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30 August 2013

BMW F 800 GS Adventure Travel Edition


AutoTrader recently posted a review for the  BMW F 800 GS Adventure Travel Edition

They concluded with...

WHY BUY?
If you are mainly a road touring rider rather than an adventure rider then maybe the Tiger 800 or the V-Strom is a better choice. But if you want a bike that can literally do it all, then the F 800 GS Adventure Travel Edition is the one for you.
Our rating: 5


Click here to read the full review

To find out more about the BMW F 800 GS Adventure CLICK HERE

posted by Anonymous at

27 August 2013

TransAmerica Trail

Back from his TransAmerica Trail.
Along with his good ‘ol GS.


Our boy David did it and now he’s back to tell his tale. Our Sales Excutive David takes time out to tell us about his Adventure :

I've been riding bikes for 40 years now and if someone had told me when I started that I'd ride a 650cc single cylinder bike nearly 8000 miles I'd have said they were mad!  Perhaps on a multi cylinder tourer yes, but a thumper..no way!  So how exactly did I come to recently take off through America's bible belt into the dustbowl states, then across the high plains to the Rocky mountains and on through the desert of Nevada to to Oregon & California on the Pacific coast??  Responsibility lay heavily with my decision to start to ride "off road", primarily I have to admit after watching a certain individual (and entourage) have a ball riding around the world, getting bored with my Honda VFR and hence buying a GS!


My decision to do "The TransAmericaTrail" was due in no small part to the fact that having lived in Virginia for a few years I've had an affection for "Merkins".  Other factors such as nearly speaking the same language, some of their food being edible, some of their beer drinkable and the diet of cowboys & indians I was weaned on just helped me convince myself it was the right choice.

The official route is 4118 miles and takes in 10 states from Tennessee in the south to Oregon on the Pacific north west.  Our total mileage was nearer 8000 miles as we had a few side trips to Nashville in Tennessee, the Grand Canyon in Arizona and spent a few weeks in beautiful Colorado enjoying the amazing high passes of the Rockies where the early Gold Rush was centred.


As 75% of the route was on unmade roads passing through small towns a few forays to centres of population were necessary, especially in bible belt where the vast majority of places were "dry" & we had to endure at least four nights without a cold beer at the end of a days ride in 90 - 100F heat with 80% humidity!   All through the South we were warmly greeting with a "Hi ya'll","where ya'll from" or "where ya'll going".   The heat over the whole trip was such that we decided to leave the camping gear loaded on the bikes and enjoy the A/C of the motels scattered across the country.  Some of these are over 200 miles apart though so some long days in the saddle were necessary, 244 miles across the desert of Nevada to a town aptly called Eureka being the longest! We'd budgeted ~$100 per day each for the two of us to cover food, fuel & motels and by & large this was pretty accurate.  Fuel at $4 per gallon & the G650X good economy helped achieve this for the duration.

Would I do it again - not exactly the same because there are too many other places to go but I certainly hope to be able to do similar trips in the future - even in the US perhaps.




Above is a typical road surface in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Utah but classed as an A road in Nevada which, for the most part looked like the picture below!



Want to plan your very own adventure ? Why not chat to Dave when you next pop into Vines Guildford Motorrad or visit www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/world-of-bmw for more information.

posted by Anonymous at

05 August 2013

BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team


The BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team experienced a turbulent race day at Silverstone, venue of the ninth round of the 2013 FIM Superbike World Championship. The day saw unpredictable weather conditions, high hopes to finish on the podium and a difficult end for the team. Factory rider and local hero Chaz Davies fought for the victory in race two but had to retire for a technical issue. In race one he finished tenth after a strong start. His team-mate Marco Melandri tried to make the best of his 15th position on the grid, crossing the line in ninth in both races and thus collecting more important points with his BMW S 1000 RR. There was reason to celebrate however: Sylvain Barrier from the BMW Motorrad GoldBet STK Team secured victory in both of today's Superstock 1000 races.

The start of the first Superbike race was delayed by 20 minutes for safety reasons as light rain started to fall just as the riders were preparing on the grid. Conditions were mostly dry when the race - shortened to 17 laps - started. Chaz, who started from sixth, was fighting within the leading group in the early stages, setting his sights on a podium position, but he dropped back later. Marco meanwhile had improved to the top 10 after having started from 15th. From lap six on, drops of rain fell all over the circuit, making the conditions difficult to judge. From that moment on there were many position changes throughout the field. After 17 tricky laps, Marco and Chaz finished ninth and tenth respectively.

Race two turned out to be another thriller with Chaz as one of the protagonists. In the close group of frontrunners, he had amazing battles with his competitors for the victory and podium positions, temporarily taking the lead. But Chaz' hopes for a victory or podium on home soil ended on lap 15, when he was stopped by a technical issue with the engine. Shortly after, the race was red flagged as it started to rain again and two riders crashed out. Marco improved from 15th to eighth during the opening stages of the race, but then went wide and dropped back to 14th. He tried to work his way back towards the front and finished ninth in the end. The races were won by Jonathan Rea and Loris Baz. After nine rounds of the 2013 season, Marco is fourth in the riders' championship with 221 points, 41 points off the lead. Chaz follows directly behind in fifth with 180 points. In the Manufacturers' classification, BMW is currently third with 276 points.

