tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69954872953197511952024-03-24T00:09:51.449-07:00Weiss und BlauThis blog is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of antique and vintage BMW motorcycles, with an emphasis on sport and racing machines.Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-62386338830744997422021-12-09T07:59:00.000-08:002021-12-09T07:59:48.589-08:00RIP Paul Seibert - Motorcycle and Aviation Enthusiast<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLOy1mp9YvzcEb5v2zDlChAEtCv1K00NLR7V-bx0HKw-1F-DExB1fJ3I7rkuOQj1DtyT2hxcf-_36c9YsEiuIKZDEgFMcLGW5qnH7h5it8JpWvm7LkFtR6E0qrpP3JCFU5byOeYGeX9XcEFfgCq_NrxuB1BEzWv61tev8oNmEwrB-7LJKfCUToO5kc=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2048" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLOy1mp9YvzcEb5v2zDlChAEtCv1K00NLR7V-bx0HKw-1F-DExB1fJ3I7rkuOQj1DtyT2hxcf-_36c9YsEiuIKZDEgFMcLGW5qnH7h5it8JpWvm7LkFtR6E0qrpP3JCFU5byOeYGeX9XcEFfgCq_NrxuB1BEzWv61tev8oNmEwrB-7LJKfCUToO5kc=w640-h416" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p>The vintage BMW community lost another friend recently. Paul Seibert passed away on August 19th, 2021 </p><p>Originally from Ohio, Paul spent the last several decades of his life in the wine-country mecca of Sonoma, California. The locale was perfect for Paul, a life-long aviation enthusiast. His local airport was his second home and only a short distance away. </p><p>Paul was also an avid BMW motorcycle fan. He was vintage before vintage was cool. </p><p>I met Paul 20 years ago at Groeger Special Tooling in Redwood City. His knowledge of pre-war and post war bikes was exceptional. I fondly recall visiting with him in Sonoma and riding our R69S's through the rolling hills around Lake Berryessa. </p><p>Paul was instrumental in developing my love of sport and racing BMW's. For this I am grateful.</p><p>It's blue sky all the way now Paul. God bless. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj26nne7GPzleaJdBUxUr97ouMkVLyqBDgETmgp8FW2Qa3GjwVlbjr0x2EtBgypcWu8sgeZOGkPj4X4NpudG29-uVHwHMeQYO8TpPQpYnD1-h9m45-XnIw7YluQ-vBwOQBVqACrsRewffQdOEMoOqGJs4h5S4TJtUFaSYngpA_bUDnV_aIRvXJdlHI_=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj26nne7GPzleaJdBUxUr97ouMkVLyqBDgETmgp8FW2Qa3GjwVlbjr0x2EtBgypcWu8sgeZOGkPj4X4NpudG29-uVHwHMeQYO8TpPQpYnD1-h9m45-XnIw7YluQ-vBwOQBVqACrsRewffQdOEMoOqGJs4h5S4TJtUFaSYngpA_bUDnV_aIRvXJdlHI_=w457-h640" title="Paul Seibert (middle) and Joe Groeger (right) 1986" width="457" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Paul Seibert (middle) and Joe Groeger (right). 1986</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhacJP2OyqdRDEw7LxdmnhnmfWybLKSs_cjGF8OUPpd6XmQ_OgLJdRqFejj91SZArhj3GMpEUSNpjDO0GJtQNu05h2cCSTtNVQxFyiW9L1QL-tn95dXEAnWd6Lg48TMX7k2fhz8R2DX0Gqz44u2V_wLvcHsAaK679RxI_SSVyOpXE3BTB_m_skhmY0X=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1337" data-original-width="2048" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhacJP2OyqdRDEw7LxdmnhnmfWybLKSs_cjGF8OUPpd6XmQ_OgLJdRqFejj91SZArhj3GMpEUSNpjDO0GJtQNu05h2cCSTtNVQxFyiW9L1QL-tn95dXEAnWd6Lg48TMX7k2fhz8R2DX0Gqz44u2V_wLvcHsAaK679RxI_SSVyOpXE3BTB_m_skhmY0X=w640-h418" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Over the years Paul restored many bikes. He was meticulous at documenting details and history. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-68442394673774610632020-10-02T00:56:00.000-07:002020-10-02T00:56:17.798-07:001960's BMW "Cafe Racers"<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1960's Period Modified BMW Rennsmaschine and "Cafe Racers"</b></div>
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The BMW twin cylinder motorcycle offerings from 1955 through 1969 consisted of 500 and 600 cc displacement motorcycles. </div>
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The overhead valve pushrod twin R50 and R60 models were "updated" in 1961 with tweaks to the frame, motor and few running bits. The "new" models subsequently became known as R50/2 and R60/2. To the casual observer they looked nearly identical. The tame, but torquey, /2s were reliable daily riders and particularly suited to the task of pulling a sidecar. With long and fairly comfy bench seats, these machines could hardly be considered "racers". </div>
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Manufactured in parallel were the "Sport" models of the day. The R69 was rolled out in 1955 as a replacement for the R68. It offered higher compression and in turn higher horsepower, as compared to the R60. Subtle changes to the R69 both internally and externally in 1961 saw the moniker transitioned to R69S. </div>
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Also beginning in 1961, there was a brief 2 year run of 500 cc sport model, the R50S. Alas, the R50S was too high strung and was plagued with reliability problems which resulted in production being halted. Thus from 1963 through 1969 the only Sport offering would be the R69S and later R69US (with telescopic forks.)</div>
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As the saying goes, the first motorcycle race began when the second motorcycle was built. Since the dawn of motorcycling, riders and racers have sought ways to make their machines faster, lighter, more reliable, etc. BMW riders are no different. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the US, importers such as AMOL Precision of Dumont, NJ began offering sport and racing parts in the early 1950's. Aftermarket suppliers including Ernst Hoske and Schorsch Meier had catalogues full of accessories including gas tanks, hubs, race cams, carburetors, etc. Everything the gentleman racer or sporting enthusiast required. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKoXyjnEsoa3XfDu8LYh-bD9cEvhwGJxo1irgwxlk-i5hhNUIrrXqdlVQgdMw7DBeibGH96BjoASpv1JyMTWZf_c1c5gM_MDWF39PQXfPJ7z8oHSid6RsuU8HsZ7q_MtVAOC-UiczF_w/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-07-15+at+7.21.40+AM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1283" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKoXyjnEsoa3XfDu8LYh-bD9cEvhwGJxo1irgwxlk-i5hhNUIrrXqdlVQgdMw7DBeibGH96BjoASpv1JyMTWZf_c1c5gM_MDWF39PQXfPJ7z8oHSid6RsuU8HsZ7q_MtVAOC-UiczF_w/s640/Screen+Shot+2020-07-15+at+7.21.40+AM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by John Steam (Flickr)</td></tr>
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1969 BMW "Zabrocky" Cafe Racer</div>
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Günter Zabrocky, a motorcycle dealer from Oberhausen in the Ruhr area of North Rhine-Westphalia, was known for his chassis tuning. Starting in 1967 he built a series of bespoke BMW's R69S machines. The custom frame was based on the Norton feather bed design, and retained the stock rear swingarm and kardan. The forks were modified in-house based on the Horex Hydra model SS. The seat and attachments were source from BSA. A total of 68 of these Cafe Racers are said to have been created.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another interesting modified machine of the day was made by BMW employee and racer Ferdinand Kaczor. He designed and built his own frames which utilized the stock rear swingarm and thus maintained the original final drive and rear wheel. At the front, Ceriani forks and Fontana front brake. The motor was a modified stock lump. Fiberglass fairing and tank completed the look. Note the cable rear brake actuation. Rumor has it that Kaczor, for a time, had the lap record at the Nordschleife (Nurburgring). He is also famous for racing with the URS team which included collaborations with Helmut Fath and Friedl Münch. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24wJgINwuddl5t80d3hhftZjK2afj7e19Ey558anBxGPZ1lDs2myAIWeTSK3qJenQNt3v_HwB_0PeWI4SsgKdWESeQJH5K6FVIA46dkUDmA-6C7HxGA7b09UdmEZc0O1-DjN-yLvdSgo/s1100/image-articleGalleryOverlay-98906cbc-1367558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1100" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24wJgINwuddl5t80d3hhftZjK2afj7e19Ey558anBxGPZ1lDs2myAIWeTSK3qJenQNt3v_HwB_0PeWI4SsgKdWESeQJH5K6FVIA46dkUDmA-6C7HxGA7b09UdmEZc0O1-DjN-yLvdSgo/w640-h478/image-articleGalleryOverlay-98906cbc-1367558.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos of Kaczor racebike from Motorrad Online<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-66015938855004360512020-05-11T16:23:00.000-07:002020-05-11T16:23:08.136-07:00BMW RS54 Book - Muenchener Meistermacher Maschinen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="DE">While most comprehensive books on the topic of BMW motorcycles have at least some mention of the famous RS54 factory race bikes, there is only one book I know of that is solely dedicated to the model. Lothar Mildebrath spent many years researching these unique machines and has put together a very nice book on the subject. It's quite affordable I might add and is available by ordering directly from him. </span></div>
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<span lang="DE">Shameless plug, the AMOL Special (a bike now in my collection) is featured on pages 98 and 99. I should also mention I am in no way connected to sale of the book. I am merely posting for other enthusiasts who might want to procure a copy.</span></div>
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<span lang="DE">From the Author - Lothar Mildebrath: </span></div>
