BMW Motorcycles

BMW Motorcycles - A Brief History

It was the Treaty of Versailles that changed the face of BMW. Up until the end of World War 1, BMW was a manufacturer of aircraft engines. Its famous blue and white circular badge, which is said to represent aircraft propellers in motion, being a reminder of the company's past. The fact that the logo actually derives from the colours of the flag of Bavaria, and was used a good 12 years before BMW began to build aircraft engines, has done nothing to interfere with the popular myth.

When the German Air Force was disbanded and outlawed after the war, BMW had to turn its attentions elsewhere to put bread on the table. After briefly flirting with the manufacturer of agricultural machinery and even office furniture, they began building motorcycles. At that time, the chief designer was a man named Max Friz, who was responsible for the famous Boxer engines, the first of which was based on a British Douglas design.

In 1923, the R32 was born, which was to become the basis of future Boxer powered BMW's. This motorcycle used the shaft drive system which would feature in all BMW motorcycles up until 1994.

BMW motorcycles were to prove invaluable in North Africa during World War 2. Not having a chain that could clog with sand, they were so successful that Harley-Davidson were requested by the US military, to copy the machine, which they duly did and produced the Harley-Davidson XA. With the German war machine insatiable for motorcycles, the company flourished during the war years, but as Germany's fortunes declined, so did BMW's. Its Munich factory was razed to the ground by bombing and after the war the Russians dismantled the Eisenach plant and re-assembled it in Irbit. Not only that, but the cream of their engineers were taken to Russia or the USA to work on jet engines research.
As the restriction on motorcycle production was eased, BMW had to go back to basics. None of the old plans had survived, so the engineers were forced to use pre-war motorcycles as a template for their new machines. The bike that came off the production line was the R24, which incidentally had no rear suspension. In 1949 over 9,000 R24's were built, a figure which rose to more than 17,000 by 1950. The R68, a sports motorcycle was introduced in 1952. This 594cc machine was to become something of a collector's piece, as less than 1,500 were produced.

The 1950's saw a downturn in motorcycle demand. This period saw a reduction in output from 30,000 units to less than 6,000 by 1957. By the late 50's the vast majority of BMW motorcycles were being exported to the USA, Butler and Smith inc. having the sole distribution rights, but although American sales were strong, the company was struggling to survive. With the financial help of Herbert Quandt and the blossoming automobile division, BMW pulled through, and in 1959, cementing it's American reputation, John Prenton rode a BMW R69 from New York to Los Angeles in 53 hours and 11 minutes, and in doing so, shaved over 22 hours off the existing record.


The R27, the last of the single cylinder models was introduced in 1967. Times were changing and the public demanded different machines, and so BMW's were built, not with Sidecars in mind, but sporty performance. In 1970 the company introduced an entirely re-vamped range of motorcycles; the R50/5, the R60/5 and the R75/5. In 1974 the 500cc model was removed from the catalogue and replaced with a 900cc bike. In 1975 the R90S was introduced and soon earned the tag of the best 'Supersports' motorcycle of its day.

1977 saw the arrival of the first one litre engined motorcycles from BMW. This year also welcomed the first 'Full Fairing' to a BMW machine. In 1978 the R100T was thrown into the ring to compete with Honda's Goldwing.

1986 brought the world's first electrically adjusted windscreen on the K100LT, which at first seemed a little eccentric, but is now used on various BMW models and has in fact been copied by Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki.

It was BMW who in 1988 introduced ABS to the motorcycle world when it became standard on all their K models, the R1100S acquiring it in 1993. It is now fitted to almost all the company's shaft driven bikes.

Despite the near demise of the company after World War 2, the company has risen to be unquestionably one of the finest motorcycle manufacturers in the world.

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The Future Of Mobile Internet Is 4G Technology

4G in simple terms means fourth generation mobile technology, it's a name given to the International Mobile Telecommunication's advanced standards which have been set by ITU (International Telecommunications Union). What these standards mean are download speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second while accessing the internet wirelessly.

According to the ITU, 4G is the next generation network which provides faster access, broadband multimedia and unified messaging services.

Even if a user is mobile at a rate of 60mph, 4G allows download speeds of up to 100Mbs which translates to downloading movies in HD in less than 30 seconds!

