Hello, finally arrived here in Hotlanta (Atlanta). I got a late start from main Line BMW Sunday... So I made it to VIR around midnight and had couple of guys that wanted to take the ART (Advanced Rider Training) Pro school through Team Pro Motion. After tooling around the track for a bit I finally got on the road for Atlanta. Bmw Motorcycles of Atlanta has come to the rescue to give me the best bikes possible for the upcoming 6th round of the National ASRA Thunderbike series at Barber Motorsports Complex in AL. I will drop off the bikes tomorrow morning and then head down to Fla. to visit my grandparents, I have not seen them in like three or four years.

I will be back to Atlanta Friday because our parts from Germany are being overnighted for the R1200S's. HUGE thank you to "Big Chimney" (my buddy Andy in Munich, he smokes a lot so that is how he got his nickname, and he is like 6'5") for getting the necessary parts for the R1200S's to even get on the track here stateside. I cannot thank my friends enough at BMW Germany for their devotion to our community. BMW NA has also been amazing at the punctuality and interest in this Conquest.

Driving 7 hours to VIR then another 5 here I have had time to think a bit. There are some real standout people lately that just really beleive. I mean they have felt, heard, seen, the redicule BMW motor cycle owners have received for some time now from someone that has not taken the time to ride one. Its neat to see ow our last season and a half has broufght together riders that are on anything from an F650 to a CLC, and all of these riders can enjoy the machines BMW have built in a different light. I think it is great the feedback from those especially that had no interest in the races when brought up at club meetings, then the next thing we know they are back again. It is very motivating.

Drew, Elsie, Erick S., Bean, Don, George, geez everyone. I'm going to try and make it to the little BBQ joint all the BMW motorcycle owners of Alabama go to each Thursday. I had a really good time last year there.

Ok well, I'm going to try and get a bit o' shut eye.

Have a good one,

N8!

Whatever episode it is, it was full of drama and action, but ZERO romance... lol

Shennandoah Circuit at the Summit Point facility in WV was on the schedule for pretty much a points thing for me. I would have muuch rather been at the MOA rally. The weekend started off with a Friday practice. 2nd lap of the whole weekend was a doozy! As I aproached T1, I released the clutch as I backed the gearbox into 3rd. INSTANT lock up of the rear wheel about 80 or so. frantically double clutching and trying to work the gearbox, nothing. The violent hopping of the rear wheel and the lock to lock slow slap went in the end 60 yards of tire marks on the surface of the track. As i realized the out come slowing down that there ould be no smooth stop with feet resting on the ground, I was rather content knwoing that the grass was coming up and I was attempting to steer towards the airfence (its was running out and then bare concrete wall). The last 2 feet of track before the grss then was suddenly occupied by a GSXR 750 that Toned me and sent me into the air fence sooner! lolYadda, yadda, the final outcome, (is everyone sitting down), NO GEAR OIL IN THE TRANNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was the Supersport (stock) R1100S that had the slave cylinder failure at Summit about a month ago. That one was bad enough, 7 second lead, last lap slave cylinder went and got cauht in 4th gear, hairpin 180 degree turn, woop over the other side... lol, oh well!This particular incident I can just say that is the epidomy (spelling?) of my season. All I can do is chuckle inside and look at the people clapping and shaking their heads at the same time.

Saturday, I knew the track record for this concrete zoo, was 1'32.067, literally all concrete walls everywhere. Largest run off is 30 feet. We started the first practice off at a 1'35.312. from there I switched the 6 inch rear that came on my R1200S to an RT's 5.5 rear wheel. 2nd practice then ended at a 1'34.700. Then I put on my old suit (so I could move around a bit more, new one was just a bit snug) and went down to a 1'33.920 for the 3rd practice. After lunch I felt bad for the R1150S Thunderbike that had been sitting for a bit, and she went out on slicks and gave me a 1'33.402!!! Just awesome considering my heart rate was a bit higher as it was tougher to change directons on her. The GT Lights race was the only race of the day and the heavens just opened up, so very wet track. So I can say I was getting the jitters back from my get off in the rain at VIR, missed the warm up lap due to logistics, and did not have the crucial warm up lap to see track conditions. Practically stalled it off the line and went to dead last. Each lap I got my confidence back and ended up catching 3rd on the last lap 2 turns from the finish line. Sunday, I entered all the races I could due to free entry fee's. I won the Summit Point Track Championship last season and that allows you to have free entry fee's the following year.