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<span lang="DE">Muenchener Meistermacher Maschinen, BMW RS 54 and family<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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With the start of the sale of the first RS 54 BMW Rennsport motorcycles to privateers in 1954 the development of the new post war racing motorcycle was completed. Especially the sidecar outfits were successful right from the start winning their first world championship in the same year. That caused a boom in demand of that rare item. The success continued and the myth grew. Ten years later in 1964 the team of Deubel and Hoerner crowned their career with their fourth world title. Over the years the number of those bevel shaft engines kept growing. The international success lasted for 21 years until 1974; the team Enders-Engelhardt won their sixth world title and the last for a BMW engined motorcycle. A solo motorcycle which was based on the BMW RS built by Oskar Liebmann won the classic event in Daytona in 1984. Those victories now date back 60, 50, 40 and 30 years. And still that BMW RS is casting a spell on many riders and spectators. So there are quite a few reasons to dig deeper into the history of that machine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dual language version: German and English<o:p></o:p></div>
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Published in November 2013<o:p></o:p></div>
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Foreword by Max Deubel. Proof reading of English translation by Ian Falloon<o:p></o:p></div>
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ISBN 978-3-00-042687-2<o:p></o:p></div>
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144 pages, hardcover, A 4<o:p></o:p></div>
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120 fotos, black and white<o:p></o:p></div>
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29 Euros plus shipping 5 Euro in EU, 12 Euro worldwide - <span style="font-size: 11pt;">payment via PayPal</span></div>
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Order via email to: <span lang="DE"><a href="mailto:l.mildebrath@gmx.de" style="color: purple;"><span lang="EN-US">l.mildebrath@gmx.de</span></a></span>, direct marketing only.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-11992599137951140372020-02-22T08:32:00.001-08:002020-02-22T11:38:16.309-08:00RIP Joachim Groeger - The Passing of a Legend<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmb-Bwuol181X1F5YRhFJATXYiq6WcNNehoIgMNpd1yrgTvYbr73cpAJjmnA7uHTH24af6X8ts_fk4R3AdNXUS2v4JVjpqJ0LUivftVatvO5VRjYfLdxJljyNStBM-gpMA3FXF1CqHqY/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmb-Bwuol181X1F5YRhFJATXYiq6WcNNehoIgMNpd1yrgTvYbr73cpAJjmnA7uHTH24af6X8ts_fk4R3AdNXUS2v4JVjpqJ0LUivftVatvO5VRjYfLdxJljyNStBM-gpMA3FXF1CqHqY/s640/IMG_0064.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Joachim "Joe" Groeger 1920-2020. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Joachim "Joe" Groeger, just three weeks shy of his 100th birthday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the paragraphs below, I will attempt to relay a bit of Joe's life story which I gathered from stories he told me over countless breakfasts, and hours in his shop "Groeger Special Tooling".</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Joachim “Joe” Groeger was born in 1920 in the town of Nakel on the river Netze, which at the time was a part of Germany. (The town currently resides within the Polish border.) Not long after he was born, his family relocated to the sea-side town of Seestadt Wismar, on the Baltic Coast where he spent his formative years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Growing up, Joe was fascinated with all things mechanical, a trait he inherited from his father. Joes father had served in world war one, during which time he was in charge of railway operations. This proved useful in the postwar times where as an agricultural supervisor for a large producer of sugar beets, Joe’s father helped to maintain the rail system put in place to move produce from field to factory. Family pressure had initially set Joe’s father on the path to be a lawyer, however a strong desire to work outdoors lead him away from law school and into a profession as an agricultural engineer charged with maintaining and monitoring the “health” of sugar beets, a staple crop in Germany at the time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This task required much time spent in the field carefully monitoring the plants for disease or infestation, which necessitated countless trips deep into the vast field of sugar beets. The trips were made easier by the use of a motorbike, an R11 which Joe fondly remembers riding two-up with his dad. As a young boy he was not allowed to ride the bike on any regular basis, but did fire up the machine on one occasion to put it away in the garden shed across the street from the family home where it was kept.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Joe's father and sister on the R11. Mid 1930's, Germany. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was from the shed in 1942 that German officers relieved the bike of its tires for use in the war effort. As Joe recalls it didn’t matter much since gas was essentially unobtainable by that time anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Three years later the bike met with an auspicious end when a neighbor gave up the location of the tire-less motorbike to two American GI’s in exchange for two loaves of bread. Joe recalls that the American soldiers took it apart and boxed it up for shipment back home. It would be many more years however before Joe would eventually own a BMW of his own. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As a young boy Joe was fascintated with flight. Aviation was still a relatively new field at the time and the Germans as well as the Americans were captivated with building stronger, faster, more reliable aircraft. As a teen, he was given the opportunity to attend glider school. It was there that he learned to design, build and fly aluminum clad wooden gliders. This experience paved the way for an apprenticeship at <a href="https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norddeutsche_Dornier-Werke" target="_blank">Dornier Flugzeugwerke Wismar</a>, then one of the larger aircraft manufacturers in Germany. It was at Dornier that Joe began his mastery of metal craft, applying his skills not as a common laborer, but as an engineer designing tooling, dies, etc. It was his uncommon vision for design that helped him escape the front lines when Germany was at war with the Allies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Proving too valuable as a designer, Joe was given a “pass” each time the German army came to the factory looking for new “recruits”. It wasn’t until April of 1945, when Dornier Werke was leveled by two Allied bombs, that Joe was eventually drafted into the army. After attending basic training in Copenhagen, then under German control, he was given a rifle and sent into action. Thankfully it was not long before the war was to end and Joe was able to safely return home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After the war, Joe switched gears so to speak. Obviously all heavy industry, including the manufacture of aircraft, ceased to exist after the war. Joe eventually went to work for a town jeweler doing watch repair and ultimately became a certified journeyman watchmaker. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A young Joe Groeger working on a watch lathe. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the time Joe was living in Braunschweig, home to Franke and Heidecke. Shutterbugs will know this company as the maker of the Rolleiflex line of cameras. Having an interest in all things mechanical, Joe took a position at the company. At a time when it generally took 20+ years of dedication to a company to move up the ranks, Joe leap-frogged his way to the top in no time. His ability to envision new concepts and ideas was identified by Dr. Heidecke who promoted Joe to the experimental lab where Joe was free to experiment with new designs and techniques. He developed one of the first mechanical timer shutter release mechanisms. No doubt his watch making skills came in handy. It was at Franke and Heidecke where Joe first developed an interest in stereocameras, an interest that he maintained throughout the rest of his life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While working for Franke and Heidecke, it came to light through the company that there was an outfit counterfeiting camera parts that were patented. The rumor was that the parts may have been coming from the US, and San Francisco in particular. Joe was asked by the company to “snoop around” and see if he couldn’t find the source. It was this task that lead Joe to the Bay Area, and ultimately a new chapter in his life.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rolleiflex camera film transport mechanism. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Franke and Heidecke, Braunschweig ca. 1959</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Inside the Franke and Heidecke factory, Braunschweig. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After working for a while in San Francisco at a camera shop, Joe eventually moved to Redwood City where he would live out the remainder of his life. He quickly found work as a tool and die maker, and eventually opened his own tool and die shop, Groeger Special Tooling, which is still in business today.