One might point out that there are various technologies that offer high speed internet then how would 4G be any different. For this reason certain technical standards have been specified by the ITU which should be followed by organizations that claim to offer 4G to its customers. The objectives and standards that have been defined are:

• An average data speed of 100Mbit/s while users physically move about at high speeds and 1Gbit/s while users relatively are stationary.

• A minimum data speed 100Mbit per second between any 2 points worldwide.

• Flexible channel bandwidth which is between 5 and 20MHz and can be optionally up to 40MHz.

• 1Gbit/s in downlink must be possible over the bandwidth of less than 67MHz.

• System spectral efficiency up to 3bit/s/Hz/cell in downlink and 2.25bit/s/Hz/cell for usage indoors.

• Seamless handoff across multiple networks.

• Smooth global roaming across heterogeneous networks and connectivity.

• High quality service for the support of next generation multimedia (Mobile TV, HDTV video content, high speed data, etc.)

• Interoperability with the existing wireless standards.

• An all Internet Protocol, packet switched network.

One must understand that 4G or wireless broadband have become inevitable and how it will change the internet world can be judged from the last standard derived by the ITU; data transfer through internet protocol.

Web 2.0 has brought about a revolution and user generated content forms a major part of the web. Social networking sites such as Facebook & Twitter have become cultural icons and shaped political movements. Other technologies like the IPTV have changed the concept of television all together. The problem with such applications is that of networks as to date upload speeds are a concern. This is where 4G technology comes in with its extremely high speed, the super fast 4G could completely change the concept of these interactive applications.

Another area which will significantly benefit via the 4G networks would be cloud computing as increased mobility, speed and portability that is offered by 4G can be a significant resource for such computing applications. As people shift to less capital expenditure oriented (saving data online instead of a hard disk) increased data transfer speeds will be vital for smooth operations and any delay will make cloud computing very unattractive. Cloud computing therefore transforms mobile phone sized workstations into powerful computers but only if linked to powerful network that offer 4G upload and download speeds. This coupled with mobility makes the experience personal, portable and cost effective.

It is said that the IoT (Internet of Things) is the next craze to come about. In the future physical objects, even those we use for everyday life will be connected via network. This technology is similar to today's RFID cards. With so much flow of information 4G will undoubtedly be a part of such a revolution.

The National Broadband plan of US Federal Communications Commission has envisioned how a positive change can be brought about in areas of healthcare, education, economics, energy and the environment by adopting broadband. Using 4G buyers and sellers can get closer, students can get the classroom experience outside of school and E governance can promote better service to citizens. Furthermore 4G standards also make data more secure as it emphasizes on robust security and measures to reduce data theft.

To summarize 4G is perhaps the best wireless network desired as it gives high speed internet with easy access, portability and reliability. As download and upload speed restrict daily lives - 4G has become imminent.

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Digital World Is Embracing Mobile Technology

The Digital World Is Embracing Mobile Technology

Introduction of new and advanced technologies have brought a great revolution in the digital world. The technology of mobile comes under such great technologies. The use of mobiles is no more limited to the deliverance of personal messages. The advancements in mobile technology and their uses have surprised us to a greater extent, both negatively as well as positively.

Mobile technology has played a dynamic role for education. Students can access Internet through the great technology of mobile broadband. This permit students and researchers to do research whenever and wherever they want.

Observing the way of giving out news, mobile technology now allows us to get breaking news as soon as possible. An individual can now make quick and informed decisions via real time information by mobile technology. The amazing features of Wi-Fi and GPRS have provided the facility of using Internet anywhere and anytime.

As far as the global commerce is concerned, mobile technology has allowed us to market the data we require, by using our mobile phones. Besides that, the introduction of 3G technology has developed the way of conducting business by introducing the characteristics of video calls, sharing large files and browsing the Internet. Among other developments, Promotion of products and brands via mobile is becoming very much active in the world. It's one of the prominent developments in business in the digital world. It has been found out that the Web and Mobile Marketing are the most productive marketing sources in the digital media.

It's been expected that the total global IT would increase by nearly six per cent this year. This is expected to happen by means of mobile and other social technologies.

It has also been mentioned in a research that the technologies are finally being integrated with each other, such as cloud with mobile, mobile with social networking, social networking with big data and real-time analytics.

Thus, with the increasing number of masses using mobile technology, projects are reaching a wider pool of prospective clients. On the other hand, mobile banking has let the bankers live an easier life as the convenience in transferring money saves a lot of time.