In the FIM Superstock 1000 Cup - unusually - two races were contested today. Sylvain started with his BMW HP4 from pole position. In race in the morning one he had to take part in a close fight against his competitors to celebrate his first victory of the day. In race two, he managed to build a gap to the rest of the field and secured the win again, his fifth of the season. His BMW Motorrad GoldBet STK Team mate Greg Gildenhuys (RSA), who was racing at Silverstone for the first time, finished 14th and 12th. In the Riders' classification, Sylvain has now 145 points and has extended his lead to 36 points. In the Manufacturers' classification, BMW is leading with 156 points.

Marco Melandri: "To start from the back of the grid is really not easy. In race one, in dry conditions, I was quite fast, but in some turns I had some vibrations which didn't allow me to go at a constantly fast rhythm over the course of a lap. Then the weather changed and in the long turns I was not able to keep the right temperature of the tyres. I preferred not to risk anything and to get the best possible result limiting the damage.

Race two, unfortunately, did not go very well. After a couple of laps, while I was gaining positions, I went wider and I lost contact to the riders in front. I tried to attack once more but I had many vibrations and I was not able to ride well. Luckily I didn't lose many points from the leader in the rankings. The break before the race weekend at Nürburgring will help us to take a rest and to enable us to start the final part of the season in the best way."

Chaz Davies: "Race one was not too bad in the beginning. My pace was good and even if I was not completely happy with the bike, we were there lying in fourth, right in the group. So that was okay. Then the rain started and I was struggling to judge the conditions. I had a couple of slides on the side of the tyre off the gas which made me a little bit cautious. Then in certain times the race came to me but the rain started to make it difficult.

In race two we were doing what we could do and I tried to get the victory. The bike was a bit better than in race one for stability in the rear. Then in the end it started to rain again and this played a part but at this point we were still in the hunt to win the race. Then I had the issue with the engine. It was frustrating. It would have been nice to at least be on the podium at my home round but unfortunately we did not have a great day today."

Andrea Buzzoni (General Manager BMW Motorrad WSBK): "We need to keep our focus on the championship and this is what the team did and will continue to do, proving to be consistent and solid. The results from this weekend do not show our potential, it has been an unusual day. In race one, unstable weather conditions led to differing priorities within the field. In race two, Chaz could have won or at least have been on the podium, but he was stopped by a technical issue which denied us success. The team continued to work in a professional way and kept morale high in a difficult situation. Luckily the results do not have too much of a negative effect on us in terms of the overall rankings and at Nürburgring, we will come back to fight for victories. On the other hand, we had a fantastic day in the Superstock class. The team and the guys from BMW Motorrad HP RaceSupport in Munich made an excellent job. Sylvain showed, once more, that he is a consistent and mature rider, winning two fantastic races."

Andrea Dosoli (Technical Director BMW Motorrad GoldBet SBK Team): "Today both of our riders had very difficult races. We have seen signs of improvement from yesterday. Chaz has improved his feeling with the bike, especially in race two, and he was doing a fantastic race and I have to congratulate him and his crew. But unfortunately he could not finish due to an issue with the engine. We are sorry for him and it was a pity for all of us. But this is racing; now we must learn from what happened and then improve and be ready for Nürburgring. For Marco for sure it was not easy to start from 15th on the grid. He made two good starts and he could do quite fast lap times, better than the ones he did on Friday and Saturday. In doing so, he showed that he had improved his feeling for the bike but it still was not enough. He was struggling in both races with the front end of the bike going in and this was limiting him overtaking people. For sure the weather conditions did not help, but this was the same for everybody and it is not an excuse. We must improve our package in order to be ready next time, whatever the weather will be like."

For the best offers on new BMW Motorcycles visit the new website of the Vines Group of Guildford  CLICK HERE

posted by Anonymous at

BMW Motorrad 2014 pricing

Vines Motorrad are pleased to announce new 2014 Model Year pricing for the BMW Motorrad model range.

This pricing will take effect for all orders placed from August 5 2013 or later*.

Highlights of 2014 Model Year Product Changes

R 1200 GS Models From £11,650 OTR

The "BMW GS" concept has embodied riding pleasure and the desire for adventure for over 30 years. This applies especially to the GS motorcycles with the opposed-twin "boxer" engine. The "big GS" allows motorcyclists to explore the most remote corners of the world - an idea that has already inspired numerous globetrotters to set off on their travels.