</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-size: large;">For nearly seventy years, Groeger Special Tooling was the the go-to place for anyone in the silicon valley who needed specialty die work. Joe was fond of telling stories of customers seeking his advice when everyone else said a job couldn't be done. He relished in accomplishing what others couldn't. </span></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A machine fabricated from scratch by Joe Groeger. The collet holds a small metal can and a pneumatically controlled roller folds over the end to close it. This was designed for manufacturing specialty batteries. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqZQi6y3J1Y6snhvpjCQLpjqKOOhjoIzj__fIS_Q7uGJ9OUYbfWjzG3XAT8WHdT8Q3u7u3xd58v_ImPbqA8MFMEfo2VJursIki2tB6SnEdTRGmOlSY40Kbqh7sgfPPsBCk8IrwZZXENM/s1600/edit3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqZQi6y3J1Y6snhvpjCQLpjqKOOhjoIzj__fIS_Q7uGJ9OUYbfWjzG3XAT8WHdT8Q3u7u3xd58v_ImPbqA8MFMEfo2VJursIki2tB6SnEdTRGmOlSY40Kbqh7sgfPPsBCk8IrwZZXENM/s640/edit3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the below video, Joe demonstrates the action of the machine. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyone who has been to San Francisco knows that the often narrow and hilly streets, congested with traffic, can be difficult to navigate. It’s no surprise then that the city was, and still is, home to innumerable motorcycle enthusiasts who find two wheeled transportation easier and more affordable than the four wheeled alternative. In 1956 Joe purchased his first real motorcycle, an R50. (While living in Germany Joe had owned a Wanderer moped.) </span><span style="font-size: large;">In the 1950's, Joe's R50 was a "new" bike, providing reliable transportation for him and his young family. It wasn't until the sixties that Joe undertook his first BMW motorcycle restoration. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Most BMW enthusiasts can remember back to the one fateful moment when they were bit by the BMW bug, contracting was has been known as the “white and blue flu”. For Joe it was an auspicious beginning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A friend had told him of an abandoned BMW R51/3 near the coast. His friends "hippy" brother had parked it, leaned up against a barn, a few years prior. The cost of the bike was a tank full of gas for his friend’s truck in order to retrieve the motorcycle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Joe recounted to me vividly how dilapidated the bike was. The San Francisco climate can be rough on bikes that are properly stored inside, and can wreak havoc on one left outdoors to the elements. Once Joe freed the bike from its cocoon of weeds and overgrowth, he and his son hoisted it into the back of the truck. Joe recalled that when they went to lift up on the handlebars, they folded in half from the rust that had eaten its way clear through. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After a thorough cleaning at the local car wash, Joe set about to getting the bike running. He was astounded how good a condition the bike was internally. With the front engine cover removed, he noted the inside looked fresh and unfazed by the years of neglect. After some fresh gas and oil, and with some adjustment of the timing, Joe was able to fire the bike up, much to his astonishment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And so began an era of Joe's involvment in the "vintage" BMW scene. Over the ensuing decades Joe became well known as the go-to guy for help with pre-1970's BMWs in the Bay Area. Joe's ingenuity led to the development of many special tools for working on the old bikes. As a tool and die maker, he often produced parts that were no longer available at the time. When parts weren't available, or weren't affordable, Joe would make them. He even supplied parts to many of the vintage dealers in the states and Germany. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Joe Groeger astride his 1939 R71. To the left is long time friend Paul Seibert. 1986</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I still remember vividly the day I first met Joe. It was 2001, and I had recently moved to Palo Alto to begin my Radiology Residency at Stanford. A couple years earlier, I had accompanied a friend who purschased a /2 from Bob's BMW in Maryland. I had never seen an old BMW motorcycle before that and I immediately resigned myself to one day owning a vintage BMW as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After scraping together some money, I purchased a complete, but very delapidated 1961 R69S from a fellow in Washington state. Not having any past experience in motorcycle restoration, I began seaching this "new" thing called the internet. This led me to Marco Hyman's restoration website <a href="https://www.snafu.org/saturday/">snafu.org</a> (we'd now call it a Blog I suppose). Marco said to meet up at Groeger Special Tooling on Saturday, so I put the bike in the back of my pickup and headed to Joe's shop. By mid day Saturday we had the engine started, and by the end of the day, we began tearing down the bike for complete restoration. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My R69S on the stand in the "engine room" at Groeger Special Tooling. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the ensuing 2 years I would spend a great deal of time at the shop restoring the bike under Joe's watchful eye. As I had worked in a machine shop in college, I was somewhat familiar with machining, but my knowledge and experience grew significantly with Joe's tutelage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am forever grateful to Joe. Without him I would not have been introduced to what has now become a wonderful hobby. The people I've met and the friends I've made in the vintage BMW community have enriched my life tremendously along the way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So long my friend. Rest in peace. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Joe and the regular Saturday crew heading to breakfast in Redwood City.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A spry 85 year old Joe Groeger received the award for "oldest rider" at a BMW club event. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">At 96 years old, Joe still going strong. At the shop 5 days a week, and hosting breakfast on Saturdays. A tradition that he carried on his entire life. In his 90's, Joe fashioned a sleeping cot in his office at the shop to get a mid day nap in. Joe was usually the first to arrive and the last to leave every day. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Machining valve guides out of bronze for a /2 head. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Machining the case of a rare BMW R5 racing gearbox to accept a modern seal. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />A funny memory I have from years of working in Joe's shop was his fondness for classical music. He often had Chopin, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, etc. playing in the background. I once asked Joe's cousin Volkhard if he thought Joe would mind if we played some classic country music like Willie Nelson. Volkhard told me that Joe absolutely forbaid the playing of Willie Nelson in the shop. I asked why, and he told me that Willie Nelson once smoked pot on the steps of the state capitol, and since that day Willie's music was "verboten"!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe with his son Mike celebrating Joe's 95th birthday with friends and family. (snafu.org)</td></tr>
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Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-41997545322892282582019-11-24T11:01:00.004-08:002019-11-24T11:08:34.824-08:00Goodwood Revival 2019 - Barry Sheen Memorial Trophy - BMW Rennsport OL Special<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past September I was extremely fortunate to be part of the BMW team at the Goodwood Revival 2019. We entered the #52 BMW Rennsport Oskar Liebmann Special with riders Sebastian Gutsch and Maria Costello. </div>
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The bike has an amazing history in the US. It was built by Oskar Liebmann in the mid 1960's at AMOL Precision in Dumont, New Jersey with support from the BMW factory works race shop. The OL Special was raced competitively for over 30 years by Oskar's son Kurt. A more extensive history of the bike, along with extensive contemporary as well as modern photos can be found at <a href="http://bmw-rennsport.com/">bmw-rennsport.com</a>. </div>
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Below is footage from Goodwood Revival 2019. The video is of the entire second day of racing. The Barry Sheen Memorial Trophy is the first race. If you are impatient and want to skip the pre-prace interviews, the actual start of the race is at the 9:00 minute mark and coverage ends at 46:10. Enjoy!</div>
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Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-52085479661679169102019-06-02T00:40:00.002-07:002019-06-12T07:03:58.143-07:00BMW R7 and modern hommageThere were many interesting bikes on display at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este this year. Among them was the one and only R7 prototype which was resurrected from boxes of parts that had languished in the basement at the BMW archive for some 70 years. <br />
