Category: BMW Motorrad News
Niall Mackenzie and Neil Hodgson brought comedy, behind the scenes gossip and hilarious stories of old to Bowker Motorrad on Tuesday 20th August 2019.
Over 300 guests enjoyed an evening with Niall Mackenzie and Neil Hodgson where they heard all the inside gossip from the world of MotoGP, BSB and WSBK, plus glory days stories.
Questions included, “What’s it like watching your sons racing?”,,,,,,”Is the MotoGP paddock as glamorous as it seems?”,,,,,, at the our open mic Q&A session.
We also had the PR Racing 2019 BMW S 1000 RR Superbike on display and refreshments available in return for a small charity donation to the North West Blood Bikes.
Join us for a UK premiere! The first ever Baron Von Grumble Tour is coming to Bowker Motorrad.
Join us on Wednesday 27th March for an evening with online motorcycle journalist and BMW enthusiast, Chris Eades, AKA “Baron Von Grumble“!
Hear about all the crazy things he gets up to whilst creating his unique social content and we’ll be firing up the Bowker BBQ!
Only 200 tickets available, don’t miss out! Register for your FREE tickets here: http://bit.ly/BowkerBVGTour
Bowker Motorrad has raised over £1,000 for North West Blood Bikes from a Seasonal Social attended by over 100 local riders.
The fundraising raffle offered the chance to win British Superbikes Tickets, Lunch at Northcote and other prizes from Booths, Pirelli, Bell Helmets, ACF50, Bike Tyrestore and Datatool UK.
Whilst the auction included one-off money-can’t-buy items donated by PR Racing and Czech superbike rider Jakub Smrz who donated his race leathers to the cause.
For Bowker Motorrad, John Nichol said: “Thank you to everyone who supported our Seasonal Social. The showroom was packed. And everyone gave generously to North West Blood Bikes.”
Bowker Motorrad and North West blood Bikes enjoy a close relationship. The charity’s volunteers receive exclusive preferential rates and a speedy booking service for bike maintenance. In addition, Bowker Motorrad offers a courtesy motorcycle, liveried in North West Blood Bike branding, available to volunteers whilst their motorcycles are being serviced.
With over 300 riders, North West Blood Bikes is the largest hospital delivery charity in the world. They receive over 1,000 calls each month. Each call represents an urgent, potentially life-saving, request for a delivery to or from a North West hospital.
Lee Townsend for North West Blood Bikes said: “This was a wonderful event and a generous gesture from the team and customers at Bowker Motorrad. Every donation, no matter how small or large, makes a massive difference to the service we can provide, and the local lives we save.”
The latest evolution of the GS success story – the new BMW R 1250 GS!
Discover a new generation of the iconic Boxer engine with the new BMW R 1250 GS – a motorbike designed to cope with any challenge.
Bowker Motorrad will be launching the new model with three versions of the R 1250 GS on display. Experience its power and dynamism firsthand by booking your test ride with a member of the sales team.
With the new BMW Shift Cam engine at its heart, you’ll experience your smoothest ever ride. And with its all-round capability and exclusive new-style HP, you’ll be set for adventure whether it’s off-road in the wilderness or on the open road.
Plus, visit Bowker Motorrad on Saturday 13th October and enjoy savings throughout the store on new & approved used motorcycles as well as RiderWear clothing with up to 50% off.
Czech contender Jakub Smrz will return to the British Superbike Championship grid in 2018 with the PR Racing LLoyd & Jones Bowker Motorrad BMW team, aiming to build on his previous season with the Liverpool-based squad.
Smrz was a consistent points scorer last season with the highlight of the year coming at Silverstone when he scored the team a top five finish.
“I’m very happy to be staying with PR Racing for another year so I need to say thank you to John and Julian for the opportunity. Last season we started from zero but improved throughout the season and scored some good results and I felt very happy and comfortable with the team,” said Smrz.
“Last year we had some highs and lows, but we found a lot of areas we can work on and it’s great to stay on the same bike and build on our experiences. We had a very positive test in December so we have already started to develop and improve some of those areas and I can’t wait to get back to Spain and get our 2018 season started.”
The team will also have a double pronged attack of the Pirelli National Superstock 1000 Championship with Sam Coventry and Luke Hedger joining the team’s 2018 line-up.