But the GS was and still is much more than this. Whether sports-style cornering on winding country roads, excellent travel times due to high motorway speeds, relaxed tours with a passenger or daring rides over rough terrain - every GS has offered supreme mastery of these skills in its respective era and this won't change with the new version.
  • Package content change to Dynamic, Touring and Comfort pack
  • Riding modes Rain and Road are now standard 
  • ASC is now standard 
  • Steering Damper now standard
  • Cruise control will be deactivated if ASC becomes activated 
  • New button symbols 
  • BMW lettering replaces BMW emblem on luggage rack 
  • Dynamic ESA – Springs now white – standard equipment remains black 
  • Deletion of Wallet Key
  • Reduction of alternator power from 580 W to 510 W. R 1200 R Models
  • New colours: Light grey metallic 
  • Deleted colour: Magnesium beige metallic 
  • New button symbols 
  • Deletion of fuel, range & engine temperature displays R 1200 RT 
  • New button symbols
Click here to learn more on the R 1200 GS model

K 1600 GT Models From £15,900 OTR

This brand new, six-cylinder engine is perfectly complimented by the ergonomics of the K 1600 GT. Designed to be the ultimate European-style performance touring bike, the key 'triangle' between footrests, seat and handlebars on the GT give the rider full control of the bike and still provide a high level of long-distance comfort. Both rider and pillion passenger are provided with ample legroom – but the seating position is gently canted toward the front wheel for a dynamic riding experience.
  • New colours: Sakhir orange metallic/Blackstorm metallic
  • Deleted Colour: Light grey metallic 
  • Deletion of Wallet Key 
  • Throttle twist grip opening now 70° from 85°
  • Passenger grab handle Soft-touch – painted black 
  • Tank cap, tank centre tank cover section new
K 1600 GTL Models From £17,550 OTR

The BMW K 1600 GTL brings a new dimension to luxury touring – blending smooth power from the brand new six-cylinder engine with class-leading comfort the GTL is luxury. Rider and pillion passenger benefit from a relaxed, upright seating position, excellent wind protection and plenty of room for both riders and luggage, which makes long distances more enjoyable than ever.
  • New colours: Magnesium beige metallic
  • Deleted colour: Mineral silver metallic 
  • Deletion of Wallet Key 
  • Tank cap, tank centre tank cover section new
F 800 GS From £8,685 OTR

Everything about this bike is Unstoppable. Its state-of-the-art twin-cylinder engine delivers awesome off-road power and incredible responsiveness. Its weight-optimized construction makes it unbelievably agile and easy to handle. And its outstanding c­hassis performs superbly both on and off-road.

The F 800 GS is an Enduro bike like no other BMW Motorrad has made before; an 800cc machine with a full 85hp and torque of 83 Nm; all this while having a fully fuelled, road-ready weight of only 207 kg. There is also an extensive range of special accessories available for the F 800 GS, so that you can make your BMW even more individual.
  • No changes
  • SA 218: Enduro mode - now corresponding to F 800 GS A functionality F     800 R
  • New colours: Sakhir orange metallic/Black silk gloss and Light     white/Blackstorm metallic/Black silk gloss
  • Deleted colour: Mineral silver metallic and Sapphire black metallic G650     GS / Sertao
  • New colours: Deep black 
  • Deleted Colour: Sunset yellow 
  • Cast wheels new colour – Gloss black
  • Luggage rack new colour – black
C 600 Sport Models From £9,495 OTR

The city: a world of streets and possibilities. It offers adventures and challenges in equal measure, and is the perfect environment for the first maxi-scooter ever developed by BMW Motorrad – the C 600 Sport.
This intelligent mobility solution is an out-and-out BMW Motorrad machine, and its excellent handling and sophistication drive train ensure a level of performance that will captivate riders and any onlookers.

The striking design is typical of BMW styling, and rounds off a complete package that offers a whole new world of transportation.
  • New colours: Alpine white
  • Deleted colour: Titan silver metallic C 650 GT Models
  • New colours: Havana metallic and Quartz blue metallic 
  • Deleted colour: Vermillion red metallic and Platinum bronze metallic
S 1000 RR From £13,735 OTR

In the S 1000 RR, BMW present the most enhanced, dynamic and adrenaline fuelled motorcycle in the range. The RR Sport takes super sport riding to the next level, with performance enhancing features to fuel the passion of even the most demanding of track riders.

But not forgetting that the RR Sport is just as true down on the racetrack as it is on the road. The RR label shows that it is a full-blooded racing bike, even though it can also be ridden on the most winding of mountain passes, or narrowest of urban streets. To top it all off is an engine that is our absolute pride and joy.
  • Deletion of two of the four luggage hoops under the seat
  • New colours: Granite grey metallic/White and racing red/Alpine     white/Sapphire black metallic
CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE
  • VINES GUILDFORD MOTORRAD; 01483 698340
* There are two model ranges that are exceptions to this:

1.   Pricing changes will take effect from August 19 2013 for:
  • R 1200 GS (ZK50) From £11,650 OTR
  • R 1200 GS E (ZKGE) From £12,730 OTR
  • R 1200 GS TE (ZTTE) From £14,080
2.    Pricing changes will take effect from 01 January 2014 for
  • HP4 (0D01) From £16,950 OTR
  • HP4 Carbon (ZHP4) From £19,845 OTR

posted by Anonymous at

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