of square miles of excellent riding terrain literally on the doorstep, BMW GS owners in the U.S. are spoiled for choice when it comes to off-road riding.

BMW makes encouraging start to 2008 WEC series - 3/21/08
Seven-times World Enduro Champion Anders Eriksson got the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team's participation in the 2008 WEC series off to an extremely promising start.

BMW Bike World Loses a Leader - 3/12/08
Robert J. Hellman, for more than 20 years the editor of the BMW Riders Association magazine On the Level, died on March 9 at his home in Maryland.

BMW MOA to stop selling Lifetime Memberships - 3/3/08
The BMW MOA Board of Directors has announced that sales of Lifetime memberships will discontinue on May 1, 2008.

HP2 Sport: Ready to Compete - 3/3/08
The first thing I noticed when throwing a leg over the HP2 Sport is that - more than any BMW before it - this is a performance-focused motorcycle. (March ON).

Riding with Children - 3/3/08
Here's how two families, with five kids between them, including one very ardent wannabe, take their kids on rides (March ON).

BMW Owners News Rides the F800GS - 2/13/08
After being in South Africa for a week, today I got to ride the new F800GS as a representative of the BMW Owners News.

Stay out of Centralia - 2/7/08
In 1969, the first three families were moved from Centralia. Houses over the hot spots were equipped with meters to monitor the gas. (February ON)

Behind BMW's G650X - 2/5/08
Like the baby, the G650X series didn't just "happen." It was three years in development by a team of individuals with quite different skills and backgrounds. (February ON)

Lowering the Saddle - 2/5/08
When I bought my first Beemer, a 1974 R75/6, in January of 2006, it had the original touring saddle with the wings on the side. Having a 30" inseam, I could barely reach the ground. (February ON)

BMW Icon Award - 1/11/08
"Several years ago I made the acquaintance of a superlative BMW rider, David Swisher, on the occasion of presenting him with the very first Million Mile Award." (January ON)

First Bike - 1/11/08
Ed Ritti's first bike story begins in 1968 Los Angeles, with a Yamaha DT-1. (January ON)

EICMA: Form and function meet fashion - 1/11/08
BMW introduced five new models at EICMA Milan 2007, the largest motorcycle, scooter and bicycle show in Europe. (January ON)

Bench Wrenching - 1/11/08
In November I wrote concerning the 2007 Iron Butt Rally and failures of certain BMW final drives... (January ON)

2007

Back to BMW School - 12/1/07
BMW's new U.S. riding school is open for business in South Carolina. Our intrepid reporter takes you along for the ride! (December ON).

BMW in 2008 GNCC Racing Series - 12/13/07
BMW Motorrad USA and BMW XPLOR are pleased to announce their participation in the XC1 Class in the 2008 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Racing Series.

BMW MOA on the air with Dave Swider - 11/29/07
Go to the Side Stand Up Web site, and look for the Nov. 27 show. Dave's interview begins about 25 minutes into the broadcast.

BMW Unveils 2008 - 11/6/07
BMW's 2008 new models have officially been launched in Milan: the BMW F800GS, the BMW G450X, the BMW R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure, plus the 2008 BMW F650GS.

The Nordschleife - 11/1/07
Dragging your right knee at 120 mph on a downhill, off-camber, right hander makes for a great experience ... (November ON)

The subdude Roads of New England - 10/30/07
Something magical happens when the subdudes take the stage. An infectious chemistry overtakes the audience...(Web Feature)

G450X Makes Short-lived Debut - 10/29/07
The United States debut of the BMW G450X Enduro prototype fell well short of expectations when factory rider Simo Kirssi crashed in the first lap.

The new BMW HP2 Sport - 10/4/07
The third model of the HP model range was designed for the ambitious sports rider.

2007 Open House - 10/1/07
BMW MOA Headquarters was packed for the annual Open House. Did our cameras catch you? Have a look...

Rally Recap! - 10/1/07
The 35th Anniversary BMW MOA International Rally in West Bend, Wisconsin was the epitome of Gemutlicheit. (October ON)

Desert & Dust - 10/1/07
Join Perri Capell and Edelweiss Bike Travel for a Silk Road motorcycle adventure. (October ON)

Eventful Bol d'Or for BMW Motorrad Motorsport - 9/21/07
Despite a few problems at the Magny-Cours circuit, Team BMW ended its return to world championship motorcycle racing on a positive note.