Mobile technology has become a great helper of people in emergencies as well. According to a research in 2009, 71% of men and 77% of women used their mobiles in their emergency situations.

However, if the proper precautions are not taken regarding the use of mobile technology, one can face a great loss personally as well as in other means. Among many others, one true example is the exposure of valuable data to unauthorized people. Care should be taken for the security of data.

The use of the developing mobile technology depends completely on an individual and the society. It's our responsibility to make a positive use of this technology. When used negatively, it has a great power to destroy a good part of the world and when used positively, it has the greatest power to let us move ahead and get more advanced in the world of technology.

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Future Trends In Car Technology

Future Trends In Car Technology

At present, technology has been advancing at a rate that can be described as almost biblical and the best thing about it is that as it advances it takes everyone in its stride. Therefore, as technology improves it brings improvement in the automobile industry as well. Car technology has entered a whole new world and every year something different and new takes us by surprise. Many products related to car technology have been unveiled but are yet to strike the marketplace and this chapter discusses some of these proposed ideas which will have petrol heads glued to their monitors.

Humans unlike their electronic counterparts are imperfect and because of that they are not as much of conservative even as the world faces an acute shortage of renewable resources. For example, while driving we would simply leave the air conditioner on and roll up the windows even when we could do the opposite and save a significant amount of fuel.

Recent technological innovations have introduced in cars the "Economy mode". This feature allows the car itself to decide what features are important at any moment in time and then simply turns off the features that it deems not essential. This not only saves fuel but also ensures longevity and durability of the vehicle. This feature has been tested in many hybrid cars and has been extremely successful.

Then there is the concept of the black box technology for cars on the cards. The idea is simple, if airplanes can have them so can cars. Black boxes have proven to be extremely useful in recovering information from airplanes in cases of mishaps. However, its concept is being debated still as it allows the car owners privacy to be compromised. At present general motors' is using them in their newer models and has renamed them to "recorders" as it stores data on the speed, distance travelled and the visited places. This also helps amongst others, insurance companies who can use the data in case an accident occurs.

Then there's the more interesting feature that allows a car to park for its owners. Cars with such features have been produced already and are being marketed successfully, all the owner has to do is press the brake pedal and the car will carefully avoid all obstacles, make itself parallel and then come to a halt.

 

Lastly and perhaps the most predictable of all car technologies involves cars driving themselves, this is now possible thanks to the recent advances in robotics and GPS technologies. All you will have to do is tell the car where you want to go and the car will take care of the rest. A lot research to perfect this technology is underway and it may not be very long before human drivers become a thing of the past.

After looking at some of these features one can say these are indeed interesting times as cars are evolving with changes in technology and may soon change the very shape of cars as we know them today.

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10 Fun and Cheap Destinations Around the World

1. Mexico City Mexico City is worldwide famous for its nightlife, many bars, great clubs and discos. Thus, if you are looking for a wild and quite cheap night out, take a tour of this wonderful city. One of the most popular destinations is Bar Jorongo. Prepare yourself for the ultimate Mexican experience, as the mariachi take the stage; and with the price range covering just about $7 this is truly the place to be.

2. China, the Hunan Providence

The Hunan Province is a region of extraordinary natural beauty spanning for over 264 sq. km that also includes 2 nature reserves and a national park. This Chinese province is one those unique places that has certainly a lot to offer ussualy more than it is included tourism packages. Prices at hotels vary from $20 to $60 per night.

3. Calcutta Festival of Colors

The festival of colors or Holi it’s an extraordinary one of a kind festival celebrated through out India. The best places to witness this festival are big cities such as Calcutta (the cultural capital of India). Prepare yourself to be astonished when seeing both young and old people drenched with colors: red, blue, green every color you can imagine. You can easily find accommodations and it will cost approximately 200$/ per day at five star hotel or $25 a night at different 3 star resorts.

4. Slovakia

Slovakia has some of the best ski resorts in Europe and one of the most visited is Štrbske Pleso. There are many hotels where you can stay and most of them offer different discounts during both winter and summer thus a three day vacation may cost around $170 or you can always camp in specially arranged areas.