Coventry said: “I’m really excited about staying with PR Racing for this upcoming season, can’t thank John and Julian enough for supporting me and giving me this opportunity to continue working with this experienced and professional team, can’t wait to get back on the Bowker Motorrad BMW for testing. In terms of myself I’ve up my game this year in terms of diet and fitness and I can’t wait to challenge at the front of Superstock 1000, the class is always extremely competitive but there’s no reason I can’t be a front runner with PR Racing on the Bowker Motorrad BMW.”
Hedger added: “I’m really excited to finally announce my plans for this year. I can’t wait to get the season started with PR Racing on the Bowker Motorrad BMW. I’m thrilled that John has given me this opportunity. I believe with a year of experience under my belt in the Superstock 1000 class, and in a well established team I can battle for the 2018 championship.
“I am excited to get to Spain and get some laps in on the BMW ready for the first round at Donington Park. I would like to say a massive thank you to John from PR Racing, Bowker Motorrad BMW, and all my sponsors for getting me to this point.”
A Preston motorcycle dealership has donated a 1200cc boxer engine to test motorsport students technical skills on real life engineering.
Bowker Motorrad on the docks in Preston sourced the engine from a 2014 water-cooled BMW R 1200 GS. The engine that powered the R 1200 GS model to its iconic status and made it a group leading motorcycle.
Belinda Oldham, head of motorsport at Myerscough said: “Our partnerships with local businesses are very important to us. And this donation by Bowker Motorrad is a wonderful example. Our students enjoy the very best of theoretical and practical training. But nothing can compare with getting your hands on the real thing.”
“We’re building a strong reputation with our motorsport courses. It’s the perfect first step to an exciting career for our students. And the partnerships help us make the course experience even better.”
Myerscough took their first cohort of motorcycle students into the new purpose built Motorsports Centre last year. The current group began a City & Guilds Level 2 study programme in Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Principles. From September, the course will run at both Level 2 as well as a Level 3 diploma.
The course is designed to give students skills and knowledge in diagnosing and repairing any type of motorcycles in a safe manner including competition motorcycles.
Myerscough has tailored the course to incorporate motorsport activities and resources to provide progression into the motorsports industry.
Mark Cottom, Bowker’s Group eCommerce and motorcycle marketing manager said:
“Throughout the Bowker Motor Group our relationships with local colleges are very important to us. The engine we donated will show students some of the latest performance engineering technology. And a deeper understanding can only help any ambitious young motorsport engineer.”
A couple of months ago, Bowker Motorrad confirmed its first-ever partnership with a British Superbike Championship racing team. Bowker Motorrad will partner with PR Racing for the 2017 season. The Motorrad deal comes as PR Racing unveiled their riders for the season which begins on the 31st March 2017 at Donington Park.
Former World Superbike rider Jakub ‘Kuba’ Smrz joins PR Racing to contend the British Superbike Championship. Kuba’s younger brother, Matej will spearhead the team’s return to the National Superstock 1000cc class. It’s the first time they’ve ridden in the same team for over 10 years.
Bowker Motorrad in Preston has confirmed its first-ever partnership with a British Superbike Championship racing team.
Bowker Motorrad will partner with PR Racing for the 2017 season.
The Motorrad deal comes as PR Racing unveiled their riders for the season which begins on the 31st March 2017 at Donington Park.
Former World Superbike rider Jakub ‘Kuba’ Smrz joins PR Racing to contend the British Superbike Championship. Kuba’s younger brother, Matej will spearhead the team’s return to the National Superstock 1000cc class.
It’s the first time they’ve ridden in the same team for over 10 years.
John Nichol, Bowker Motorrad Head of Business, said: “Bowker Motorrad, and the Bowker Motor group to which we belong, has a track record of supporting sporting endeavour at all levels: from grassroots youth level through to international Olympians.
“Our new exciting partnership with PR Racing sees us link up with two of the the fastest motorcycling brothers on the planet. The Smrz brother’s and The PR Racing team partnership boasts a powerful combination of skill and ambition. We can’t wait for the new season and we’re looking forward to being part of the journey.”
On signing the Czech bothers, John Jameson, Team Principal said: “Kuba is a top rider with many years’ experience at all levels. His attitude and commitment to racing is second to none and this fits PR Racing’s work ethic. It‘s a massive plus for the team to be able to work with a rider of his calibre, as we move forward and take the next step in the championship.”
Jakub Smrz said: “I am really pleased to be joining Matej at PR Racing. Having spent a season learning the BMW, I am looking forward to sharing that knowledge with PR and growing with the team, in what will be a very competitive format.