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Since the R7 was debuted again to the public, an enterprising company named NMOTO has designed a kit that can transform a modern R9T into an R7 Hommage bike. I have to say that seeing the two bikes side by side really shows the extent to which NMOTO went to get the details right. There's no hiding its a modern bike with disk brakes, modern shaped cylinder heads, etc. However the overall form and major styling cues are there. Impressive indeed. <a href="https://nmoto.com/" target="_blank">NMOTO</a> is still taking orders, and I'm told that the bike can be custom made to fit the owner, in terms of height, seat position, etc.<br />
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<br />Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-75446807346499417292019-05-31T12:16:00.002-07:002019-05-31T12:16:39.447-07:00The Pre-BMW BMWMost true BMW enthusiasts are aware that BMW had it's beginnings in the aircraft business, with BMW being formed by bringing together two separate companies, Ropp Moterenwerke and Bavarian Flugzeugwerke in 1916. <br />
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However, many people, enthusiast or not, are unaware that motorcycle production preceded car production by several years. Furthermore, prior to the production of the first in-house BMW motorcycle, the R32, BMW was an engine manufacturer supplying motors to companies such as Victoria, Bison and Flink. <br />
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Below is a nice example of a Victoria, outfitted with a BMW M2B15 motor. This is from BMW's collection and was on display at the Concorso d'Eleganza this year (2019).<br />
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<br />Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-84363107576489919332019-05-12T09:10:00.002-07:002019-05-12T09:10:35.553-07:00The Quail Motorcycle Gathering - 2019Another great event this year at the Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley, CA. This year the event showcased Brough as well as the Honda CB 750. Tremendous examples of each marque were on hand for enthusiasts to pour over. <br />
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For the second year in a row, an R90S took top honors in the "Other European" class.<br />
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Also on hand in the "Custom" category was the tremendously popular, and much disussed, Revival Cycles "Birdcage" bike. A titanium trellised frame cradles the impossibly large 1800cc prototype BMW boxer motor. An intelligently crafted design exercise, the "Birdcage" evokes the land speed record machines of the 1930's piloted by Ernst Henne.<br />
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Can't wait for BMW to be the featured Marque at the Quail. 2023 would seem an appropriate year, as this will represent 100 years of BMW motorcyles. We'll have to wait and see.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ernst Henne on a land speed record attempt. Most likely on the road between Munich and Ingolstadt, a common location for record attempts at the time as the road was flat and straight. </td></tr>
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<br />Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-60585936482444695512019-03-25T21:01:00.002-07:002019-03-31T18:54:22.080-07:00Art imitating LifeI have to admit, I'm not much of a jewelry guy. But every now and then a piece just speaks to you. <br />
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I subscribe to a few BMW motorcycle groups on Facebook. The other day, a fellow on FB posted about a silversmith friend of his who was casting mens rings in the form an R68/R69S valve cover. <br />
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The castings were spot on, and I had to have one. Despite originally being made in up to a size 12, Bruce agreed to fabricate one for my fat finger in a 13. <br />
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So it's in production now. If it looks half as good as the pics on his site, I'll be very pleased. I opted for the oxide version as it gives a sort of aged, worn look and I liked the contrast. Much like the valve covers on my bikes. Check them out, or order one for yourself at <a href="https://www.keisersterling.com/listing/690661385/mens-motorcycle-sterling-silver-ring" target="_blank">www.keisersterling.com</a><br />
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Update: My ring arrived and it's awesome! Very cool piece that doubles as a weapon in pinch!<br />
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<br />Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-20408561263493578422019-03-02T07:59:00.001-08:002019-03-02T12:50:15.585-08:00Art Deco Masterpiece<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berlin 1929</td></tr>
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Continuing the theme of BMW advertising, I present to you one the most iconic pictures I've ever seen! As part of a recent press campaign to highlight the achievements of BMW over the last 100 years, BMW made available this historic photo. <br />
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Splendidly captured in sepia tone is a BMW salesroom in Berlin, 1929. <br />
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Lets take a closer look. Huge glass windows really open the space up to the outside. Minimalist lit signage letters proudly display the brand name, flanked by the classic and iconic BMW roundel. The room is brightly lit by an enormous panel of lights. The internal decor is sparse other than strategically placed flowers. The emphasis here is clearly on the product. The sleek tiled walls with a classic stylized art deco motif complete the classic art deco look of the day, elegant, understated, exceptional. <br />
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Fast forward 90 years and we can see the same theme at work in your local shopping mall. TESLA has taken what BMW did nearly a century ago, and modernized it slightly. However you can see that the concept is nearly identical. In 1929 you would have likely left the showroom with a nice paper brochure listing the models and specifications. Today you simply access those details on your phone or at the wall kiosk. Otherwise not much has changed!<br />
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<br />Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-14171494432347687842019-02-28T22:44:00.001-08:002019-02-28T22:44:25.387-08:00OL Special - Oscar Liebmann/Kurt LiebmannIf you have come across my blog, it's most likely because you are a fan of historic BMW sport and racing motorcycles. <br />
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I have recently created a web page as a tribute to a very interesting, and famous racing BMW from here in the US, the OL Special. <br />
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<a href="http://bmw-rennsport.com/">BMW-Rennsport.com</a><br />
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As you'll learn from the site, the OL Special was a BMW Rennsport based racebike crafted by Oscar Liebmann of AMOL Precision in Dumont, New Jersey. The bike was campaigned for over 3 decades by Kurt Liebmann in the US, Canada and Europe. <br />
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The website showcases from very cool period photos by Stuart Davis and Ed Cunningham. Take a look around, and enjoy.<br />
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<br />Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-7657046611886583602019-01-06T15:09:00.000-08:002019-01-06T15:12:30.166-08:00BMW Enamel Advertising SignsIn todays world, companies and corporations turn to the web for advertising. Encouraging "likes" on Facebook, flashing pics on Instagram, and employing an army of "influencers" posting endless reviews and showcasing "lifestyles" utilizing the companies brands and products seems to be the norm. <br />
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Call me old-fashioned, but I appreciated the advertising of yesteryear. Colorful, artfully designed posters and enamel (Email in German) signs were the mainstay of advertising for many decades, well before the advent television and the subsequent digital age. In other words, long before there was email there was "<i>Email</i>".</div>
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Collectors of BMW motorcycles, myself included, are always on the look out for such items as they relate to, and can enhance, a motorcycle collection. Advertising provides context to the experience of owning, restoring and sharing the wonderful machines from Munich. </div>
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Below are two examples of BMW enamel signs. Both are original and in "New Old Stock" (NOS) condition. I was lucky enough to purchase them from a defunct dealership here in the US that operated from the 1950's through the mid 1980's. </div>
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Each sign is 60cm in diameter and of convex metal construction. Enamel provided longevity for these signs that were often nailed or screwed to the outside of dealerships. </div>
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The earlier of the two signs employs the older, serif, font with the lettering in yellow. Notice also that the blue is a darker, richer hue than the later style. I do not know the exact years of production of this version. </div>
