DAYTONA 2006

Kevin Mc.Guire rode his 2003 BMW R1100S in the AHRMA Battle of The Twins race to finish 7th...Go Kevin.

Brad Hendry had equal success finishing 16th in AMA Superbike Race as the First privateer to cross the finish line...Way to start the season BAD BRAD !

Twenty-six pounds lighter than the R 1150 GS Adventure and boasting 100 bhp, the new R 1200 GS Adventure sets an unreachable standard for a world-touring enduro. Add a taller windshield, adjustable seat, extra wide footpegs, rugged 8.7 gallon tank and engine guards, and optional ABS, and you get a bike that will take you to the ends of the earth. Too bad there are only seven continents.

For some motorcyclists, long distances and dynamic performance go together like innovation and quality when they have a passion for a supreme touring experience. They sometimes like to enjoy trips with a pillion passenger, with or without luggage, and don't want to do without comfort, speed or performance. They expect power just as they do excellent safety - combined in a top-quality motorcycle which also has an exciting visual appeal. They may even take the bike out for a few thousand relaxing kilometers, savoring pure pleasure every inch of the way. This is the "Gran Tourismo" experience provided by BMW Motorrad - the world of the new K 1200 GT!

The K 1200 GT has one of the most state-of-the-art and powerful motorcycle engines in the touring bike segment. 155 bhp and 130 Nm give a clear message: the heart of the fascinating BMW K 1200 S with its powerful torque is a definitely a sporty one. The unique chassis with Duolever and ESA (optional) along with excellent brakes ensure that the bike's performance capacity is always well under control. The safety fittings leave nothing to be desired: ABS and electronic brake pad change indicator as standard, and such features as automatic cruise control, on-board computer with oil level display or xenon light as optional extras. The functional equipment also sets standards, including anti-theft protection, heatable seat and many ergonomical ideas on the comfort side. It goes without saying that a technological leader such as the BMW K 1200 GT has an individually tailored storage space concept and perfect wind and weather protection. In short: BMW opens up a new dimension to all fans of dynamic and comfortable long-distance travel.

Take the handlebars and enter the most exclusive world of fast mobility on two wheels: enjoy excellence in motion à la BMW with the BMW K 1200 GT.

Available April 2006.

A ‘do anything, go anywhere’ kind of bike, inspired in part by the relaxed culture of sunny California and in part by the stylishness of southern European scooter aficionados, the Scrambler has been specifically developed for a particular group of riders currently underserved in the market.

While diverse in their demographics and riding experience these riders share the view that motorcycling is great fun, socially acceptable and a liberating experience. Crucially though, they aren’t interested in riding fast and are not motivated by performance or other benchmark figures. As a result these riders desire a bike that’s easy and unintimidating to ride, with or without passenger, in the rough and smooth parts of town or out and about on a longer jaunt. Added to this is a wish for the bike’s design to make a distinctive, personal statement that appeals to and is understood by both their biking and non-biking peers. Enter the Scrambler.

Very few motorcycles can claim to be unique but the Scrambler, thanks to its authentic styling is certainly one of them. The flat seat, small headlight and single speedometer help mark its difference as do the pair of upswept exhaust pipes. Only Triumph, with the brand’s strength and sense of its own history could credibly produce such a machine, creating a whole new niche of motorcycle in the process.

The Scrambler’s 865 cc, DOHC, 8-valve, air-cooled engine uses a 270° crank firing interval for a smooth and torquey power delivery. With a bore and stroke of 90 x 68 mm and compression ratio of 9.2:1 the engine also features twin carburetors with throttle position sensors. Peak power of 54 bHP arrives at 7,000 rpm (with maximum torque of 51 lbs. ft. available at 5,000 rpm) and is fed to the rear wheel via a 5-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

Using a sturdy tubular steel cradiatorle frame and long-travel suspension front and rear – 41 mm telescopic forks and twin chromed spring preload-adjustable rear shocks – the Scrambler is built tough, to iron out the bumps. Its high, wide handlebars and high-set footpegs further aid control and low-speed maneuverability. The wheels are spoked and sized 19 x 2.5 in. (front) and 17 x 3.5 in. (rear). Both wear light-knobby tires in sizes 100/90-19 and 130/80-17. Twin piston calipers are used for both brakes, the front working a single 310 mm disc, the rear a 255 mm disc. Steering geometry is set at 27.6° of rake with 103 mm of trail with a wheelbase of 59.1 in. The Scrambler has a dry weight of 451 lbs.

Fittingly, for such an individual machine a whole range of Triumph Factory accessories will be available for the Scrambler, all of which enhance its looks as well as adding functionality. They include a skid plate to protect the underneath of the engine, headlamp grill, number boards for the sides (obviously with no. 278 as an option), Tachometer, handlebar brace and a single seat and rack. Two paint schemes – Two-tone Caspian Blue / White and Two-tone Tornado Red / White underscore its retro appeal.

The Scrambler, like its forbears, has a distinct look, feel and personality all its own. It offers iconic style, genuine usability and above all a great escape (pun intended…) from the hum drum of every day.

The word awesome is often overused in connection with motorcycles. Except when it’s used in connection with the Rocket III. Then it’s barely adequate.