Glenn Allerton Takes 2011 ASBK Championship

Procon Maxima BMW's Glenn Allerton, riding the BMW S 1000 RR, is the 2011 ASBK Champion.

After dominating the 2011 Championship from round 1, Allerton endured a tough weekend in Tasmania to come away with the Championship with one round remaining.

Glenn Allerton 2011 ASBK Champ

In Race 1 Glenn worked his way into the lead but was taken down at the hairpin and found himself sliding across the track into the air-fence. He quickly remounted to finish in 9th place. Glenn's body took a nasty knock and there was concern as a championship was on the line.

Glenn was sore and badly bruised but was determined to get the BMW S 1000 RR on to the starting grid. Riding through the pain Glen took a 5th place which was enough the secure the Championship.

"I kept pushing and pushing but in the end held onto 5th, at the end of the race I honestly thought I was a point off taking home the championship but my team let me know I'd done it which was a great feeling," said an exhausted Glenn after he returned triumphantly to his garage.

"So many people in the team have worked hard for this, I have to thank everyone at Procon Maxima BMW for their hard work week in, week out but also all of those people behind the scenes as well that have helped me make the most of this opportunity including BMW Motorrad who have been so supportive" said Glenn.

General Manager BMW Motorrad Australia and New Zealand, Tony Sesto, who was on hand to witness the historic moment, was excited and full of praise for Glenn and the Procon Maxima BMW team.

"It was fantastic to be here in Tasmania with Glenn and the team for this great Championship win. It is the first Aussie title for the BMW S 1000 RR and I congratulate Glenn, Procon Maxima BMW Team Principal Wayne Hepburn and all the team on a magnificent season" said Tony.

The final round of the ASBK at Phillip Island is next weekend (November 18-20) and Glenn is out to show what he can do at the iconic Victorian circuit.

"Next week there is no pressure and I will go out and have some fun and let the BMW S 1000 RR rip" said a tired, sore but contented Glenn Allerton, 2011 ASBK Champion.

Also all smiles after a successful weekend was Coastline BMW's S 1000 RR Prostock rider Linden Magee. With two 2nd places he secured the 2011 Australian Prostock Challenge title. "I am ecstatic," said Linden. "The BMW S 1000 RR is brilliant and thanks to Coastline BMW for the opportunity to ride such an awesome motorcycle"

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The new BMW G 650 GS Sertão

BMW G 650 GS Sertão

1. Overall concept.

BMW G 650 GS Sertão - the sporty BMW single cylinder enduro for offroad and everyday.

With its new BMW G 650 GS Sertão, BMW Motorrad has added a new, sporting chapter to the history of single cylinders in the BMW GS family. Whereas the G 650 GS thrilled riders with its lean, wiry offroad stature, the G 650 GS Sertão promises even more sporting characteristics, even greater offroad capabilities, and an even stronger desire for adventure. And all of this without any sacrifice to the established virtues of a BMW single cylinder endure such as everyday practicality, appealing price-performance ratio, and playful riding properties.

Chassis for greater offroad practicality, optimised touring properties, and dynamic design.

On the technical side, the new G 650 GS Sertão uses the established liquid cooled, high-torque single cylinder engine of the G 650 GS with two overhead camshafts, fuel injection, and double ignition. Its 652 cc displacement delivers 35 kW (48 hp) at 6500 rpm and a max torque of 60 Nm at 5000 rpm. Options include output reduction to 25 kW (34 hp) at 6500 rpm and 47 Nm torque at 4500 rpm.

Whereas the G 650 GS chassis was developed primarily for country roads and light offroad use, the Sertão presents far greater offroad practicality in the form of longer spring travels and tighter tuning. In addition, it is fitted with wire spoke wheels.

Also the new colour concept underscores the dynamic character of the single cylinder enduro.