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The later sign is of nearly identical construction but employs the sans-serif font, and a lighter blue. Curiously, the mounting hole pattern is different between the two versions. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49Vssh-WOW1dfC0vCY_enAG84ZJqJO3mYMXZ_OYyQ67rVHme-H5eFXcN8CKZQLnh0TS-OeOxLTvIIv1fDh83wBdCu2K1YhFsFudH9Fx_NLCGNjAPoLEztCghDVNiPKM1xm3PWwJ5aJuo/s1600/fullsizeoutput_45b2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="1600" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49Vssh-WOW1dfC0vCY_enAG84ZJqJO3mYMXZ_OYyQ67rVHme-H5eFXcN8CKZQLnh0TS-OeOxLTvIIv1fDh83wBdCu2K1YhFsFudH9Fx_NLCGNjAPoLEztCghDVNiPKM1xm3PWwJ5aJuo/s640/fullsizeoutput_45b2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The firm of Boos-Hahn, the maker of the later sign, was an enamel specialist in the town of Ortenberg, Baden-Wurttenberg. Founded by Wilhelm Boos and Anton Hahn around the time of the first World War, the company specialized in the production of enamel signs for industry and advertising. Their work, especially as it pertains advertising, is sought amongst collectors. </div>
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I am sure that these signs came in other variations. I have seen smaller versions of the earlier yellow, serif type sign. I have also seen the later style sign as a clock. Of course there is no shortage of reproduction signs in the marketplace. Original signs tend to have chips and some missing enamel. Often discoloration related to weathering can be seen as well. I provide the above information to educate those looking to purchase a genuine sign as an aide in evaluating its authenticity. <br />
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Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-74583250488868868522018-09-09T12:01:00.001-07:002018-09-09T12:02:09.401-07:00Goodwood Revival 2018 - Barry Sheene Trophy Day 2Troy Corser and Herbert Schwab did the unthinkable. Day two saw Herbert Schwab get away cleanly at the start of the Barry Sheene trophy race He turned in very quick laps and kept the R57 Kompressor BMW within striking distance of the leaders English and McGuinness on the Manx Norton. After the rider change Corser put the hammer down, turning in fastest lap and whittling the lead down from 17 seconds to just over 3 seconds in a matter of only a couple laps. Then just after the chicane, Corser eases past McGuiness, giving him a tap on the back-side. A combination of "here I am" and "bet you didn't see this coming." Corser went on to win day two with a comfortable lead. <br />
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Meanwhile Sebastian Gutsch and Klaus Ottlinger did a fantastic job aboard Sebastian's R5SS. Starting from 9th position on the grid, Sebastian passed several riders on the first lap and had the bike up into third before the rider change. Ottlinger fought hard and the duo ended up 5th on the day. A tremendous result for a normally aspirated true 500cc pre-war bike!<br />
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<br />Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-61650765765937737582018-09-08T11:24:00.001-07:002018-09-08T11:39:27.268-07:00Goodwood Revival 2018 - Barry Sheene Trophy Day 1Absolutely amazing race day1 for the Barry Sheene trophy at Goodwood Revival 2018. The BMW R57 Kompressor, piloted by Troy Corser and Herbert Schwab, managed third step on the podium for the first of two events, even after trouble at the start.<br />
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As is seen in the video, Goodwood features a LeMans start. Riders dash across the track and hop aboard the already running bikes. However it appears as though there was a hiccup and the R57 was near last getting away from the pit wall. Corser, none-the-less caught up quickly, eventually taking the lead away from the Manx Norton.<br />
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Timing and scoring lists the bike as an R5SS, but it's in fact an OHV R57 with Kompressor. Much more primitive a chassis as compared to the R5. While both machines are hard tails, the R57 is much less rigid and utilizes a leaf spring suspension up front, and simple coil springs under the saddle at the rear. You can see just how squirrelly the bike is at speed from the video below. On top of that, its HAND SHIFT, not foot shift. You can see Corser reaching across the tank with his left hand to downshift as he makes his way into to the pit for the rider change. A practical update on the bike is a twist throttle instead of the lever throttle as originally equipped on the road going R57. <br />
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And Corser put in fastest lap of the race, topping 130mph. As fellow Goodwood competitor Sebastian Gutsch said, "Corser is incredible!"<br />
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<br />Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-45874291198262744612018-02-23T19:30:00.002-08:002018-02-23T19:30:51.460-08:00BMW Motorcycle Racing TachometersLike most vehicle manufacturers of the day, BMW did not produce its own tachometers for race bikes. Rather, the task was out-sourced to premier instrument makers. <br />
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In the pre-war period, this job fell to <a href="https://www.muehle-glashuette.de/en/wristwatches/r-muehle-manufacturing-line/" target="_blank">Robert Muhle and Sohn</a> of Glashutte, Germany. Muhle tachs were sourced for use on the BMW Type 255 Kompressor, as well as the twin cam racer R51RS. Interestingly, the company remains in business, producing high end wrist watches. Its no surprise then that a peak inside one of these instruments would have one believing that were viewing a ship chronometer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">R. Muhle Drezahlmesser</td></tr>
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For the post-war Type 253 (colloquially known as the RS54), the original long stroke version was fitted with a 60mm VDO, complete with a weighted and balanced needle. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VDO 60 mm Drehzahlmesser</td></tr>
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On the works bike, and later privateer RS54's, the more commonly found tachometer is a Smith's ATRC. Generally considered to be the Rolls Royce of instruments, the ATRC were required to be mounted in a special vibration dampening holder. It was essentially a bezel mount connected to the instrument by means of large rubber O-ring. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smith ATRC Drehzahlmesser</td></tr>
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Of interest, there was two ways to run the tach on the RS54. Both a straight drive from the timing gear, or an angled drive from the front of the crank. The straight drive is commonly found on solo machines, while the angle drive is more common to side cars, and the works type racer. The works motors were occasionally fitted with a Bosch fuel injector which was driven by the timing gear shaft. Therefore, the tach drive had to be relocated, and furthermore this allowed for clearance of the cable.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tachometer drives for RS54</td></tr>
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<br />Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-92211290597515109082018-02-23T10:46:00.000-08:002018-02-23T10:46:12.869-08:00Buchanan's Does it AgainSpecial thanks to the guys at <a href="https://www.buchananspokes.com/" target="_blank">Buchanan's Spoke and Rim</a> in Azusa, CA! They went the extra mile getting the wheels for one of my race bikes built. I love this setup. Borrani Record rim mated to a magnesium Fontana 230 doppelduplex from brake, complete with magnesium shoes. And of course Metzler tire. Aluminum nipples, stainless spokes. Perfectly balanced as built without weights! Thanks again guys.<br />
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<br />Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-59539327451979220202016-09-13T06:59:00.001-07:002016-09-13T06:59:58.779-07:00Troy Corser hits the wet deck at Goodwood! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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An unfortunate end to a tremendous start to the Barry Sheen Memorial Trophy at Goodwood this year.Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-85309595345283670932016-09-12T21:02:00.001-07:002016-09-12T21:02:54.437-07:00Troy Corser at Goodwood September 2016I couldn't stop watching this video! Troy Corser of World Superbike fame on my friend Sebastian Gutsch's R5 racebike at Goodwood. Troy is absolutely flogging the bike. Unfortunately a mechanical problem ended his tremendous run. Congratulations to Troy for a spectacular ride, and to my friend Sebastian for building such an amazing bike!!!!<div>