“We have already met as a group last week to plan everything and PR Racing have started preparing the BMWs so we can start testing as soon as possible. I feel very good about 2017. Can’t wait to get on the bike soon and go racing!”
On returning to the team, Matej said: “I’m feeling confident even after my difficult start last year. Luckily in my first year in BSB I joined a great team. John with his partners have given me another opportunity to continue in 2017 and I would like to show everyone it wasn’t a poor decision.
“Having my brother in the team after more than fifteen years is like a dream and he will be a great asset. I can gain from his experience of the BMW, as well as the circuits. We work well together and I am looking forward to the possibilities this partnership will bring.”
Sponsorship Boost For New Lancashire Youth Football Team Determined to Make Bawling Touchline Parents a Thing of the Past
A new Lancashire youth football team has launched with an innovative club culture that aims to make parental touchline bawling a thing of the past.
Lancashire Attack FC, based in Lytham St Annes, does not permit relatives of players to be coaches. However, every player must have a parental representative on the club committee. And each parent has a clearly-defined role and a direct influence on how the club is run.
Lancashire Attack FC was formed in the summer and has one under 11’s team in the Poulton and District Primary League.
Already local businesses Bowker Motorrad in Preston, Ultra Property in Lytham St Annes and Bite Club UK in Lytham have backed the club’s innovative grassroots football vision with kit sponsorship deals.
The team has been founded and facilitated through a partnership with Orange Soccer.
For Orange Soccer Orrin Benford said: “The idea came about through a discussion with a group of young coaches. We wanted to combine our passion for football with a better way for everyone to enjoy the sport. We wanted to avoid starting yet another club that parents saw as glorified babysitters – before screaming from the touchline on matchday.
“Parents are crucial to the success of the Lancashire Attack team. They are all involved and, in that way, buy in to the unique aims of the club. But we don’t believe it helps if they coach their own children. By distancing them from coaching decisions we think we can minimise the chances of conflict. And we can just let the kids play!”
The club is also piloting other initiatives. Its inclusive culture has a clear focus on player attitude. Players that put the team first – and demonstrate a determination to listen, learn and improve – are rewarded with game time.
Many of the players who have joined so far were not getting as much game time as they had hoped in their previous teams. There are already plans to extend the club’s teams in different age groups for next season after requests from local coaches and players.
For new shirt sponsor Bowker Motorrad, John Nichol, said: “We love the way Lancashire Attack are trying to change things for the better. Sport is a valuable way to teach young people important values. We wish Lancashire Attack every success in their campaign. It would be wonderful to think that, in years to come, the lessons they learn might inspire other teams too.”
Munich/Cernobbio. 80 years ago, BMW presented the BMW R 5 to the international public – an exciting new technological development that was to influence motorcycle construction right through to the 1950s. Inspired by the 500 cc factory racing machine of 1935, it was one of the groundbreaking sports motorbikes of the late 1930s with its newly designed light frame. To mark the 80th anniversary of the BMW R 5, BMW Motorrad is honouring this icon at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2016 with a special model: the BMW R 5 Hommage.
The BMW R 5 Hommage translates the essence of motorcycling into the modern era, combining the world of historical motorcycle design with the modern world of custom bikes.
“At its debut, the R 5 was not only a masterpiece of engineering, the clarity of its lines and the elegance of its proportions also made it stand out clearly from the masses. To this day, the R 5 remains one of the most aesthetically appealing motorcycles in BMW history in my view,” says Edgar Heinrich, Head of Design BMW Motorrad. “In my opinion, its fascinating and unique beauty lies in its sheer simplicity,” adds Ola Stenegard, Head of Vehicle Design and Creative Director Heritage BMW Motorrad. “In today’s world it is very simple to keep it complicated, but very complicated to keep it simple. And the BMW R 5 captures the very essence of a motorcycle. Our aim was to transport its clarity and elegant aesthetic appeal to the modern era – creating a respectful combination of old-school and high-tech with a dash of high performance.”
Vintage meets custom.
The BMW R 5 Hommage shows just how well the world of historical motorcycles and the custom scene harmonise. At the core there is an original 500 cc Two-cylinder engine provided by motorcycle enthusiast Sebastian Gutsch. This boxer engine was damaged in a race and provided the starting point for creating the BMW R 5 Hommage.
As befits a custom bike, the homage bike was elaborately hand-crafted from scratch. Ronny and Benny Noren were called upon to produce the parts according to the specifications of the BMW Motorrad Design Team: the two brothers have been building tailor-made customer bikes for more than 30 years.