The essential features of the new BMW G 650 GS Sertão at a glance:

• High-torque and low-consumption single cylinder engine with 652 cc displacement. Max torque of 60 Nm at 5000 rpm and max output of 35 kW (48 hp) at 6500 rpm. Output reduction to 25 kW (34 hp) available.
• Offroad chassis concept with long spring travels (front/rear 210 mm).
• Wire spoke wheels with light alloy rims. Wheel sizes 21" front and 17" rear.
• Dynamic colour concept in Aura White / Arroyo Blue with Sertão lettering and seat in black/grey.
• Luggage carrier in black.
• Extended top front wheel cover.
• Two seat heights: 860 mm (standard) and 900 mm (special accessory).
• High windscreen.
• Hand protectors.
• Engine guard of aluminium.
• Disengageable BMW Motorrad ABS (option ex works).
• Extensive range of special accessories.

2. Technology and design.

Longer spring travels and wire spoke wheels for greater offroad fun.

The BMW G 650 GS did not need long to win the hearts of many fans who were thrilled by the chassis designed for the greatest possible agility and carefree cornering fun on country roads, but without sacrifice to comfort or touring properties. Moreover, its high level of riding stability, steering precision, and handling immediately instils confidence even in motorcycle starters.

With the new BMW G 650 GS Sertão from BMW Motorrad, the G 650 GS has now been joined by a sister model that gives even greater prominence to the offroad talents of the agile single cylinder enduro.

To this end, the front and rear suspension elements were fitted with longer spring travels. Fitted with a standpipe of 41 mm diameter and a stabiliser, the telescopic fork can now travel over 210 mm instead of 170 mm. Also the rear suspension system, consisting of a two arm swinging fork, central spring strut, and rocker, features a 210 mm instead of the 165 mm spring travel. In addition, the wheelbase has been extended from 1477 mm to 1484 mm, now providing even greater directional stability on offroad terrain.

The G 650 GS Sertão can also be fitted with other wheels that cater to a more sporting offroad taste. Unlike the G 650 GS fitted with cast alloy wheels, the Sertão sports high quality wire spoke wheels with alloy rim rings and hubs. With their larger front wheel diameter of 21 instead of 19 inches and smaller rear wheel rim width (3.00 x 17" instead of 3.50 x 17"), the new wheel sizes promise the rider hours of offroad fun. Also the tyres were modified accordingly on the G 650 GS Sertão (90/90 R21 54S front and 130/80 R17 65S rear).

Higher seat, larger ground clearance, and greater touring practicality.

Presenting a seat height of 860 mm instead of 800 mm, a considerably larger ground clearance, and a sturdy engine guard of aluminium, the G 650 GS Sertão presents the optimal conditions for offroad riding. In addition, the high windscreen, hand protectors, and the extended front wheel cover provide a greater level of comfort on longer tours.
Powerful single cylinder in sporting, dynamic design.

The 652 cc, 35 kW (48 hp) single cylinder with liquid cooling, fuel injection, double ignition, and closed loop catalytic converter delivers a powerful acceleration that cannot fail to thrill. Its strengths are spontaneous throttle response, refined riding properties thanks to the balancer shaft, and very low fuel consumption. Also the design of the new BMW G 650 GS Sertão does full justice to its dynamic performance figures and greater offroad practicality. Its colouring, vivid lettering, and sturdy look not only underscore the refined offroad talents of the G 650 GS Sertão, but also emphasise its affiliation to the dynamic GS family of BMW Motorrad.

Characteristic enduro colour scheme in the legendary GS style.

The high contrast colour scheme in Aura white / Arroyo blue combined with the seat in black/grey and the vivid Sertão lettering lend the G 650 GS Sertão its particular sturdy enduro character.

That special sporting touch is contributed by black surfaces on the engine, exhaust embellishers, fork slider tubes, side plate holder, luggage carrier, extended front wheel covers, and hand protectors. And the quality of the engineering is highlighted by the wire spoke wheels in the colour of aluminium, the engine guard, and the engine cover painted in Nürburg silver for the alternator and clutch.