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Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-28526277912848237942016-08-09T21:59:00.000-07:002016-08-09T21:59:20.953-07:00Villa d'Este - 2016I recently had the opportunity to once again attend the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Cernobbio, Italy. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2q-Zo-CdVjdVpnBnUsH3iQVWjJ03jQLFjzr1XTFmcEj3cRJmOm07M24RmL2KidOIU9T9F_wE2P3oC_6Iquc46_YbbAfOknNMltPBg5SZ4HST14RDgXP1pdz7XQKhIptqvNgcGQ2TIIgg/s1600/IMG_4714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2q-Zo-CdVjdVpnBnUsH3iQVWjJ03jQLFjzr1XTFmcEj3cRJmOm07M24RmL2KidOIU9T9F_wE2P3oC_6Iquc46_YbbAfOknNMltPBg5SZ4HST14RDgXP1pdz7XQKhIptqvNgcGQ2TIIgg/s640/IMG_4714.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The venue, weather and bikes were perfect! Threats of rain in the forecast had me a bit worried, but alas the entire weekend was absolutely wonderful. The Monday after the show was a different story with rain of biblical proportions coming down on my drive back to Munich (snow on the pass to Garmisch!).<br />
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Held in the picturesque town of Cernobbio on the southwestern shore of Lake Como, the Concorso is the premier vintage motorcycle event in Europe. Sponsored by BMW, who do a fantastic job, the show runs the entire weekend. Cars are shown at the Villa d'Este, while motorcycles are on display just down the street at Villa Erba. The motorcycles are accessible to the public on Saturday, while the Saturday car event is invitation only (due to size restrictions). On Sunday cars and motorcycles alike are on display at the Villa Erba with the afternoon capped off by a parade of cars and bikes being presented and awards handed out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how Europeans enjoy a car and motorcycle show! We have much to learn here in the states!!</td></tr>
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The event is surprisingly affordable (if you don't include the cost of airfare and accommodations). The Saturday motorcycle event is on the order of 8 euros entry fee, and the Sunday event 15 euros. The Sunday event is more because both cars and bikes are on display, or at least that was the explanation I was given. Food and beverages are available throughout the weekend at the event. And of course fantastic Italian food is just across the street at the many local "Ristorante" and "Trattoria/Pizzeria."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The parade of cars on Sunday at the Villa Erba. </td></tr>
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Having travelled from the states to enjoy the show, I visit the grounds on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday is very nice as the show is much less crowded and it is easier to see and photograph the bikes. On Sunday the venue is packed and with the addition of the cars most of the locals chose Sunday to attend the event.<br />
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BMW brain trust. Sebastian Gutsch (left) and Stefan Knittel (right), two very knowledgeable fellows about vintage and historic BMW.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMFC3sc-4bB3e_2_gwFDKszv9PMeBW6VHdmBsRKQNYDlcLikIoMpjeXqt5c-d0rPGWUeyXMKSHci-1WZ021sKsisI0_HvHkA4-vEytv9duLBnK6jdPGHmQEFOr3MpDQxRh28UzSAY2ew/s1600/IMG_4749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMFC3sc-4bB3e_2_gwFDKszv9PMeBW6VHdmBsRKQNYDlcLikIoMpjeXqt5c-d0rPGWUeyXMKSHci-1WZ021sKsisI0_HvHkA4-vEytv9duLBnK6jdPGHmQEFOr3MpDQxRh28UzSAY2ew/s640/IMG_4749.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The appropriately named "Majestic" is an art deco masterpiece. One of many rare and exotic machines on display.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xhtpR05Is2M2lMFyJZsrchWvYReRB57W-3lqR87JNEAwG-7j77YEi2V6q0hQUmsXdgEq31qtSeQKaB7N9zvlc5aouCUzzMGVlS9ddkKXZcEiQyYNuxBAE9D4Dmd9W7b1NcA5uKdmlew/s1600/IMG_4748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xhtpR05Is2M2lMFyJZsrchWvYReRB57W-3lqR87JNEAwG-7j77YEi2V6q0hQUmsXdgEq31qtSeQKaB7N9zvlc5aouCUzzMGVlS9ddkKXZcEiQyYNuxBAE9D4Dmd9W7b1NcA5uKdmlew/s640/IMG_4748.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gLpvUwSu2GsjuhacPHnSLRPlK3LqjxXoA_k2fhwdDeHmxYCZvVonfpYdyU3oAxE2ua0MbGV7Rg9yV5CtjzYAC8xG39H4PQBvaMS9YIL7apEk1OKitDTxpPuaJ5CrXCC1RYECK0UK2bo/s1600/IMG_4779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gLpvUwSu2GsjuhacPHnSLRPlK3LqjxXoA_k2fhwdDeHmxYCZvVonfpYdyU3oAxE2ua0MbGV7Rg9yV5CtjzYAC8xG39H4PQBvaMS9YIL7apEk1OKitDTxpPuaJ5CrXCC1RYECK0UK2bo/s640/IMG_4779.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As this year is the 100th anniversary of BMW, they had on hand a number of bikes. Here is a nice cross section of post-war models.</td></tr>
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Even though BMW is the main sponsor, they don't dominate or overwhelm the show, which is quite refreshing to see from a corporate sponsor. Aside from the small display above, only one BMW owned machine was included in the "show", the rare ex-Frank Pratt R5SS. Another private entry was a wonderful, un-restored R5 owned by Joachim Schreyer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ13pR_2AOs9x88T61vh1E7Trr4psVjo7M3siq3jbL0zmOUDbHvZQeHnzBX1UWxSiA1kHPCShiuFcH36uNWhVcZPy0kquYHyyzOJMJURAvcw4d-EN2PmOC9UZsDypeO0M-E-JN4C8ffTk/s1600/IMG_4726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ13pR_2AOs9x88T61vh1E7Trr4psVjo7M3siq3jbL0zmOUDbHvZQeHnzBX1UWxSiA1kHPCShiuFcH36uNWhVcZPy0kquYHyyzOJMJURAvcw4d-EN2PmOC9UZsDypeO0M-E-JN4C8ffTk/s640/IMG_4726.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful, unrestored R5. </td></tr>
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Another fantastic machine at the venue was my friend Sebastian Gutsch's R5 racebike. Sebastian can be found campaigning the machine around Europe in the "Grab the Flag" series. I'm pretty sure he brought it along just to have some fun in the hills around Como!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL2qn2PcjTxr0fxAv4zDVsSVyNXlsXKMWcYqgn7VK9Mhps6cZzbxAwxJvhnG2oBGN9ztZvfT8nsyvP1DUN2hRCcESM0FUa0OnnLiBEvxKIvGyzal5HTYTqbiXoiSjy6ohA7qse4rDbrc/s1600/IMG_4820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL2qn2PcjTxr0fxAv4zDVsSVyNXlsXKMWcYqgn7VK9Mhps6cZzbxAwxJvhnG2oBGN9ztZvfT8nsyvP1DUN2hRCcESM0FUa0OnnLiBEvxKIvGyzal5HTYTqbiXoiSjy6ohA7qse4rDbrc/s640/IMG_4820.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sebastian Gutsch and his R5 racer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrg708Cr-XxRCVlQPQnN_pxpqsR7jIkNMl5Lx3i2TwokzBsvJStfnKTCwxH9g7ghdzMVSlEwZdF0i9dhbga0DKoOqRrDewxOrIuiWBaSMO2Hsa59FYIkYyS_QqqF4QvRm77FrieqkRjw/s1600/IMG_4759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXrg708Cr-XxRCVlQPQnN_pxpqsR7jIkNMl5Lx3i2TwokzBsvJStfnKTCwxH9g7ghdzMVSlEwZdF0i9dhbga0DKoOqRrDewxOrIuiWBaSMO2Hsa59FYIkYyS_QqqF4QvRm77FrieqkRjw/s640/IMG_4759.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favorites! The ex-Frank Pratt R5SS. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQauNdwXT1qtN26t9PkLqXgpb6en8oRxLCuNrEWesrf0qWpctkZytyUQ2zayOEDa4ieI-ihx1KIOZHEZ1att0bACx9w3dobFF83HTHYLKw7oJOIZ6Yo58yTyYZX_3aKO_9DWNOqXsINTI/s1600/IMG_4753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQauNdwXT1qtN26t9PkLqXgpb6en8oRxLCuNrEWesrf0qWpctkZytyUQ2zayOEDa4ieI-ihx1KIOZHEZ1att0bACx9w3dobFF83HTHYLKw7oJOIZ6Yo58yTyYZX_3aKO_9DWNOqXsINTI/s640/IMG_4753.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contrary to some BMW enthusiasts beliefs, the marque from Munich was not the only one to employ a horizontally opposed boxer motor. Note the above beautiful Gnome et Rhone, complete with sidecar.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsu7DvsAB2GE7bICLe0_Qqzw6tVphDlZA3WIAn7vNhV4uk2L16yltuvgF33v72JR49vipgQ3TomdZLAFXHxgHNRvoOd1YMlCQqreH1pR5PiMXBiJiZizUJPtifAHs63_Xl2GZw_hB1Uw/s1600/IMG_4752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsu7DvsAB2GE7bICLe0_Qqzw6tVphDlZA3WIAn7vNhV4uk2L16yltuvgF33v72JR49vipgQ3TomdZLAFXHxgHNRvoOd1YMlCQqreH1pR5PiMXBiJiZizUJPtifAHs63_Xl2GZw_hB1Uw/s640/IMG_4752.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufAp-sp2Tf6oa_bZzclcKqHv_1ZyY61VzklUPUX0MPETL50xyk-U45Ez-FkhYvMrzQaJ9TvWaelmrn3rmusJGBnGYbZRVPvxKBCF1egWqZj6rlm_OnXnaLQbn04M-maR5pwDYe0naBmw/s1600/IMG_4793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufAp-sp2Tf6oa_bZzclcKqHv_1ZyY61VzklUPUX0MPETL50xyk-U45Ez-FkhYvMrzQaJ9TvWaelmrn3rmusJGBnGYbZRVPvxKBCF1egWqZj6rlm_OnXnaLQbn04M-maR5pwDYe0naBmw/s640/IMG_4793.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the star attractions was the R5 Hommage bike. (No R5's were harmed in the making of this bike!). As you can see, it's a modern interpretation of the classic machine using an amalgamation of new and old BMWparts. The rear looks ridgid at first glance, but is actually sprung. And yes, that is a supercharger run from the flywheel!!</td></tr>
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Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-10315417892393052012016-02-05T15:51:00.000-08:002016-02-05T16:32:31.151-08:00100th Anniversary of BMW This year (2016) represents the 100th anniversary of BMW as a company. However, curious to most is that BMW produced neither cars, nor motorcycles, during the companies infancy. In fact, aircraft manufacturing is what brought together the companies Rapp Motorenwerke and Bayerische Flugzeugwerke (BFw) in 1916. The marriage of the companies in turn resulted in a name change to Bayerische Motorenwerke or BMW as we know it today. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_BMW" target="_blank">(1)</a><br />
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The highly recognizable roundel logo was registered as a trademark one year later. Contrary to popular belief, the background of the roundel with its blue and white checkers is representative of the Bavarian flag, and not an aircraft propeller. <a href="http://weissundblau.blogspot.com/2013/05/villa-deste-2013.html" target="_blank">(Click here for blog post discussing the history of the roundel.)</a> </div>