Riding the Perimeter of Virginia - 9/4/07
My travel destination was a clear choice - I was determined to ride the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway again. (September ON)

The 2007 Iron Butt Rally - 8/21/07
The final photo gallery, results, and more ...

Weary by Sundown - 9/4/07
What's the trick to riding long hours, day-after-day? Read this to find out... (September ON)

Andy Sills & the 4th International Speed Trials - 8/30/07
At Utah's famed Bonneville Salt Flats, BMW K Series enthusiast and self-confessed "speed freak" Andy Sills is looking forward to the biggest challenge of his life. Watch Andy begin his Tuesday run on the salt! (Video by Shahram Shiva)

2007 Moto Guzzi National Rally - 8/24/07
Money Creek, MN seemed like a quaint town name for this year's MGNOC national rally. But the name proved prophetic...

The Thrill of the Hunt - 8/9/07
It had been more than 10 years since I had ridden a motorcycle, when my good friend, John, gave me the opportunity to ride again... (August ON)

A Seasonal Disorder - 8/9/07
If you are a motorcycle touring addict where winter limits the riding season, chances are it happens every January. (August ON)

BMW Competes in the Pike's Peak Hill Climb- 8/8/07
This year, a joint effort from BMW Motorrad Motorsport from Munich and BMW North America was made to enter seven bikes into the 85th Pike's Peak Hill Climb.

Master of the Apex - 8/7/07
Motorcycle endurance racing is a fascinating sport to watch and to be involved in.

Gateway BMW Opens - 7/31/07
After months of waiting on the part of planners, financiers, mechanics and riders, Gateway BMW is set to open for their first day of business on July 31.

BMW Motorrad Acquires Husqvarna - 7/20/07
BMW will acquire the renowned motorcycle company Husqvarna Motorcycles.

K1200R Sport - What a Machine! - 7/2/07
"I simply have to say up front that the latest K1200 from BMW Motorrad is the finest BMW I've ever ridden." (July ON)

BMW K1200GT Named Among The Best- Again - 6/25/07
For the second year in a row, the BMW K1200GT has been named one of the top ten motorcycles for 2007 by editors of Cycle World magazine.

Lightning Awareness - 6/4/07
Most people don't even think about lightning unless they are confronted with it. We'll explain the dangers we put ourselves in, when we ride into a storm. (June ON)

The G650 Trials - 6/7/07
The Xmoto has an athletic, nimble appearance. The Xchallenge has a strong, minimalist look. The Xcountry boasts a sophisticated yet traditional stance. (June ON)

Motorhikeling - 5/24/07
All great adventures share certain characteristics. First, a sense of purpose, an inner drive that demands to be realized. Second, they involve colorful enthusiastic personalities... (May ON)

Born to Ride - 5/2/07
My interest in motorcycles ... developed into a taste for vintage. I don't know how this happened; perhaps it's the look, or the sound, or the feel. (May ON)

BMW Officially Unveils 450cc Sports Enduro - 4/30/07
BMW Motorrad Motorsport officially unveiled its new 450cc sports enduro prototype at the second round of the 2007 World Enduro Championship...

From the Clubs ... - 4/21/07
This month an article from The Shop Rag, newsletter of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of Northeast Florida #42. William A. Robinson's article is KTM vs. BMW.

Sport Boxer: Le Mans and BMW Don't Disappoint - 4/21/07
The 30th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Motorcycles will go down in history as a truly exceptional race. For BMW, it meant the debut of the 140bhp BMW Sports Boxer.

Lina Racing and the MOA team up for Rally Tennessee - 4/18/07
Rally Tennessee has decided to allow motorcycles, and the BMW MOA is now an event sponsor. Volunters are needed - MOA members are encouraged to help out.

