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BMW HP4 Gets New ABS that Works in Corners

BMW has developed a new anti-lock braking system designed to work when a motorcycle is leaned over into a corner. The new ABS Pro system will initially be offered as a retrofit upgrade on the BMW HP4 sportbike, but it’s likely only a matter of time before the technology becomes available on other models. The ABS Pro uses the same sensors already employed by BMW’s Dynamic Traction Control and Dynamic Damping Control electronic suspension, both of which are already available on the HP4.

Kevin Ash, one year on

I’ve lost dozens of friends in bike racing over the years, and while each death was a shock and incredibly sad, I’ve always had some kind of internal coping mechanism that allowed me to carry on relatively unaffected.  Maybe it’s because I was always extremely passionate and committed when taking part in my dangerous sport so was also prepared to pay the ultimate price should things go wrong.  Rightly or wrongly I’ve taken comfort from the fact that these unfortunate racers have checked out while doing something they love.   I’ve also lost a few journalist friends in bike accidents over the years but for some reason these have hit me harder.  The worst and possibly as it is the most recent is Kevin Ash who was killed last January while on a BMW launch in South Africa.  Starting in 2001, over a period of ten years, I was in Kevin’s company on countless new bike launches in pretty much every corner of the world.  At times he was cocky and occasionally irritating but always entertaining with a wicked sense of humour.  He was many things but no one can deny he was a brilliant journalist and his technical knowledge was second to none.  I always appreciated his complete enthusiasm to all things biking as he would ride through any weather on a daily basis to jobs or airports and seemed to always be tinkering with winter projects (mainly Ducatis) at home.  I also admired how much work he got through as he had columns in more than one weekly publication plus all his launch and web work. He was a competent safe rider who was certainly quick enough to evaluate any new bike thrown his way.  Kevin also drove a Porsche but then none of us are perfect!   I looked to Kevin as a wise Owl so not long after I started working with TWO/ Visordown, I asked him on an R1 launch in Australia he thought the motorcycle industry was currently in a good place.  His reply was, ‘we’ve just been flown here business class, been taken by speed boat to our five star hotel under Sydney Harbour Bridge, Yamaha have wined and dined us and furnished us with expensive gifts each day, what do you think Niall?  How times have changed.  On the subject on air travel he once told me, ‘when travelling business or first class it’s not about the pampering, comfy beds or fine dining, the important part is looking smug as you walk straight past all the people lining up at the cattle class check in! On more than one occasion I had food or drink spurt out when Kevin would deliver unexpected one line funnies at the dinner table.

The ultimate off-road experience?

MOROCCAN-BASED off-road trail riding company Loco4Motos Maroc is to use the new BMW/Husqvarna in its bike range for 2011.Run by Tim Skilton (no, it's not me) the company organises unique adventures in Morocco, with individual off-road itineraries tailored to group requirements.Whether it's mountains, coastline or desert, Loco4Motos Maroc has it covered, for the individual or group adventure rider.From the base in Marrakech featuring accommodation, workshops and leisure facilities you ride out immediately onto Moroccan piste (trails), and your adventure takes shape from just one day's incredible riding, to ten adrenaline packed days of varied terrain.The adventure tours fall into three categories:Day riding:    From one to three days out of Marrakech.Free Riding: From one to five days, unsupported tours with guide (for experienced riders only).Fully Supported Tours: From three to ten day tours with full 4x4 support and guide, all inclusive with excellent eclectic accommodation.Loco4Motos is employing the satellite location technology provided by SPOT for 2011.This means that for a small tour premium, any rider is covered for helicopter evacuation and repatriation, as well as being trackable in realtime (every ten minutes).SPOT technology allows riders to alert that there is a problem, call medical services directly to their location or let third parties or loved ones track progress and send OK messages at the end of the riding day. All this forms part of the Loco4Motos security offering, unique in Morocco.Why choose Loco4Motos Maroc?Registered Moroccan CompanyBased in Marrakech at own premises.On the Moroccan pistes ten months out of twelve per year.Best accommodation in each location.SPOT location technology (unique), with two dedicated staff in the office to monitor this at all times.Medical insurance with repatriation included in the SPOT package.Moroccan registered bikes with Moroccan insurance.Moroccan staff.English, French, Spanish and Arabic spoken.All details can be found at www.locoformotos.com