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It wasn't until 1923 that BMW produced their first in-house motorcycle, the R32. Designed by Max Friz, the R32 represents the first model completely designed and built by BMW. However, the predecessor motor, the M2B15 can be found as the powerplant in several other motorcycles whereby the manufacturer of the chassis turned to BMW to supply the power. Some examples include Victoria, Helios and Bison. (Incidentally, examples of all of the these BMW powered machines can be seen at the <a href="http://weissundblau.blogspot.com/2014/01/motorrad-museum-vorchdorf.html" target="_blank">Motorrad Museum Vorchdorf</a> in Austria.)<br />
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In 1929, six years after the introduction of the R32 motorcycle, BMW acquired the Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach company. And henceforth BMW became a car manufacturer as well.</div>
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So it is a little surprising today that a company so well known for its cars, did not start out in the auto manufacturing business. Be that is it may, we will celebrate this year the 100th anniversary of the founding of the company. </div>
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Car and motorcycle concours events around the world will showcase the marque. As one might imagine, special events are planned in Germany. Of course the <a href="http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/index.html?content=http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/_landingpages/bmd2016_language_selection.html" target="_blank">BMW Motorrad Days</a> in Garmisch-Partenkirken will be extra special, and will be celebrated July 1-3. BMW Classic in Munich is also planning a special event September 9-11 that will be held across from BMW Welt at the Munich Olympia Park. </div>
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Here in the states, car and motorcycle enthusiasts will congregate on the Monterey peninsula for the Pebble Beach Concours and a week of BMW centered festivities to follow (August 19-26). </div>
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Check out <a href="http://celebratebmw.com/">celebratebmw.com</a> for a list of events. The site will continue to be updated as more events are planned. </div>
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Finally, the <a href="http://signatureevents.peninsula.com/en/motorcycle/motorcycle.html" target="_blank">Quail Motorcycle Gathering</a> will also showcase classic BMW's as part of this years event. I will be back once again to help judge, and I am quite looking forward to an excellent display of Bavarian machinery!</div>
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Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-58759068848957647182015-06-12T09:36:00.001-07:002015-06-12T09:36:24.818-07:00Mystery ToolSome years ago I came across this interesting tool for BMW motorcycles. To be perfectly honest, I don't remember where it came from. It is marked "Gift of David Ide". <div>
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I don't know David Ide, but have benefited from his "gift" many times. I have to assume David was a tool maker, machinist, or BMW enthusiast. Perhaps all three. </div>
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Any guess as to what this tool is for? Scroll down for the answer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TzUga_AjkHyXLlgo-6VTZgOqJN6Ro0XYjKwtLUkyf168OFZXk56250DmzToXW3WnQJ1TnxoLzX_P8PfS4raSU1MP7oLw2eb3rHtsuWtAFWVFYsFIJdmgalJyql22ywhTTgYzBiU4BdQ/s1600/IMG_4924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TzUga_AjkHyXLlgo-6VTZgOqJN6Ro0XYjKwtLUkyf168OFZXk56250DmzToXW3WnQJ1TnxoLzX_P8PfS4raSU1MP7oLw2eb3rHtsuWtAFWVFYsFIJdmgalJyql22ywhTTgYzBiU4BdQ/s640/IMG_4924.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2yH-07cpjOoodFpjrtyifixpdfTEsgL_8Xgl_S3uDtltWiJSLkumf01bj07ejqCqVP0SWVZf_-a_STjclvmu68gAGsrNy_KbUemTiv9ciSAPaPZewUfk1GebsZuvNmcGByVGzHu3s_M/s1600/IMG_4925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2yH-07cpjOoodFpjrtyifixpdfTEsgL_8Xgl_S3uDtltWiJSLkumf01bj07ejqCqVP0SWVZf_-a_STjclvmu68gAGsrNy_KbUemTiv9ciSAPaPZewUfk1GebsZuvNmcGByVGzHu3s_M/s640/IMG_4925.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wonderful little wrench for removing the top of the BING carb slide chamber!</td></tr>
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Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-27632842622713340422015-06-12T09:07:00.000-07:002015-06-12T09:07:11.768-07:00Quail Motorcycle Gathering - 2015Since 2009 the Quail Lodge has been host to the <a href="http://signatureevents.peninsula.com/en/motorcycle/motorcycle.html" target="_blank">Quail Motorcycle Gathering</a>. This is a fun-filled weekend of vintage bike sites, sounds and smells. The Friday Quail Ride is a great chance to hear vintage machines as they make their way through Carmel Valley and the Monterey Peninsula. <br />
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On Saturday, the bikes are cleaned up and put on display for the general public, and to undergo scrutiny by a select group of judges assembled from around the country. <br />
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Next years "Gathering" will be on Saturday, May 14th. Don't miss it! For those who are members of the <a href="http://www.vintagebmw.org/v7/" target="_blank">VBMWMOA</a>, look for a write up and more pictures in next club magazine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grounds just prior to the awards ceremony. Great crowd and great bikes this year!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patina!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very rare R9S!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hope those aren't live rounds.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDKP1_8i_BYqEeHw7_LIYxCFVlC7zst8_qYToikiy1N4i4ML1FAtC8g2YLQ8N_JAQXeefno3SFjgeEUqesD-_NOiuA6z6EBazVo6Tg3xYRoAxm3xe2mUoOIpXybQhpVMTxX6Ln1TOb4w/s1600/IMG_4766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDKP1_8i_BYqEeHw7_LIYxCFVlC7zst8_qYToikiy1N4i4ML1FAtC8g2YLQ8N_JAQXeefno3SFjgeEUqesD-_NOiuA6z6EBazVo6Tg3xYRoAxm3xe2mUoOIpXybQhpVMTxX6Ln1TOb4w/s640/IMG_4766.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of Scottie Sharps collection. The nice R11 is a customers bike. It is reportedly ridden quite regularly. </td></tr>
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<br />Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-60924653412859340932015-02-28T01:29:00.000-08:002015-02-28T01:29:02.493-08:00BMW RS54, a misnomer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi63NUJiLJwMm2UIiKtejR-qUVYOS7y1JQTjBZy2ju9fctIQh9P2kxxDgRXMFDZE9ZtKP43rKLZhMGrS_176pdCWOYN5N9_7mJ1h-vkK1j9-BKLB8u9ZP2qdKAkHse1IXWvOFXwgLOOrw/s1600/5359820702_441258b9ff_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi63NUJiLJwMm2UIiKtejR-qUVYOS7y1JQTjBZy2ju9fctIQh9P2kxxDgRXMFDZE9ZtKP43rKLZhMGrS_176pdCWOYN5N9_7mJ1h-vkK1j9-BKLB8u9ZP2qdKAkHse1IXWvOFXwgLOOrw/s1600/5359820702_441258b9ff_o.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMW Type 253 in the BMW Collection (Munich)</td></tr>
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<b>A little history</b><br />
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In the post war effort to develop a motorcycle that could challenge the brits, there evolved at BMW an enigmatic machine colloquially known as the RS54. <br />
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The machine was the culmination of design efforts beginning well before the war when Schleicher helped develop the Koenigswelle, or "King Shaft" supercharged bikes that had positioned Schorsch Meier atop the leader board at the 1939 Isle of Mann Senior TT race.<br />
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As the platform developed, the double overhead cam design was refined. After several iterations, in 1953, BMW began campaigning and showing early prototypes of a motorcycle that would go on to become a small production run of machines for a select few racers.<br />
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The bikes produced numbered approximately 25, and all were long stroke versions, equipped originally with 4 speed gear boxes. Six of the original machines were "seitenwagen" or side-cars.<br />
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While not overly successful in solo form, the engine platform was utilized in the ensuing decades to harness no fewer than 18 side-car world championships in 20 years. This was an amazing feat, unlikely to ever be duplicated. <br />
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Of course development wasn't static. Long stroke engines gave way to short stroke version. The original 30 mm Amal Fischer carburetors were exchanged for 32 or 35 mm Dell'Ortos. (Some works bikes were fuel injected.) A five speed gear box was available.<br />
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In later years, massive carburetors fed the boxer motors that by then wound greater than 10K rpm. Double plugged heads were commonplace. The kneeler, with its tremendously low center of gravity, became the preferred configuration.<br />