So I entered the 600, 750, and my usual 1000 class (Unlimited). That morning I was able to get out there and turn another 1'33.300 and really had to think about what it was going to take to get into the 32's. Unlimited Grand Prix qualifying was just after practice. 12 minutes to turn the best time possible. Now this track is literally 1.6 miles with an average speed of 60 mph. I think like 14 turns or something rediculous. Very narrow and the most dangerous track I have ever ridden. It is very entertaining though for spectaors as you can see 3/4 of the track. Very technical and it is the furthest thing from a big bike track. A 2005 yamaha R6 had the current record going into that day, 1'32.067. Well, we fitted the R1100S with new slicks and I left the R12S with the rains on it just in case it rained. (Are you sitting down again?) Something clicked and posessed me, I went slower in order to go faster and ripped off a 1'31.704 for the track record!!! The R1100S stock drive is just a hair shorter than the R1200S's, but still doesnt flick as well, but hey, ol' girl pulled it off and was on the pole!

That day was crazy. 4 back to back races 600 class first. This is where we just all stood in dis beleif. The opening lap I passed the old record holder on his new R6 into T4 and then he repassed on the little straight and I was so target fixated... I totally payed no mind to the juggs sticking out and smacked the 10 inch tal rumble strips at this crap hole of a track and where I hit the strip was already a jagged edge from another incident, we went back and did CSI Shennadoah lol, and it put a 1 inch hole pretty high up the head. The bike was slipping on the next right hander and then finally saturated my boot and rear wheel with oil. Very small slide for me as I seperated at full lean, but the bike cart wheled width wise into the concrete wall and stayed up side down!!!!!!!!!!!! That was all she wrote. We went back cause lunch was next and could see the edge we smacked with the cylinder head and actually took a 2 inch chunk more of "crumble" strip off. After lunch I won the LW Superbike race, sat out the LW Supersport race (had no supersport bikes left), at the line finished .03 in 3rd to a ZX636 in the Middleweight Superbike class, 2nd in Unlimited Grand Prix, won Unlimited Supersport on my buddies Aprillia Mille R (I had tires being put on my R1150S), and on the last lap, LW Grand Prix, with a 14 second lead, the ol girl R1150S broke her shaft drive! Aw man is all I could say! To everyone on the bridge that was clapping all I could do is say thanks and then answer questions at the end of the day on "how did that darn thing (BMW) compete with 600's..?" It was fun regardless of the drama and I cant thank the members (Elsie, George, Don, Mike, DannyLeo, of the BMWBMW.org of DC area) enough for their amazing support!

I am off to BMW of Atlanta early to get the parts and bikes together for the National ASRA Thunderbike/CCS weekend Aug. 11/12/13th. It will be the turning point hopefully for our national championship hope!

N8! Kern

Hey gang, just wanted to say thank you again for all the emails and phone calls. I am in the hotel room now and getting ready to turn in and practice at Shennadoah Circuit tomorrow. Looking to develop better baseline settiings in suspension and cant wait for better spring rates from Ohlins.

There are going to be some good races as I plan on running the R1200S in the Unlimited class and try and stay on top in that class championship.

Ok, have a good one and I wish for everyone to travel safely to and from the MOA rally and races (West Coast and East).

N8!

All I can think about is what it is going to take to win. These next two race weekends are on the toughest of tracks for the BMW. Tight and techincal with many direction changes. All I can hope for is Ohlins to get a move on with a couple differ options in front spring rates. The stock spring was maxed out before it even hit the track.

Barber Motorsports Complex is a very hard place on front tire, with a set-up front shock, but with a stock front, it is double the tire wear. I need the front to go the distance for the National ASRA Thunderbike race. I will also be competing in the Unlimited SUperbike and Supersport race on the R1200S, due to not having a motor in time for the K1200R. I was really looking forward to running the K1200R and utilizing it's 100 + lbs. of torque off the corners!