3. Equipment range.

Special equipment and special accessories - a plethora of optimising options for the BMW G 650 GS Sertão.

Even with the standard equipment, the new BMW G 650 GS Sertão is virtually the perfect embodiment of a dynamic offroad enduro. Moreover, BMW Motorrad can provide an unusually extensive range of special equipment and accessories for even greater individualisation of the new BMW G 650 GS Sertão.

Special equipment is delivered directly ex works and is integrated in the production process. Special accessories are installed at BMW Motorrad dealerships. The motorcycle can therefore be fitted with options after it has left the factory.

Special equipment.

• BMW Motorrad ABS (disengageable) including hazard warning flashers.
• Heated grips.*
• Alarm system DWA.*
• Charging socket.*

*Also as a special accessory retrofit

Special accessories.
Storage space programme.

• Vario case.
• Case holder.
• Liner for Vario case.
• Topcase.
• Liner for topcase.
• Tank rucksack.

Ergonomics and comfort.

• Heated grips.*
• Charging socket.*
• High seat (height 900 mm).
• Single seat with luggage compartment (height 860 mm like standard).
• Windshield, high, tinted.

Safety.

• Alarm system DWA.*

Technology.

• Crash bars.
• LED light for onboard charging socket.
• Output reduction to 25 kW.

* Also available as special equipment ex works.

4. Engine output and torque.

Time for the NUDA 900 R - from Husqvarna Motorcycles

We are constantly being surprised by Husqvarna Motorcycles. First it was the Mille3 concept bike that was first unveiled at last year's EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. Then most recently it was the first showing of the new NUDA 900 R streetbike, which took place on 1 July as part of the BMW Innovations Day programme in Munich.

Of course, Husqvarna is not just about the off-road world - it has a long tradition with street models, dating back to the beginning of the last century and its origins as a motorcycle manufacturer. However, taking the covers of this latest machine marked a new and important chapter in the history of the brand, which has become synonymous with off-road success.

Until now, all its current range of models in the Cross, Enduro and Supermotard sectors have been derived from off-road machines. Not so the NUDA 900 R - this is a motorcycle from Husqvarna, conceived and designed for the street, matching German technical brilliance with thrilling Italian style.

The pictures don't do this machine justice - you have to see it 'in the metal' to appreciate its lines, character and undisputed aesthetic appeal. Being a Husqvarna, performance is everything, and thanks to BMW technology and the use of premium components throughout, the NUDA 900 R both looks and means business.

Its 900cc engine will output more than 100 bhp and 100 Nm of torque when it comes to the market later this year. However, the total dry weight of the NUDA 900 R will be less than 175kg - ensuring a more than healthy power-to-weight ratio. Expect it to handle beautifully, thanks to full-adjustable ?hlins suspension at the rear, and full-adjustable Sachs forks at the front. Monoblock radially-mounted four-piston Brembo brakes at the front ensure it will stop 'on a sixpence', while a trick exhaust system, equipped with carbon parts and valve will help it sound every inch a Husqvarna.

In taking the covers off the new NUDA 900 R, Husqvarna President Klaus Allisat said: "This is the first step of the collaboration between BMW and Husqvarna to develop new road bikes. This 900 combines Husqvarna's traditional sporting nature with BMW's engineering, technology and reliability. The core is the parallel 800cc two-cylinder engine also seen on the BMW F 800 R, but modified to give the bike a more typically aggressive, racing character. To reach this aim the engine was upgraded, increasing the capacity to 900cc and many internal components were modified to improve the performance of the power and torque curve.

"This new model will have more than 100 horsepower, but will be easy to handle thanks to its extreme lightness and the linear, fluid nature of the engine. The components will be top-notch too, just like our Husqvarna racing bikes. Our future road bikes will continue to have Husqvarna's DNA and, above all, our concept of riding, based on pleasure, power and flexibility."

