Source: MotoLady
Month: July 2014
212th Country to Visit My Blog – Equatorial Guinea Population: 704,001
thank you Equatorial Guinea!  |
| History | |
| Equatorial Guinea gained independence in 1968 after 190 years of Spanish rule. This tiny country, composed of a mainland portion plus five inhabited islands, is one of the smallest on the African continent. President Teodoro OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO has ruled the country since 1979 when he seized power in a coup. Although nominally a constitutional democracy since 1991, the 1996, 2002, and 2009 presidential elections – as well as the 1999, 2004, and 2008 legislative elections – were widely seen as flawed. The president exerts almost total control over the political system and has discouraged political opposition. Equatorial Guinea has experienced rapid economic growth due to the discovery of large offshore oil reserves, and in the last decade has become Sub-Saharan Africa’s third largest oil exporter. Despite the country’s economic windfall from oil production, resulting in a massive increase in government revenue in recent years, improvements in the population’s living standards have been slow to develop. |
Continue reading “212th Country to Visit My Blog – Equatorial Guinea Population: 704,001”
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BMW Motorrad model facelift measures for model year 2015. Special model K 1300 S Motorsport.
- 04.07.2014
| BMW K 1300 S Motorsport, Black storm metallic, Light white, Lupine blue metallic (07/2014) | Show all media |
Munich. Model year 2015 sees a number of model facelift measures as well as the special model K 1300 S Motorsport included in the BMW Motorrad program. The models can be ordered from all
BMW Motorrad dealers in the new configuration from August 2014.
BMW F 700 GS.
As of model year 2015, the BMW F 700 GS will also be available in the following new paint finishes or paint finish combinations:
- Alpine white
- Black storm metallic/ Racing red / frame finished in red / spring of the spring strut finished in red (standard)
- Racing blue metallic matt
The previous paint finishes Red apple metallic, Ostra grey metallic matt and Glacier silver metallic are no longer available.
BMW F 800 GS.
As of model year 2015, the BMW F 800 GS will also be available in the following new paint finishes or paint finish combinations:
- Light white / Black storm metallic / frame finished in red / spring of the spring strut finished in red (standard)
- Racing red
The paint finish Alpine white 3 remains in the program. The previous paint finishes Cordoba blue and Kalamata metallic matt are no longer available.
BMW F 800 GS Adventure.
As of model year 2015, the BMW F 800 GS Adventure will also be available in the following new paint finishes:
- Alpine white 3
- Kalamata metallic matt
The previous paint finishes Racing red and Sandrover matt are no longer available.
BMW F 800 GT.
As of model year 2015, the BMW F 800 GT will be available in the following new paint finish:
- Montego blue metallic
The paint finishes Dark graphite metallic and Light white remain in the program, the paint finish Valencia orange metallic is no longer available.
BMW R 1200 GS.
As of model year 2015, the R 1200 GS will not just be available with new paint finishes. With a view to enhanced running smoothness, it will also be fitted with a crankshaft with increased gyrating masses as in the R 1200 GS Adventure and R 1200 RT. In addition, the R 1200 GS can also be fitted with the BMW Motorrad Keyless Ride System as an ex-works option. This enables both the steering lock and the fuel filler flap to be locked and unlocked. The motorcycle is started using the starter button as before. With Keyless Ride, the key can always remain in the rider’s clothing. The Shift Assistant Pro available as an option ex works allows the rider to shift up without clutch, enabling acceleration virtually without torque interrupt. It also allows downshifting without using the clutch.
An overview of the new features in the R 1200 GS:
- Increased gyrating masses in the crankshaft
- Shift Assistant Pro (option)
- Keyless Ride (option
- New paint finish Alpine white in conjunction with drive and suspension components in black
- New paint finish Frozen dark blue metallic
- New paint finish Black storm metallic
Of the previous paint finishes, Thunder grey metallic and Bluefire are no longer available.
BMW R 1200 GS Adventure.
