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BMW Motorrad have recently released a series official press photographs of the serial production version of their WSBK entrant, the BMW S 1000 RR.

In their first season in World Superbikes, BMW Motorrad Motorsport have yet to make a serious challenge on the championship leaders on their two entries, ridden by the highly experienced Troy Corser & Ruben Xaus.

The ‘bike has, however, enjoyed it’s first race success in the recent 1000km endurance event at the Hockenheimring in Germany.

The BMW S 1000 RR website may be found here.

Over eighty images of the BMW S 1000 RR may be found here.

Download PDF brochure for BMW S 1000 RR here.

Today saw the maiden crossing of the Zeebrugge (Belgium) to  Rosyth (Scotland) vehicle & passenger ferry operated by Norfolk Line Ferries.

I just happened to be on hand with my camera as ‘Scottish Viking’ approached Rosyth….!

More images may be found here.

In the ten years or so that I’ve lived in Scotland I cannot remember ever stringing together three consecutive warm, dry & sunny motorcycling days.

However that’s exactly what happened over the last three days as I undertook my Great Northern Loop of Scotland.

Most of the roads travelled I’ve ridden before, usually as part of another trip, but never have I attempted this particular route all in one trip, albeit spread over three days.

Day One::Edinburgh to Ardmair 371 miles

Day Two::Ardmair to Dunnet 159 miles

Day Three::Dunnet to Edinburgh 367 miles

What a fabulous 900 mile route around the northern extremities of mainland Scotland!

Not a bad introduction to camping either, with lots of lessons learned. Although I know that Gina has no interest in camping, I’m quite certain this won’t be the last time a carry a tent on the ‘bike!

• 199 images may be found here.

You’ll never catch me camping with my motorcycle….never, never, NOT EVER….!

In 34 years of motorcycling adventures I have never been camping with the ‘bike….others have often tried to persuade me, & failed….

Basically I couldn’t convince myself that these two apparently disparate leisure activities were actually mutually compatible….but that’s certainly what I’ve been led to believe by those with much more experience of these matters than myself.

The sum total of my camping experience consists of half a dozen school camps in the late sixties, several Scout camps during my time with the Sea Scouts (yes we camped as well as sailed!), and a couple of Outward Bound  survival type camps in Wales & Cornwall in my mid-teens.

Okay, so I’m not a complete stranger to the concept but a little research over the winter revealed gaping holes in my knowledge of equipment etc so I decided to approach this whole idea as a newcomer.

The main criteria were to acquire all that I need with minimal expense and that it all fits within the hard luggage on my R1200RT.

There is no question of Gina joining me in this ‘folly’ (her words, not mine) so I have all three cases at my disposal.

The tent, sleeping bag and thermal mat fit comfortably in the top-case along with my single stainless steel cook pot (which contains the stove burner & tea-towel) as well as a decent chunk of wood to stand the bike on soft ground/grass, if needed.

One pannier contains camping gas, mallet, food/water containers, eating/drinking utensils, personal hygene items, waterproof  clothing and that most important of camping essentials….a decent Single Malt Scotch Whisky!

The other pannier contains the usual overnight clothing I might take for a few days away plus some thermals just in case it gets cold at night.

I hope I’ve thought of everything….but feel sure that I’ve forgotten something essential!

With the bike loaded & ready to go, tomorrow I’ll leave early & head for the hills…. on a three day, two night shakedown trip to evaluate this whole idea & determine whether the ‘mid-life crisis’ camping idea is to be pursued.