BMW Motorrad - On the Record - 4/6/07
BMW Owners News editor Vince Winkel and BMW MOA executive director Ray Zimmerman recently met with BMW Motorrad executives to discuss the dealership situation in the U.S., and other topics. (April ON)

Bench Wrenching: Restoration Lite - 4/6/07
Maintenance falls into three categories: routine maintenance, urgent repair, and restoration. (April ON)

Keep 'em Flying: Periodic Service for Airheads - 4/6/07
If it has been ten thousand miles since the last "major" service, now's the time to get with it. (April ON)

Web-Extra: Always an Adventure - 4/6/07
Here's a movie that accompanies Ian Schmeisser's April Owners News column, Incidental Adventure. (April ON)

Sandblast Rally - 3/30/07
The first point-to-point motorcycle rally in the United States occurred in Cheraw, South Carolina recently, as part of the NASA Rally Sport 2007 Sandblast Rally - the biggest rally in America in years.

From the Clubs... - 3/18/07
This month we spotlight an article from The Codpiece, a monthly newsletter from the Upstate South Carolina BMW Motorcycle Club (#263).

The Haul Road - 3/14/07
The Haul Road, also named the Dalton Highway, is a stretch from Fairbanks to Deadhorse, near Prudhoe Bay in Alaska. It remains one of the great challenges to motorcyclists. (March ON)

Ardys Kellerman Does it Again - 3/10/07
Motorcycle Blogger International handed out its 2006 Rider Awards.

From the Archives: F800 Review - 3/10/07
In the June 2006 BMW Owners News, Ian Schmeisser reviewed the new BMW motorcycles. Here is his F800 review. (1.2 mb pdf)

Bench Wrenching: The Rites of Spring - 3/5/07
The days are longer and it's time to get road-ready for the riding season. (March ON)

Keep 'em Flying: Get it Runnin' - 3/5/07
The early Slash Fives call to service at 4,000 miles and 8,000 miles. These intervals are also referred to as "minor" and "major" services. (March ON)

The Right Fit - 3/5/07
Join us in the never-ending quest to find that next perfect piece of riding gear. (March ON)

Did You Miss an IMS Show? - 2/22/07

Bench Wrenching: What Should I Do Now? - 2/14/07
The most frequently asked question, on my frequently asked question list, is "What should I do now?" (February ON)

Healthcare Access...on an F650GSD - 2/4/07
My dream was to explore the Latin America on a motorcycle and develop a deep understanding of the healthcare systems of the region

Keep 'em Flying: Camshafts - 1/8/07
The oil pump is driven off the back end of the camshaft, in a compartment machined out of the engine casting. (January ON)

Intermot - 1/10/07
A record 187,000 motorcycle enthusiasts made Intermot 2006 the largest ever for the biennial European motorcycle and scooter trade show. (January ON)

Bench Wrenching - Throttle Body - 1/8/07
In the simplest terms a throttle body is a metal cylinder which delivers a fuel-air mixture to the engine upstream of the intake valve. (January ON)

GS Event - Online Bonus - 1/2/07
When donating a kidney to my mother in May of 2004, I didn't entirely understand the positive impact it would have on my life, particularly as it would relate to motorcycle riding. (January ON)

2006

New Models from BMW - 10/13/06

Keep 'em Flying - 12/11/06
One of our local riders had a 1978 R100RS, a very well ridden, high mileage machine. It was brought to me, shortly after a major top end rebuild, with the complaint of low oil pressure. (December ON)

Bench Wrenching - 12/11/06
I received an email the other day from a member who was embarking on his first routine service on his "oilhead" BMW... (December ON)

Queenie of Our Hearts - 11/2/06
“Queenie” as she is known to the Gutter Gang at Lone Star BMW could easily be overlooked by someone who doesn't recognize a legend. (November ON)

Riding Two-Up - 11/2/06
We have 30 years of two-up riding together and somewhere on the far side of 100K doing so. Riding together is one of our favorite things to do. (November ON)

The Art of BMW Motorcycle Restoration - 10/3/06
One person who turns vintage BMW motorcycle restoration into an art form is Tim Stafford, of San Diego, California. (October ON)

Patagonia by Motorcycle - 10/3/06
Patagonia would serve as the perfect escape - warm in January, alluring landscape, and a good mix of challenging unpaved roads snaking through the Andes. (October ON)

Open House 2006 - 9/24/06
The threat of a few tornados didn't stop folks from visiting BMW MOA headquarters on September 23rd.