As of model year 2015, the R 1200 GS Adventure will also comprise new features which make handling the ultimate long-distance travel enduro even more dynamic and comfortable. For example, it can be fitted with the BMW Motorrad Keyless Ride System as an ex-works option. This enables both the steering lock and the fuel filler flap to be locked and unlocked. The motorcycle is started using the starter button as before. With Keyless Ride, the key can always remain in the rider’s clothing. The Shift Assistant Pro available as an option ex works allows the rider to shift up without clutch, enabling acceleration virtually without torque interrupt. It also allows downshifting without using the clutch. As an option ex works, the
R 1200 GS Adventure can now also be fitted with a lowered suspension. In conjunction with a reduction in seat height by 50 millimetres to 860/840 millimetres, the R 1200 GS Adventure is now also within reach of customers for whom the previous seat height posed an insurmountable obstacle. If a further reduction in seat height is required, the R 1200 GS Adventure can also be fitted with the seats of the R 1200 GS. This reduces seat height by an additional 20 millimetres.
An overview of the new features in the R 1200 GS Adventure:
- Suspension lowered by 50 millimetres (option)
- Low seats from the R 1200 GS (option)
- Shift Assistant Pro (option)
- Keyless Ride (option)
BMW R 1200 RT.
As of model year 2015, the R 1200 RT will be supplied in a new two-colour paint finish and can also be fitted with the BMW Motorrad Keyless Ride System as an ex-works option. This enables the steering lock, fuel tank can and storage compartments to be locked and unlocked without using a key. The motorcycle is started using the starter button as before. With Keyless Ride, the key can always remain in the rider’s clothing.
An overview of the new features in the R 1200 RT:
- Keyless Ride (option)
- New two-colour paint finish San Marino blue metallic/ Granite grey metallic matt
Of the previous paint finishes, Quartz blue metallic is no longer available.
BMW K 1600 GT and GTL.
The BMW luxury touring bikes K 1600 GT and GTL will be supplied in new paint finishes as of model year 2015. What is more, the two model variants now benefit from Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard for increased safety when accelerating. In addition, the K 1600 GT/ GTL can also be fitted with the BMW Motorrad Keyless Ride System as an ex-works option (already included in the fittings of the K 1600 GTL Exclusive). This enables the steering lock, fuel tank can and storage compartments to be locked and unlocked without using a key. The motorcycle is started using the starter button as before. With Keyless Ride, the key can always remain in the rider’s clothing.
Other new special equipment features for the K 1600 GT/ GTL include daytime riding light and Hill Start Control for easy hill starts. The K 1600 GT and GTL are now also fitted with the instrument panel of the
K 1600 GTL Exclusive featuring new scales and particularly high-end chrome surfaces.
An overview of the new features in the K 1600 GT/ GTL:
- Dynamic Traction Control DTC
- Keyless Ride (option)
- Daytime riding light (option)
- Hill Start Control (option)
- Safety package without DTC, including daytime riding light and Hill Start Control (option)
- Instruments with new scales and chrome surfaces
- New paint finish Black storm metallic (GT and GTL)
- New paint finish Glacier silver metallic (GTL)
- New paint finish Light white (GT)
Of the previous paint finishes, Dark graphite metallic (GT and GTL), Damask red metallic (GTL) and Montego blue metallic (GT) are no longer available.
Special model BMW K 1300 S Motorsport.
Sporty touring combined with long-distance qualities and comfort as well as supreme riding dynamics and safety – these have been the outstanding strengths of the BMW K 1300 S for years. With the exclusive special model
K 1300 S Motorsport, BMW Motorrad now deliberately emphasises the dynamic character of this popular sports touring bike.
Fitted as standard with ABS like all BMW motorcycles, the BMW K 1300 S Motorsport highlights its athletic flair with a new colour concept in the BMW Motorsport colours Black storm metallic, Light white and Lupine blue metallic, combined with red decorative stripes. The black engine spoiler and the tinted windshield provide a fascinating contrast.
Reflecting its sporting aspirations, the K 1300 S is also fitted with HP wheels for optimised handling, an Akrapovic rear silencer and HP footrests for rider and passenger.
The highlights of the BMW K 1300 S Motorsport:
- BMW Motorsport paint finish in Black storm metallic, Light white and Lupine blue metallic.
- Windshield, tinted.
- HP footrests for rider and passenger.
- HP wheels.
- Akrapovic rear silencer.
The previous paint finishes Titanium silver metallic/ Sapphire black metallic and Racing red / Sapphire black metallic/ Alpine white 3 are no longer available.
The market launch of the BMW K 1300 S Motorsport will be on August 1st 2014 at a price of € 19,950 incl. 19% VAT.