Historical core …
The Two-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine of the R 5 was completely newly designed at the time and had an output of 24 bhp at 5,500 rpm. The valve drive was taken care of by two camshafts powered by a timing chain. Thanks to the likewise newly designed frame made of electrically welded oval tubing, the light R 5 reached a top speed of 135 km/h, making it almost as fast as R 17 with 33 bhp 750 cc – which is one of the reasons it was so frequently used for racing, just like the engine selected for the BMW R 5 Hommage, which was damaged during a race. For the homage bike, numerous components such as the valve cover and the breastplate of the boxer engine were machined from billet aluminium based on sketches: they give the historical core a dash of modern flair.
… in a tailor-made custom outfit.
Two doyens of the custom bike scene, Ronny and Benny Noren, were the perfect partners for the BMW R 5 Hommage project when it came to providing a fitting outward appearance for the historical core and producing the missing parts for the engine and gearbox. The remaining parts gradually took shape in the Noren brothers’ workshop based on sketches by the BMW Motorrad Design Team. All parts such as the frame, fuel tank and rearfender are unique, elaborately hand-crafted components – making this a genuine custom bike. And most important of all: the newly fashioned parts clearly transport the original purist character of the R 5.
Timelessly elegant: the proportions.
The result is impressive: even from a distance the proportions convey the timeless beauty of a consistent reduction to the essentials – entirely true to the spirit of the R 5 – and translate this idea into the modern age. The frame and fuel tank echo the elegant drop shape of the original, though in a more modern, streamlined interpretation. The steering head is slightly more tilted, for example, so as to give the R 5 Hommage greater presence and expressive stance while at the same time underscore the fact that it belongs to the customer bike world. As far as the frame is concerned, the focus here was on the oval shaped tubes which were such a striking feature of the original. Together the frame and fuel tank draw a continuous line from the steering head to the rear wheel hub, giving the side view a touch of elegance. The hand-made steel rearfender perpetuates the minimalistic layout.
A modern interpretation of historical details.
A particularly defining feature in terms of the appearance of the original R 5 was the telescopic fork – new at the time – whose characteristic fork covers were aerodynamically shaped at the level of the headlamp. The BMW R 5 Hommage invokes this element and interprets it in modern style based on the custom made fork. The leading edge of the forkcovers echoes the “crease” on the breastplate and valve covers with a suggested interpretation of the typical “R 5 rib”. The brake and clutch levers activated from the bar-end likewise blend the past with state-of-the-art technology: these custom-made components combine the look of historical reversed levers with the adjustment options of modern controls.
Exquisite custom craftsmanship: supercharger, exhaustpipes and suspension.
The heart of the BMW R 5 rests within the minimalist proportions of the homage bike. The technical highlight of the engine is the specially developed supercharger, which in the BMW R 5 Hommage now significantly boosts the output of the original 500 cc power unit of 26 bhp to achieve a contemporary accurate level.
A completely newly built stainless steel exhaust system ensures that this increase in power is appropriately reflected in terms of sound.
Other contemporary accents are provided by the new rear wheel suspension, the modern piston brake system and the elaborately designed front and rear wheel hub. The latter combines the brake system and spoke mount in a single formal unit – a detailed reflection of the minimalistic concept embodied by the BMW R 5 Hommage.
The colour: classic BMW style yet still a true custom bike.
The BMW R 5 Hommage is presented in classic style when it comes to colour. The basic theme is typical BMW – black with white pinstripes, though interpreted in contemporary style of course. In addition to the opaquely finished surfaces, the so-called smoke finish on the fuel tank and rearfender allow the steel underneath to partially show through. In addition to the white pinstripes, the black finish on the fuel tank and rearfender especially comes into its own right, in perfect custom style, due to the metallic finish and a slight flake effect. The engine cases and gearbox in glass bead aluminium provide the perfect stage for the polished aluminium parts such as the machined breastplate and the valve covers with its “R 5 crease”. The soft lustre of the polished aluminium is especially reminiscent of the BMW R 5 originals. The overall image is rounded off with a handstitched leather seat with high-quality embossing.
The team will contest British Superbikes, Superstock 1000 and International Road Races including the North West 200, Isle of Man TT and the Ulster GP in 2015.
Guy Martin and William Dunlop will be riding the BMW S 1000 RR on the roads, with Alastair Seeley also competing in the North West 200.
Michael Laverty and Tommy Bridewell will line up to challenge in British Superbike Championship – with Alastair Seeley also racing in the National Superstock 1000 support series.