A Longer Way Home - 9/7/06
My idea is to ride through some of the ground fought over during the Battle of the Bulge and find tanks from the conflict that are still there as memorials. (September ON)

My Turn - 8/8/06
Hello, my name is Ryan Manley and I'm an addict. I’ve tried everything, but no matter where I go it’s all I can think about. It’s really my parents fault. (August Owners News)

Bike 54 Where Are You? - 8/7/06
Morrisville, NC integrates Beemers for safety and efficiency into their police force. (August Owners News)

Long Way Round Review - 6/30/06
Recap of the fantastic series that brought BMW's GS to the television and around the world. (July Owners News) 10 copies of the series on DVD were given away at the BMW MOA Rally.

Inviting Strangers Home - 6/30/06
Visiting with the author and editor of the Clymer K1200 manual as they dive into the editor's K1200RS. (July Owners News)

Nate Kern Keeps on Winning - 6/14/06
It’s just another day at MOA Headquarters when 2006 Daytona winner Nate Kern on his way to the National Thunderbike series stops in to show his bikes.

Like Father Like Son - 6/4/06
In 2004, all my 8-year-old son talked about wanting for Christmas was a BMW motorcycle like mine. I contacted Santa Claus and he came up with a solution. (June Owners News)

Slaying the Dragon - 6/4/06
What makes it special is the notoriety it has been given, and the fact that you have ridden a “course” open to the public where anyone can drive it. (June Owners News)

Ride it Slow - 5/2/06
Some valuable advice for the road, especially on an older machine. (May Owners News)

Riding Like Sinatra - 5/2/06
Perhaps we should all be riding our bikes the way Frank Sinatra sang a song. (May Owners News)

Kitt Peak National Observatories - 4/30/06
Situated on a prominent mountain peak at 7,500 feet, the climb from the desert floor to the peak is a real favorite... (April Owners News)
By Don Seitz

Adventure Guitarist - 4/12/06
Meet Moe Dixon - musician, rider, and a man who hates to waste a single moment. (November '05 Owners News)

Highway 385 - 4/2/06
A woman, a motorcycle, and U.S. 385: All the way from Big Bend National Park to South Dakota. (April Owners News)
By Robbie Ray

Couldn’t get to Daytona? - 3/6/06
We went to Bike Week for you… have a look!

My 50th State - 3/1/06
Completing the goal of traveling through all 50 U.S. states on BMW motorcycles (March Owners News)
By Michael Hankinson

Alaska - 3/1/06
Serious solo saddle-time in Alaska on a serious touring machine, the K1200LT (March Owners News)
By J. Michael Gray

The Rider's Passions and Challenges - 2/6/06
Member profile of Bob Mutchler, an extraordinary man on a mission for charity. (February Owners News)
By Voni Glaves

The Rider's Workshop - 2/6/06
A new resource for riders: a course that teaches how to enjoy riding to its fullest. (February Owners News)
By Peter Nevins

Can you help us ID these folks? - 1/18/06
We have some 2005 "Beemerville Portraits" that need a home. Are you in one of them?

2005

Images from Beemerville 2005 - 10/26/05

The Quilt - 10/24/05
BMW MOA member Connie Myers walked into our offices with a gift...
By Becky (Myers) Avila

Feeding the Forum - 11/1/05
Learn some of the ins and outs of getting registered, logging in and navigating the MOA forum.
By Thom McKinlay

Through Virginia's Civil War History - 7/15/05
By John F. McCarthy

A Decade of Motorcycling - 7/10/05
By Marilyn Roberts

Bike News

BMW 2006 model information - 12/2/05
A listing of the 2006 BMW motorcycle model line up, with available options, colors, and pricing.

The NEW K1200GT - 3/15/06

K1200S sets Record - 11/9/05

Meet the R1200GS Adventure - 11/1/05

Jeff Dean rides the R1200RT & R1200ST - 4/05

Ready to Race? K1200S unveiled - 12/05

2004 R1200GS Revealed - 10/03

F650 and K12LT 2004 Model Updates - 10/03

Racing News

Racing legend Ernst Jakob Henne dies - 5/05

MOA News

BMW MOA @ the Cycle World Motorcycle Shows - 10/1/05

BMW MOA Open House - 9/30/05

Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund - 9/15/05

Larry "Hawk" Hawthorne Succumbs to Cancer - 9/10/05

MOA Operations: Fiscal Management - 5/1/05

New Media Editor and Information Architect - 10/15/05

BMW MOA Media Coordination - 6/1/05

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