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A victim of it's own success in the side-car arena, most original long stroke bikes were dismantled, and frames discarded or modified for use in side car racing. For this reason, there exists today no complete bike that the author is aware of, with the original frame and long stroke motor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4XLlF2SFGvGS9LFAjK-23-EB9EqfARIhCRb9c9RmPZrtmDy2wp2RdzurztTHZo4i-RskKAjH9fQf_YodaRQvg0PxrNqv98IBU3emXEW4PoXy6FI649xWaQKYh95G654ItWZZi9Tz-6g/s1600/Auerbacher,+Hahn,+Busch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4XLlF2SFGvGS9LFAjK-23-EB9EqfARIhCRb9c9RmPZrtmDy2wp2RdzurztTHZo4i-RskKAjH9fQf_YodaRQvg0PxrNqv98IBU3emXEW4PoXy6FI649xWaQKYh95G654ItWZZi9Tz-6g/s1600/Auerbacher,+Hahn,+Busch.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ex Auerbacher/Hahn kneeler. </td></tr>
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<b>Nomenclature</b><br />
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The bike referred to is the RS54 or "Rennsport". Of course the term Rennsport is rather generic German word referring to any matter of racing car or motorcycle. However if you ask any BMW motorcycle aficionado about the "BMW Rennsport" they will understand that you are referring to the DOHC boxer race bike developed in the 1950's. <br />
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It is unclear how and when the term RS54 came into use. The origins are simple to deduce. RS of course referring to RennSport and 54 being the year of production (though the bike was shown one year earlier in slightly different trim than was used on productions bikes.)<br />
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Interestingly, there is no reference to RS54 in any of the BMW documentation of the day. Internally, the bike was known as the Type 253 Rennmaschine. <br />
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Even this nomenclature continues to be wrongly used today. As noted above, there were approximately 25 factory produced long stroke bikes, sold to customers or dealerships, however there was an unknown number of machines developed at the Works for use by the factory team, including Walter Zeller. <br />
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These bikes were seen with various "works" parts including a larger magnesium front brake, fuel injection, fairing, Drehmoment schwinge (special rear swingarm and drive shaft). These bikes have been referred to as Type 256, however this too is an incorrect term. As the type 253 platform developed, or changes were made, the new designation had a letter added, i.e. Type 253f. <br />
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Unfortunately, the record keeping with respect to develop of these bikes is either woefully inadequate, or a tightly kept secret. Be that is at may, it is unlikely that my essay here will change the terms we use to describe these fantastic machines!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblJopG3kvn9K4in0feTXwFv2wQrBP9hoFHj84lyzhOo2AceVAV3CO90JBXPyMnLk6slMjfJvVwNJbv1L43els1rR1TMGFqVI-2mi172TqPjxOF_uG-oO5OUznmrRne_5HFSbYLWK0j94/s1600/Daniela+Weingartner+Goodwood+2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiblJopG3kvn9K4in0feTXwFv2wQrBP9hoFHj84lyzhOo2AceVAV3CO90JBXPyMnLk6slMjfJvVwNJbv1L43els1rR1TMGFqVI-2mi172TqPjxOF_uG-oO5OUznmrRne_5HFSbYLWK0j94/s1600/Daniela+Weingartner+Goodwood+2014.png" height="446" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniela Weingartner at Goodwood 2014. This machine is part of the BMW collection in Munich. Photo BMW. </td></tr>
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<br />Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-16948851003728378442014-10-14T03:28:00.000-07:002019-03-02T09:28:57.202-08:00R7 BMW - Art Deco Master PieceWhile not a racing BMW motorcycle, the R7 deserves merit and attention none the less.<br />
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Unfortunately, the machine pictured below was never put into production by BMW, but was merely a design exercise. (Akin to one of prototype, or design cars often displayed by current day manufacturers at auto shows.)<br />
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After the war, the machine languished in parts, deep in the bowels of the BMW archive/repository. It was rediscovered several years ago, and its restoration undertaken by a handful of German craftsman. It has since made the rounds on the high end motorcycle show circuit. <br />
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I had a chance to see it in person a few years ago at the BMW Museum in Munich. Below are some pictures of this wonderful machine.<br />
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<br />Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6995487295319751195.post-11910360302870873762014-05-24T07:59:00.001-07:002014-05-24T07:59:21.116-07:00Quail Motorcycle Gathering 2014This year I was fortunate enough to be invited as one of the judges of the <a href="http://signatureevents.peninsula.com/en/Motorcycle/Motorcycle.html" target="_blank">Quail Motorcycle Gathering</a>. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On hand to represent the Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners was marque enthusiast, and all-around good guy, Daryl Richman.</td></tr>
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The Quail Motorcycle Gathering is held each year on the wonderful grounds of the Quail Lodge in Carmel, CA. It is one of the preeminent events on the west coast, and draws entrants and motorcycle fans from around the world. Now in its sixth year, the show has become a "must see" event on the vintage motorcycle enthusiasts calendar. </div>
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The spotlight the year was "100 years of Speed Trials at the Bonneville Salt Flats". On hand were a phalanx of custom bikes and stream liners built for the singular purpose of high speed. Arguably the crown jewel of the display was the 1948 land speed record Rollie Free HRD "Bathing Suit" bike. </div>
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The bike, so named for the scantily clad pilot, is one of the most important bikes of the 20th century, and the "Holy Grail" of Vincent HRD fans. It was displayed along a wonderful Jeff Decker bronze made to commemorate the September 13, 1948 feat.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo capturing the Land Speed Record. Life Magazine. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exquisite Jeff Decker bronze. </td></tr>
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Unfortunately, there were not any historic BMW racing motorcycles on hand for display this year. While BMW was involved in chasing land speed records, much of the work toward this goal was accomplished prior to World War II, with Hernst Henne piloting Kompressors. </div>
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However, there was a nice cross-section of post war BMW civilian bikes on display. Some riders, some original survivors and some top notch restorations. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice example of a /2 in "Dover White". I've heard the term "Bavarian Cream" applied, but cringe every time I hear it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This tidy plunger frame bike, while not a top notch restoration, is thoroughly enjoyed by the owner and his wife who ride two-up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toaster Tank BMW, an apt moniker given the shiny chrome sides of the gas tank. This bike represents the strong contrast between pre and post 1970 BMWs with drastic design changes coinciding with moving the production of motorcycles from Munich to Berlin.</td></tr>
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As Tim Stafford was one of my co-judges in the European Class, his wonderful restoration of an R60//2, pictured below, was presented for display only. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vLpr8UCfcZ4Ik3_8K5-CQoTvTE08egPuhEBVRj2y2hBEGqUmfutsUKAM9f4v8uYNcI2l4csHSE9pdpLfp5MgKi4qj1tbV3AiFBvS7zRHVZD0bvTiTH1N92EZxECQQuMLwzWdZVmzAXM/s1600/IMG_2221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vLpr8UCfcZ4Ik3_8K5-CQoTvTE08egPuhEBVRj2y2hBEGqUmfutsUKAM9f4v8uYNcI2l4csHSE9pdpLfp5MgKi4qj1tbV3AiFBvS7zRHVZD0bvTiTH1N92EZxECQQuMLwzWdZVmzAXM/s1600/IMG_2221.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc42mxARJLSYQRpry56lG-_eF9TZ9xzBkCeCk3I9nyp4OGoZ5BrWiTh7zPvhKhUEli_gCf_zXLM0yRniSF7O_iw9jvd1SZXwjCZ3gz__7If3Zmn2jNwD1dXV4Hp5sM8NLkwHAvN_gVK8U/s1600/IMG_2222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc42mxARJLSYQRpry56lG-_eF9TZ9xzBkCeCk3I9nyp4OGoZ5BrWiTh7zPvhKhUEli_gCf_zXLM0yRniSF7O_iw9jvd1SZXwjCZ3gz__7If3Zmn2jNwD1dXV4Hp5sM8NLkwHAvN_gVK8U/s1600/IMG_2222.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQofw6xb3lZzPwLubtSekveJg9iS1YyoIl5hfqxCxTcvKBI384DYLAHwrAlpy4QmSjje4sJfr2xkBkhiQV3NweD3f_9cntxZTOR-5D-exR9bAA62PetWVlNPPTlSpk_4M0iI1VwWyTZd8/s1600/IMG_2223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQofw6xb3lZzPwLubtSekveJg9iS1YyoIl5hfqxCxTcvKBI384DYLAHwrAlpy4QmSjje4sJfr2xkBkhiQV3NweD3f_9cntxZTOR-5D-exR9bAA62PetWVlNPPTlSpk_4M0iI1VwWyTZd8/s1600/IMG_2223.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hard to find fault with this bike! Perhaps the reason it has been so well received at top motorcycle shows.<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Scott Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12087182768414360019noreply@blogger.com0