Todd McLellan: Things Come Apart: A Teardown Manual for Modern Living
(****)
Meredith Davis: Graphic Design Theory (Graphic Design in Context)
Don Koberg: The Universal Traveler
Early thoughts and primers on the creative process and design thinking.
William Lidwell: Universal Principles of Design: 100 Ways to Enhance Usability, Influence Perception, Increase Appeal, Make Better Design Decisions, and Teach Through Design
A good reminder of 100 things to check when designing. (****)
Christopher Alexander: The Timeless Way of Building
Revisiting the themes put forward in this first of three books in a series by Christopher Alexander.
Thomas L. Friedman: The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century
NEIL POSTMAN: Technopoly : The Surrender of Culture to Technology
A classic gut check for those enamored with the technology pervading our lives. (****)
Barry Schwartz: The Paradox of Choice : Why More Is Less
Trying to choose wisely.
Night missions in your future plans? Consider adding a HALO belt to your loadout. The company is also working with Rickshaw on a new messenger bag to stow your kit in if you like. Here's to a nice balance of tech and simplicity for a good cause. Let's all see and be seen out there.
There have been some amazing things happening lately in the world of LED lighting for vehicles. More efficient and robust than traditional lighting solutions, they seem to adorn every new car model these days. Given their dynamic and robust qualities and the ability to light up even the darkest corners of the Serengeti, it seems appropriate to see them now on the 2013 R1200GS. The units look fantastic both in day and night running configurations providing an even more aggressive and determined look for the GS. Now that enlightenment at its best.
As featured on TopSpeed, BMW revealed the new Concept C at the EICMA Show in Milan. The Concept C is BMW’s vision of the big scooter with the C in the name standing for "commuter." It is aimed a alleviating some of the crowding on urban streets associated with shorter daily errand running and shorter commuting routes. This concept is BMW’s response to that increasing traffic situation. They say the Concept C represents "the prospect of an innovative, sporty big scooter for the future premium segment." The concept is enhanced by several innovations to the scooter market, including video camera rear-view monitors.
A recent study indicates that people love cars with angry faces. This finding has long been recognized by automotive designers. In fact, shaping the faces of vehicles to make a statement has been an important aspect of the design process for many car companies over the years. With the release of the K1600GT and K1600GTL, BMW is migrating some of the most recognizable "facial" elements from its automobile division to its motorcycle group.
Here's hoping that this new face of motorrad propegates throughout BMW's motorcycle lineup. Not only is it distinctive and instantly associated with the power the brand has had on offer for decades, but it also brings welcomed innovation to the motorcycle industry in the form of the world's first adaptive headlamp for motorycles. Critics might feel this new look is a bit too agressive but when you are moving down a dark and rainy pacific coast highway, one is hard pressed to think of a better way to ward of any potential threats lurking in the darkness.
Shown above is the new facia of the K1600GTL. Illuminating even in full daylight from a design perspective.
For motorcyclists, the image below might set the mind wondering about just what is it that you are riding. Looking somewhat like those circulatory diagrams outlining how blood flows through the body, the image highlights the lightweight integral anti-lock braking system (integrated ABS) and automatic stability control (ASC) system which BMW has continued to refine for its motorcycles.
Although as BMW states, no system can mitigate all road condition risks, it is inspiring to see a company care so much about safety and to see how beautiful (and intelligent) the systems are from an engineering perspective...even if they really are not intended to be seen.
To learn more, see webbikeworld's overview of BMW's Integral ABS and ASC systems. Very informative.
Sometimes the essential functionality of an object is best revealed from angles seldom seen. Take the redesigned 2010 R1200RT for example. Seen from the side, the bike appears familiar... a fine design iteration of the venerable long distance tourer.
However, the true genius and dynamics of the design are best revealed from a eagle's-eye view. From above, affordances for generous wind protection and ways to obtain comfort for miles on end really stand out. Undoubtedly this type of "form follows function" creativity is stirred up during long hours spent shaping the design in a wind tunnel. Regardless of how it came into being, the bivouac is once again blown away by the refinements taking place in motorrad land. Perhaps you too are thinking about your designs from all angles?