BMW K 1300 R.
As of model year 2015, the BMW K 1300 R will be available in the following paint finish:
- Sapphire black metallic/ Black satin gloss
The previous paint finish Racing red / Sapphire lack metallic is no longer available.
BMW C evolution.
For increased comfort, the innovative electrically powered scooter BMW C evolution can be fitted with a comfort seat (option) as of model year 2015. This is also available as a special accessory for retrofitting.
Keyless Ride new for R 1200 GS / GS Adventure, R 1200 RT and
K 1600 GT / GTL for maximum user-friendliness.
For the first time, the BMW Motorrad Keyless Ride System now optionally replaces the conventional ignition lock in the R 1200 GS / GS Adventure, the R 1200 RT and the K 1600 GT / GTL. This means that it is no longer necessary to use a regular key. Unlocking and locking of the steering lock, ignition, fuel filler flap and storage compartments (R 1200 RT and K 1600 GT / GTL) is carried out using a transponder integrated in the key. The key can therefore remain in the rider’s clothes, for example.
As soon as the key is located within the vehicle reception area (distance < 2 metres), the steering lock can be briefly unlocked after successful authentication by briefly pressing the button. The steering lock is locked by keeping the button pressed down and placing the handlebars in end position. The ignition is activated by briefly pressing the button or keeping the button pressed down after releasing the steering lock. The ignition is switched off by means of a short or long press of the button. To open the fuel tank, the lever of the fuel filler flap is simply raised. The fuel filler flap can be opened when the motorcycle has been electrically unlocked. The fuel tank is closed by simply pressing the fuel filler flap shut. The alarm system (DWA) is automatically activated when the ignition is switched off and the steering lock is closed, as soon as the key leaves the reception area. However, the alarm system can also be activated manually.
Shift Assistant Pro for gear shifts virtually without torque interrupt as a new special equipment feature for the R 1200 GS / GS Adventure.
The Shift Assistant Pro enables the rider to shift up and down without activating the clutch or throttle valve in the relevant load and engine speed ranges, giving the rider additional comfort as well as increased dynamic performance. Most shifts can be carried out using the shift assistant; one exception here is setting off, for example.
When accelerating, the throttle valve no longer has to be closed for shifts, so propulsion power is virtually constant without torque interrupt. When decelerating and shifting down (throttle valve closed), the engine speed is automatically adapted by means of double-declutching. Gears are engaged as usual by means of the gear pedal. Shift time is significantly reduced as compared to a gearshift using the clutch. However, the Shift Assistant Pro is not an automatic transmission, it simply provides gear shift support. When the Shift Assistant Pro is used for gear shifts, the cruise control is deactivated for safety reasons.
You will find press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment in the BMW Group PressClub at www.press.bmwgroup.com.
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How earplugs save your hearing and make you safer
I wear plugs do you?
Want to keep riding for the long haul? You need to protect your hearing. Photo by Lance Oliver.
If we live long enough, the day may come (the horror!) when we’re too old and infirm to ride motorcycles. At that point, our greatest motorcycling joy may be when the grandkids say, “Grandpa, tell me again about the time you rode your motorcycle to Alaska and saw a bear.”
If you don’t hear them, and they wander off thinking Grandpa has gotten rude in his old age, you’ll really miss out.
That’s why you, as a rider, need to protect your hearing now.
I’m a major advocate for the use of earplugs. In our recent story by Jed Wheeler, “Seven things I wish someone had told me when I started riding,” there was discussion in the comments section about whether earplugs could reduce safety by preventing the rider from hearing other vehicles. It’s a natural concern, but both audiologists and the experience of many motorcyclists say that concern is unfounded.
But before we get to that, let’s answer the most basic question. Why do we need to worry about our ears, anyway?
Riding motorcycles can make you happier … and hard of hearing
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends that workers should not be exposed to sound levels above 85 decibels in an eight-hour work day, and notes that noise levels of 100 decibels become damaging to the ear after just 15 minutes of exposure. Testing done by researchers from the University of South Alabama and William Patterson University, using an acoustically engineered dummy head and microphones, found that at speeds above 40 kph (about 25 mph), wind noise surpassed any noise from the motorcycle. At the highest speed tested, 120 kph (about 74 mph), noise exceeded 100 decibels at all the frequencies they measured.