The plan is to have the new 900cc NUDA in the showrooms by the end of the year, but for those who can't wait that long, a visit to husqvarna-motorcycles.com.au will provide lots of extra information, including action video, images, technical data, an interview with Husqvarna Style Centre manager, Raffaele Zaccagnini about the design of the NUDA, and an opportunity to subscribe to a newsletter to be kept informed about this exciting new motorcycle.

Glenn Allerton dominates Australian Superbike opener making history for BMW in Australia

Glenn Allerton - BMW

Procon Maxima BMW rider Glenn Allerton yesterday dominated a drama-charged day at Phillip Island, winning both races of the opening round of the Viking Group Australian Superbike Championships in spectacular style.

Allerton made BMW history in Australia as Sunday's race was the first time any BMW has won an Australian Superbike race.

Procon Maxima BMW team owner, Wayne Hepburn, was thrilled with Allerton's performance.

"From our first conversation with BMW it has felt right, the support and encouragement Hepburn Motorsport has received played a huge part in the teams' first round success.

"It's wrong that a standard road bike can compete at this level but that's how good the BMW S 1000 RR is.

"The BMW S 1000 RR combined with Allerton's skills was indeed a recipe for success."

The field was forced to gamble after the race 1 out lap, with a damp circuit sending some riders scrambling for spare bikes with wet tyres fitted.

The BMW S 1000 RR-mounted Allerton elected to remain on slicks, and despite being swamped in the opening laps, soon found pace as a dry line around the 4.45km circuit emerged.

The 30-year-old picked off place after place, and by the fifth lap found himself in the lead after blazing past polesitter Wayne Maxwell who was struggling on deteriorating wet rubber.

Allerton greeted the chequered flag with a lead of over 20 seconds, with second-place going to another European machine, the Aprilia RSV-4 ridden by Ben Attard.

Proving the victory was no fluke, the NSW-based rider backed up the performance by winning race 2 in dry conditions, again by a solid margin.

Two wins from two starts, on debut with a new team and race bike, has Allerton excited about his championship chances in 2011.

"This is the best start to a season I've ever had," said an ecstatic Allerton. "The weekend really could not have gone better for us given we are a new team and racing a new bike.

"We made a good choice this morning on the slicks but in the second race showed that the pace was genuine.

"Given the limited time we've had to work on the bike, the team at Hepburn Motorsport have done an awesome job and I cannot fault them at all. Thanks also has to go to all at BMW."

Allerton is looking forward to continuing the form at his favourite track on the calendar next weekend.

"I love Symmons Plains, it's my favourite track in Australia and I feel like we can be strong again there."

"It was evident from the outset that we would have success on Sunday. The team's commitment and professionalism towards preparing the bike, as well as Glenn's determination to win, was the proof," said Tony Sesto, National Manager for BMW Motorrad.

"Yesterday was an outstanding result for BMW considering the S 1000 RR is still a very new bike in the Superbike segment. All of us at BMW Australia are ecstatic," said Sesto.

Allerton leaves Phillip Island with a 13-point advantage over second-placed rider Troy Herfoss, who was impressive in his first ever Superbike outing with Team Suzuki.

Teams and riders will now set their sights on next week's second round to be held at Symmons Plains Raceway in Tasmania.

Superbike - Round and Championship points
1. Glenn ALLERTON (VIC), 50
2. Troy HERFOSS (VIC), 37
3. Ben ATTARD (QLD), 36
4. Craig COXHELL (VIC), 33
5. Jamie STAUFFER (NSW), 32
6. Beau BEATON (NSW), 29
7. Robert BUGDEN (QLD), 28
8. Ben HENRY (QLD), 25
9. Cole ODENDAAL (NSW), 23
10. Wayne MAXWELL (VIC), 19

KTM's Ruben Faria takes first stage win in Dakar 2011

KTM rider Ruben Faria of Portugal took line honors in the first stage of the 33rd edition of the Dakar Rally on Sunday as riders settled in for the first competitive stage of this 16-day test of man and machine. Ruben, co-rider in title holder Cyril Despres' team led in the remaining three KTM factory riders who were separated by only 2 minutes 13 seconds. Marc Coma

Riders had a very early start out of the first bivouac at Victoria and set out for the day at first light for 566 km of road riding and a timed special of 192 km. At the end of the day it was Marc Coma in third place and his co-rider Juan Pedrero in fourth place.
 
