Proving that even the loftiest can fall, it was announced overnight that BMW is recalling 1414 of its 2012 1000cc sportsbikes. Due to a manufacturing process error, these bikes have improperly manufactured con rod bolts. At high temperature and/or high revs, the bots could come loose and cause a “catastrophic” engine failure. I guess owners are being notified privately, but I’m glad I don’t own one!!
Friday practice at Jerez was wet so nothing can really be adduced from the times set. Hopefully the Ducatisti won’t get too carried away with Rossi getting 2nd fastest time! Word around seems to indicate that his best/only chance of a win this season is if it’s wet.
I’ve had an email back from “Rapid Bikes” magazine so we can start teeing up their photographer for a photo shoot of the Shadowfax for the magazine. There are still some detail things that need to be done to finish the bike right off, but we’re going to leave it in “as shown” condition from the Sheene until commitments like this are finished.
In injury news, Kawasaki has announced that Joan Lascorz has been released from hospital and is conversing with his carers. Notably absent from the medical report is any mention of how his body is recovering and whether or not he has movement in the peripherals, so we look like still having to wait for some time yet before the situation becomes clear.
In WSBK, Effenbet’s Cnadian recruit, Brett McCormack looks like being out for at least three months recovering from a big “off” at Imola. No word on who his replacement might be as yet or whether he will be replaced at all. Unsurprisingly, super-sub, Anthony West’s name is in the frame. 🙂
Well, that’s it for today. I’m looking forward to Jerez with great interest as it looks as if, from 2013 onwards, there will be one less Spanish round of the MotoGp World Championship (not a moment too soon, in my opinion).
Don’t forget the Grey Gums Parkinson’s fundraiser next Sunday, May 6th. My lounge room looks like a art gallery at the moment as Dave and Helena are making sure that all the paintings are catalogued and ready to go. I could show you some preview pictures but they’d probably kill me. 🙂
teza51 says
I think someone at BMW will be without a job this sort of mechanical oversight should never happen these days with all the QC these big companies run with
Phil Hall says
Seems impossible to believe that something as basic as this could slip through, I agree.