Put those two facts together and you get this: If you ride your motorcycle at highway speeds for more than 15 minutes without ear protection, you’re damaging your hearing.
And who wants to ride for just 15 minutes?
Certainly not me. As someone who enjoys few things more than a long motorcycle trip, I often spend eight hours, or more, in the saddle. It’s not what most would call a workday, but it’s an equivalent amount of time, so to meet that NIOSH standard, I have to get the full effect of the sound reduction that good earplugs provide.
Why earplugs make you safer
Our ears are not designed to work at 100 decibels. Humans didn’t evolve in an environment where we were riding motorcycles, operating chain saws, working in factories, etc.
And that’s why earplugs don’t reduce your safety. Earplugs don’t “block out” sounds you need to hear, such as sirens, other vehicles, horns blowing, and so on. They reduce the overall sound pressure so that your ears can operate in a more natural range. This lets you distinguish sounds better. You’re more likely to hear that siren because your ears aren’t overwhelmed with 100+ decibels of pressure.
In my experience, there’s another way wearing earplugs makes you safer. When I began using earplugs many years ago, I immediately noticed that I felt much less fatigued, especially on long rides. We’re all more likely to make mistakes when we’re tired. Using earplugs improves your odds.
Various kinds of earplugs are available, and they’re inexpensive enough that you can experiment to see which works best for you without spending a lot.
So which earplugs should I buy?
I’m not going to tell you. Not because I’m trying to be unhelpful, but just because different solutions work for different individuals. Disposable foam earplugs work fine for most people. I’ve tried other kinds but I’ve always migrated back to that simple solution. The key with foam earplugs is using them correctly. Roll them tight, insert into the ear canal and let them expand to fill the space. If they feel loose, try again. Tugging upward and backward on the top of your ear with one hand while inserting the earplug with the other is helpful for many people because it straightens the ear canal.
Other kinds of earplugs are also available, up to custom-molded plugs made just for you. The good part is that none of the options are expensive, except for the custom-made earplugs, so you can experiment with different kinds and find what works best for you.
The sooner you begin taking steps to preserve your hearing, the better the results will sound.
Continue reading “How earplugs save your hearing and make you safer”
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USS Shreveport (LPD-12)
Contributed by Mike Smolinski
USS Shreveport (LPD-12)
International Radio Call Sign:
November – Alpha – Delta – Yankee
NADY
What are the chances that I take a picture of a graveyard Navy ship yard and one of the pictures is that of a ship of blog reader, Kevin B. used to sail on. The USS Shreveport.
I was on my way to Revzilla in Philly this past June 2014 and stumbled across this yard on a back route.Thought this would make an interesting post for those who love old ships and are decommissioned.
Kevin said to me,
“Most every Sailor, always knows their first ship when they see it. No matter how many years it’s been or how bad a shape it’s in. Hard to explain really…lol”
“A lot of history to that ship. Real shame their going to turn her into razor blades.”
See below the picture some interesting facts that I learned after Kevin sent me this link. Thanks Kevin and thanks for idea for a new and different post on my blog. I would have never known this name or history of this ship.
Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons Continue reading “USS Shreveport (LPD-12)”
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Suffering in Silence
If you make it to the bottom…;-) This could be for any loss.
There are many days since January 30th, 2014, the day my life to me turned upside down that I sit alone in solitude contemplating my future. After my wife left I was lost, there was chaos inside my whole being. Dramatic effect I have never really felt before. Lost and confused I reached out. I had to because I had no ability to defend my self against myself. Intimidating to say the least. I am a type A personality, I usually have control over most things, well…at least I think I do. When I was left after 17 years I had zero control over my emotions. Continue reading “Suffering in Silence”
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My X Country SOLO Trip Slide Show
It’s long but made for me to share with you. Music included were the tunes I listened to a lot throughout my journey. Some may sound depressive some may not. All have meaning to me and I can actually visualize the sights, sounds, smells and weather of course throughout my trip based on songs. It’s a cool way to correlate all the many places I was fortunate to explore from May 17th – June 15th 2014. At the end of course is my tribute to me Beagle, Cruizer….I hope some will watch and get a flavor of what it is like to travel 14,107 KM’s. Leslie
Advgrrl Motorcycle Adventures & More 