Finally, BMW Motorrad's X Series bikes offer three form factors light and agile enough to really kick around. Take a closer look via: www.bmw-motorrad.com/g650x
The bivouac recently logged some laps with Polyphony Digital's Tourist Trophy Playstation 2 motorcycle simulator. The folks at Polyphony are the same ones who brought us the excellent Gran Turismo racing series and this title is equally impressive.
Beyond convincing riding dynamics, an extensive range of motorcycles and riding gear to explore, and near photorealistic racing venues, perhaps one of the most pleasant features of the simulator is the photo mode. It allows riders to replay a race and capture memorable moments. Extensive image manipulation capabilities are available so riders can pan to a perfect angle at a critical moment in the competition and stylize their photos to their choosing. As for the level of detail achieved, the images below are photos output from the simulator.
It was remarkably easy to plug in an iShuffle USB drive into the PS2 and save the photo content. For added control and immersion, you may want to try adding a Yamaha Motor Sport Game Controller to the mix. Ride safe, smart and strong.
BMW introduces three new motorcycle models. The F800ST, the R1200S, and the K1200GT. Take a closer look at images in motorcycle-usa.com's photo gallery via:
BMW F800ST
BMW K1200GT
BMW R1200S
Here are a few more revealing photos of the recently released BMW R1200GS Adventure.
The BMW R1200GS Adventure is set to launch in the Spring of 2006. By effectively integrating drop bars, engine skid plates and what appears to be a larger fairing, the bike seems well positioned to offer more protection from the elements while at speed.
Take a closer look at the unveiling via www.worldofbmw.com.
BMW Motorrrad follows the release of the highly acclaimed R1200 GS with the R1200 GS HP2 (High Performance Two Cylinder). Sometimes less is indeed more.
An overview of the HP2's key features are as follows:
-1170cc flat-twin engine (as per the R1200 GS) but with an increased maximum output of 77kW (105 bhp). Maximum torque remains unchanged at 115Nm (85 lb-ft) at 5,500 rpm
-nNew muffler construction almost 2 kilos lighter than before (the HP2 is not designed to carry hard luggage)
-The frame's tubular space-frame structure is based on the R900 R racing machines used by BMW works teams from 1999-2001 in the Dakar Rally
-Upside-down telescopic forks with 270mm of spring travel. (This level of spring travel cannot be provided by conventional Telelever configuration)
-Redesigned Paralever, now 30mm longer than on the GS
-The world's first spring/damper system running exclusively on air. Weighing just under 2.3 kilos the air/spring damper system is approximately 2 kilos lighter than a conventional component
-Cross-spoke wheels for the toughest conditions. The front wheel features a 305mm semi-floating single-disc brake with floating calliper. At the rear is a 265mm single-disc swing-calliper brake. The HP2 is not presently offered with ABS
-The fuel tank is made of extra-tough, semi-transparent (for viewing fuel level) polyethylene and has a capacity of 13 litres
-Seat height of 920mm. A lower seat (900mm) is available as special equipment
-On-board network with CAN-bus technology (Controller Area Network) as per the R1200 GS
-Instrument cluster as per the R1200 GS but with no rev counter. As an additional display, the rider can select the number of operating hours the motorcycle has run (important for changing the air filter at appropriate intervals when riding off-road on dusty tracks).
-Side components on the tank and front wheel mudguard are made from fully-coloured, grained plastic (without paint) so that scratches and marks remain virtually invisible
-A wide range of special equipment for retrofitting is available for customisation, allowing the owner to broaden the HP2's range of features and equipment.
The worldwide launch of the HP2 will be in September. Further details, including the price will be released shortly.
Schuberth appears to have improved on the already strong Concept helmet with the release of the Concept 2 (C2) helmet. The advanced flip up helmet features a redesigned release and lift mechanism and improved aerodynamics. Another fine offering from Schuberth.
In the past few years, as BMW has rolled out new products, many have been perplexed by the revolutionary nature of new models. The debut of the R1200 RT will undoubtedly have the same effect on many who have grow to appreciate the lauded RT offerings running up to the 2005 model year. First impressions bring questions as to whether the R1200 RT will be more biased towards touring as opposed to the superior balance of sport touring associated with the RT today. That said, BMW is offering the all-new R1200 ST as well which may explain how the lineup is being modified. 