Guy Martin:
“Moving to BMW machinery is the reason I’m still racing next year and not retiring. I’ll always give it my all and to be with a quality manufacturer like BMW is mega. I’m looking forward to getting on the bikes as soon as possible. It’s a new bike and I’ve never ridden it before, but we all know its pedigree. TAS are the best team I’ve ever ridden for; they get me and I get them and we meet in the middle, which is why we’ve been successful and this new venture with BMW is just what we need going into next season.”
William Dunlop:
“Moving to BMW is an exciting change and one I’m looking forward to. We all saw what the BMW S 1000 RR was capable of achieving this season, so with the expertise of the guys at TAS Racing, I’m pretty sure we can do a good job in 2015. I got my first international Superbike win last year and I’d really like more next year as it’s the class to do it in. We have a top team and I’m happy to be working with Guy again at the TT, where I think together we can be even stronger with this exciting new package.”
Michael Laverty:
“I’m delighted to be back in the TAS Racing fold for 2015; this time with a new manufacturer in BMW behind us. It’s a very exciting time for both myself and the team: we are both new to the BMW S 1000 RR but it is a bike built for the race track and I believe we have all the ingredients required to deliver the BSB title.
“I’m very motivated about my move back to BSB. I’ve spent the last two seasons in MotoGP and feel I’m a much stronger rider thanks to that experience, both on the riding and the technical side. I’ve really missed not being on a machine capable of delivering wins and podiums, so I’m already daydreaming about the battles head with Shakey and Co. next season.”
Tommy Bridewell:
“I’m really excited to be joining Tyco BMW for next season. I’ve met the team and they are a great bunch of guys and having ridden the BMW before, and watched what Kiyo was able to do on it this season, I know we will have as competitive a package as anyone on the BSB grid in 2015. In 2012 I put a standard BMW into the top six, so with factory support and the help of everyone at Tyco BMW, the goal is to be challenging regularly at the front and winning more races. I’m also looking forward to working with Michael [Laverty] as he has a lot of experience both in BSB and with the team. So I’m now counting down the days to the first test.”
Alastair Seeley:
“It’s great to be back with TAS Racing and to be part of the whole Tyco BMW set-up for next year. With factory support and what I believe to be the best machinery for both the Superstock class and the North West 200, I really can’t wait to get started. TAS Racing gave me the opportunity to win two British championships so the goal this year is to repay them and hopefully make that three. I’m also happy to be back in the Superstock class as I feel the BMW S 1000 RR will give me a great chance to win the championship and I’ve already started doing my homework for next season.”
Lee Nicholls, BMW Motorrad Marketing and PR Manager, said:
It is with great pleasure that we can finally announce BMW Motorrad’s support of the TAS Racing team for the 2015 British Superbike and Road Racing season.
“In 2014, BMW Motorrad had its most successful season of racing ever in the UK, which has enabled us to increase our support to both the British Superbike and Road Racing paddocks for 2015. The TAS Racing team will spearhead our assault on track, and on the roads, and will receive the full technical support from BMW Motorrad Motorsport in Munich within the framework of the BMW Customer Racing Strategy.
“As a company we are very much looking forward to working with Philip and his team and we are confident that together with the all-new S 1000 RR we will challenge for podiums and wins across the UK and Ireland next year.”
Phil Dashey, Vice President & General Manager at Tyco Security Products concluded:
“We’ve had a great working relationship with TAS; our brand has grown significantly as a result, so to renew with them, but work with a new manufacturer under the Tyco BMW banner is a very exciting prospect”
“We’ve enjoyed success on various platforms in a number of guises and liveries with the TAS team, but I’m sure I will echo everyone’s sentiments when I say our major goals for 2015 are to lift the British Superbike title and a coveted Isle of Man TT top step.”
Philip Neill – Team Manager:
“It really is a great honour for TAS Racing to be chosen by BMW to spearhead their racing efforts in 2015, and everyone involved has been very supportive in helping us put the correct package together.
“Although our agreement is with BMW Motorrad in the UK, the support we have received from BMW in Germany is already very encouraging. We will have full support from the factory both technically and personnel wise next season to help us achieve our goals.”
“We put a lot of thought into our rider line up for 2015 and as always the goal is to win races both in British championship and also at International level on the roads. We fully expect to be championship contenders in British Superbike and the National Superstock class next season racing BMW’s S 1000 RR, and on the roads I’ve every confidence that William and Guy will also benefit from riding top class Tyco BMW machinery.”