Speaking straight from the bivouac after Stage One Cyril Despres said it had been a great first day. "Second and first together with my colleague Ruben Faria - we couldn't wish for anything better," he said.   
 
Although it was an auspicious start for the four KTM riders, who this year compete for the first time on the newly developed KTM 450 Rally bike,  there was only just over four minutes separating the top ten finishers. The 2011 edition of the world's most famous rally, in which KTM hopes to secure its 10th title, is expected to be very competitive and hard fought. Organizers have also stated that the more difficult stages will be in the second half of this 16-day event to raise the stakes and heighten the challenge.
 
Faria at home on Enduro style track
The stage victory was Ruben Faria's fourth career stage win in Dakar rallies. He said at the end of the day that he had managed to keep a good speed throughout the ride in what was territory similar to wehat he is used to back home in Portugal. "I did better today than many great riders with different riding styles and it is already a good point of reference. I am also very happy to see that my team-mate Cyril Despres also made excellent time," Faria commented after the top riders had finished.
 
Early morning start for Despres and Coma
Despres, who if successful at the end of the competition will bag his fourth Dakar trophy, was also satisfied at the end of the first competitive stage. He was second out of the start gate at first light just after Marc Coma. The riders had to be awake at around 3.00 a.m. for the 4:20 a.m. start as light broke over Argentina in what is the height of the summer in the southern hemisphere. Clearly satisfied with his day's ride Despres said the special stage had been "really great fun". "It was a great warming-up exercise, a winding route, big sliding sections, a mix between skiing and riding. You always wonder what it will be like at the beginning of a Dakar, especially now that all the top riders are on 450cc bikes. Is this going to change much? Even if we tested our bikes, a Dakar will always be a Dakar. The race is on now and staying focused is of the essence."
 
Coma opens the track on first day out
Marc Coma, the 2009 Dakar winner also said it was a good warming up stage. "Not an easy one though," he said. "It had a highly technical section and a faster section. What matters is reaching the end of the first stage without and difficulties." It was Coma's job as the number one bike out to open up the track for the other riders and this can give those following a tactical advantage and tactics are an important element in this marathon event. Speaking from the bivouac, Marc Coma said his team was watching the weather closely because there was a possibility of rain on Monday for Stage Two. "That would make it more difficult," he said.
 
Pedrero delighted with his first day out
Juan Pedrero, Marc's co-rider was especially delighted with his fourth place finish saying. "It was a great special stage for me…. I'm very happy with the bike. We had tested it but things are very different in race conditions." Juan said he was quite surprised with his time for Stage One. "I was really motivated at the start. The ground felt like Enduro racing and after a while I grew confident." He said the result was a great motivation.
 
New challenges in Stage Two
Monday and Stage Two brings new challenges to the four KTM factory riders who have another early start with Ruben Faria charged with opening the track. Stage Two takes them from Cordoba north to San Miguel de Tucuman over 440 km of road and a special of 300km. They will enter forested areas and encounter a track that organizers say will offer plenty of jumps.
 
Stage 1 Results
1, Ruben Faria, Portugal, KTM
2, Cyril Despres, Andorra, KTM at 00:00.29
3, Marc Coma, Spain, KTM, 00:01.15
4, Juan Pedrero, Spain, KTM, 00:02:13
5, Paolo Goncalves, Portugal BMW, 00:02.18
6, Jonah Street, USA, Yamaha, 00:03.07
7, Francisco Lopez, Chile, Aprilia, 00:03.14
8, Jose Rodrigues, Brazil, BMW, 00:03.23
9, Jordi Viladoms, Spain, Yamaha, 00:04.11
10, Frans Verhoeven, Netherlands, 00:04.23