From what I have heard, I am really looking forward to the number of BMW Motorcycle owners coming to Shennadoah Circuit (Summit Point) and Barber Motorsports Complex.
It is always a confidence booster, but refreshing to hangout and go eat afterwards!

All I can think of is putting our BMW R1200S out front, consumes me.

N8!

Scorching Monday! Had everything all set up to go practice today and test the shorter R1200GS final drive for the upcoming races at Shennadoah Circuit and barber Motorsports complex, but the team truck was blocked in by new cars at the dealer and could not get a hold of anyone... go figure. So I took a K1200S on long ride and decided to relax and not beat myself up over things I cannot control! I am sitting here in a little coffee shop in Manayunk, PA and the music is driving me crazy! (How can I think of getting into Turn 1 hot with Barry White playing, loudly!)

I have been reflecting on the great BMW motorcycle owners I have met during this season. Jon Archer of Milwaukee BMW motorcycle owner club, Bill Mundis in Kansas City and his friends David and gang! I cant thank all of them enough for their support and spending a day at the races with me. I will say many of them have been very good at adding perspective when drama hits and it is very refreshing! I miss Bean.

I keep thinking of all the good times that could be had at the MOA rally, but i need to stay the course and stay on top of the Championship I am leading in the CCS Mid Atlantic and Southeast overall. Im currently running 3rd in the National ASRA Thunderbike championship, but at least we proved we could win at the national level and lead the championship while we did! Im looking for a podium at Barber! IM GOING TO THE FRONT!!!

Man its like 100 today with an index of 108, yes Im crying a bit, but I got my mt.bike ride in when it was only 85! have a good one and dont do anything I wouldnt do! lol

N8!

Relaxing, but sstaying on the mt.bike to keep up with the cardio. The Shennandoah circuit will be a great practice for Barber. The Shennandoah circuit by far is the worst track I have raced on ever. It is suited for go karts and Motards. Its is like 1.1 miles or something small with 12 or so turns. ZERO runoff room which means this is just a points round and a very low turnout of racers. I actually would like to just go to the MOA rally and be with great friends and supporters.

I am going to try the GS final drive in the R12S and see just how much shorter it is. I think the R12GS final driver (gearing) will be right for Barber Motorsports Complex Aug. 11/12/13.

Hope everyone is haveing a great weekend and staying safe?!

Cheers,

N8!

My next race weekend is not for 2 weeks. It is at a track that has a low turnout due to the amount of walls everywhere to hit. It was designed with cars in mind only, but I have to go for points. This past race weekend reminded me that literally ( I had this guy say this to me) "you have an X on your back..." and then walked away. In a way I did not know how to take it. It's kinda of one of those things that can go unsaid, it is what it is sort of thing. This was the first time verbalized though.
It comes with the achievements that all of BMW motorcycle riders have acquired through this racing endeavor. Racing has been really put at the front of the spectrum for many manufacturers over the past decade. None of us would have ever thought that BMW Motorcycles would have much more than the spec Boxer Cup to play in. Taking that next step and not listening to the nay sayers, but changing their opinions of how and why BMW motorcycles work so well is my conquest.
I would like to experience a new side of BMW motorcycling that I have been slowly opened up to (due to shcedules) and that is more rallies type events. I have always enjoyed going to local club breakfasts and events, but more would be better.

Shennandoah Circuit next then the big one, Barber Motorsports Complex in Leeds, Alabama. I have to tak advantage of the "Twin Sprint" weekend opportunity. That means double the schedule for regional pro championship. I feel I need to do them all to make up for the DQ's and running out of gas/mechanical's. 13 races in two days (including National Thunderbike).

Cheers,

N8!

Took a bit of time to reflect on some things and have comeback to earth. I am in this for the long haul and I have had a string of frowns lately, but knowing that there are always PP members and other BMW motorcycle owners out there to help when they can keeps the reality of a BMW up front alive. I know there are alot of other BMW motorcycle owners here that geographically cant make it, but again your PM's and emails are very confidence inspiring. I want to give it my all before its all over and knowing that we are all a part of this before we are all done is a great feeling. So on to the weekend.
I will say that this was gut check time. No need to get into why I was on my own... I rolled inot the hotel in Winchester, VA about 3 am. Up at 6 and at the track by 6:30am. Unloaded and first bike in tech inspection by 7:30. No tire warmers for practice and I was not able to set pressures hot, so that compormises safety and tire life. Cold tearing a new tire is no fun. $$ down the drain when that happens. i hate wasting any time of valuable practice. I know for a fact that I need to go hard into T1 right away to set the tone for the weekend, to myself and the competition. I will stuff the next fastest rider in practice (not ever out to hurt anyone), on the first lap, to let them know Im there all weekend and to reassure them they should be keeping me in the back of their minds. Worth a few tenths per lap, but it adds up! lol
SO I jumped into the Middleweight (600cc) Grand Prix first. From there We had a great launch and ran 3rd for a few laps then a great 4 way battle for 4th till the finish. I would get pulled by at least 10 bikelengths on the front straight, then by T3 back in 6th, T5 outbraking 5th, and T8 to T9 underneath into 4th. It was the most fun i have had in awhile, even though I could not keep my eyes open afterwards. That race ended up in 7th or 8th at the finish and let the 600 guys know Im coming... just need better spring rates from Ohlins.GTLights, hole shot and led by almost 10 bikelengths out of T1. Stand still opening lap was a 1'22.404! Settled into a groove and clicked off 1'19.8's at will. With one lap to go, I ran out of gas. All my fault, I thought I had seen enough fuel in the tank and stopped filling.
Thats where my head was for awhile. I could not think straight after driving almost 6000 miles in 4 back to back weekends. Not having the usual set of hands to help was challenging. Naturally, there were very eager BMW motorcycle owners there and BigScience (Carlos of PP board) anb newbie BMW motorcycle owner of and R11S PeterRR (Pelican Parts board) were just great! I could not have pulled of the wins I had coming that weekend without them.I was not focused at all and just felt heavy and sluggish. I could not complete even half a lap in my head... I then had the Unlimited Supersport race come up. The bike really let me know I was in for something on the 3rd lap. Lost a bit of power and vibration was unreal. Coming onto the front straight out of the fast T10 I could see the white flag waving and I was running 5th in the Unlimited class! The K12R rather nasty noise at 11K rpm and litteraly the connecting rod went striaght through the case (6 to 7 inch hole), and from there peices of motor somehow made it up the triple trees and bouced off my chest a bit, weird. I looked back after pulling my clutch in cause it was the fastest part of the straight, I could see nothing but smoke. I got it off line ASAP and coasted to a stop in the grass and lofted it up along the tire wall. Never seen more smoke other than a forest fire in CA. I just walked over to the corner workers and they gave me a ride back to the pits ASAP. I had a back to back race with the R12S right away. I jumped on the R12S and made a mental note, "nowhere near the throttle control and just get on the GAS!" I went a second and a half faster than the other bike. I won the LW Supersport race, Big Science was "Jonny on the spot" with the post race tech tools necessaary to get the bodywork off and show the airfilter was stock on the R12S.
Sunday was a better day, good sleep and more help. Very ecstatic linig up on the gris in Unlimited SUperbike with the R12S. Priceless the look on their faces, all the litre bike riders. I got a great launch and finished 3rd, yes 3rd on the R12S. LW Superbike, checked out by 15 secondsLw Grand Prix. anotehr win by 15 or so.Then came SuperTwins, Mille's and all kinds of Big Twins. YEs also was Bemisderfer! He is now leading the Tunderbike National class. Was there like me for seat time, we had a rgeat 2 laps then I really made him push and I took the win over a factrory backed Buell. The R12S a good bike and I love the design and power. There are just to many seconds missing wit the the stock spring rates and just needs more track development.
To the Conquest of changing stigmas that have been given by other riders, judging our bikes by their covers! I look very forward to OUR championship, which ever it may be. Barber (outside of Birmingham, AL) is the 6th round of National Thunderbike and I found out it is a Regional Pro weekend also. August 11th/12th as I recall. If youse can make it, I will do my best to make it worth while. Sorry for sounding lame here, still very whooped. I think I will be at Pocono Raceway for a practice July 31st. It is a free Gate fee to get in. Tell them your with TPM (Team Pro Motion) they are renting the track.

Take care,N8! Kern