5. Thailand, Phi Phi Islands

If you always dreamed to visit an exotic island than the Phi Phi Islands are the place for you. Once you are here you will most definitely feel you’re in heaven: white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, crystal clear waters and blue ski above what more you can ask for. If your think these all sounds good, but also very expensive you couldn’t be more wrong considering that a room at a 3 star hotel cost around $30.

6. Brazil, Rio Carnival

Looking for the wildest party ever than try to get in Rio in time for the carnival; this is for sure the most exotic, fun, colorful and crazy party you’ll ever be a part of. Besides partying you can also go to the beach to enjoy that beautiful Brazilian sun. Rio de Janeiro is one of the largest metropolises worldwide thus it would be very easy to find some cheap hotels.

7. Morocco, Tangier

Tangier, Morocco is not one of the most popular tourist destinations but is certainly is one the finest and cheapest. Whit beautiful beaches and big mountains surrounding them Tangier makes a great holiday destination for everyone. You can stay at a 3 star hotel with $29 per night and this is without taking in consideration the discounts.

8. Roatan Island, Honduras

Roatan Island is one of the wildest Caribbean islands near the coast of Honduras. This is truly one of the few unspoiled islands remaining. With high temperatures all year you can visit this place in just about any season. Nothing can stop you to enjoy those warm turquoise waters, white beaches and an incredible barrier reef. Prices vary depending whether you want to stay at a hotel house or beach lodge (from $8 to $175 per night)

9. Greece Agistri

Agistri was not inhabited until 1920 and with a current population of only 1000 people this is the perfect holiday destination is you simply want to relax and unwind. This secluded and mystic island with shallow water and pine forests is the perfect family destination. Hotel prices differ but you can find a room at approximately $25.

10. Africa, Tanzania

Adventure, loots of stories to tell your friends, is this, what you’re looking for? Experience the extreme and wild on the Serengeti Safari. Feeling a bit dare devilish try spending the night in the bush accompanied of course by a trained guide. Serengeti is renowned for the wildebeest migration: 2 millions zebra’s gnu antelopes, impalas, gazelles, elephants start a long journey looking for the green grass closely followed by lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas.

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Top Data Recovery Software Programs

Top Data Recovery Software Programs (Jason Kay )

With the many things that can happen to your computer in regards to your data, it helps to have quality data recovery software at your disposal. As with anything else these days, there seems to be more and more data recovery software programs cropping up all over the place due to an overwhelming demand and this may lead you to ponder which data recovery software programs are the best.
A big mistake here is to look only at the price of data recovery software programs and then choose the one that is the cheapest. While this may save you some money, it will not usually result in you saving a lot of your data. Remember, it is all about recovering lost data and so you need to conduct just a bit of research here.
A great place to start your research is online, but if you simply conduct an online search for the top recovery software programs, you will likely have your head spin with the many results you will be looking at. However, there are three software programs in particular that are always at the top of everyone's list when it comes to recovery and these three superstars are:

1. Runtime Data Recovery Software: 
Runtime has a large selection of different data recovery applications that can be purchased depending on the specific problem you are having with your computer. This is helpful as some data recovery software will only work with certain problems, were as Runtime breaks down the most common problems by application and offers up solutions all at varying prices.

2. DT Utilities Digital Rescue: 
Digital Rescue is another data recover software program that allows you do-it-yourself recovery in the event of computer problems. Using an easy to install 'smart wizard' you can easily search for and retrieve missing or damaged data files in no time at all.

3. Ontrack Data Recovery:  
Ontrack offers you the ability to manage your data and keep it safe in the event that something goes wrong. This type of data recovery software is best used while your computer is running properly, but if something should go wrong, then you have peace of mind knowing that you should be able to successfully recover most, or all, of your files with great ease.
There are simply too many variables that can affect your computer's data. It is likely that your computer contains a lot of data and it is also likely that you do not want to lose any of that data. The only way to be fully protected is by using data recover software either before a problem occurs, after a problem occurs, or both.

Once you have found the recovery software program that works best for you, then you can rest easy and not have to worry about the unknown. Everyone should have an effective data recovery software program to rely on because if there is one thing that is certain about computers, it is that they deal with the uncertain all the time.

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Best Plans for Getting Hotel Reservations

What is the best strategy for making hotel reservations? At one point, it was easier because your only options consisted of contacting the hotel directly or calling a travel agent. Although it can get very confusing, there are plenty of different ways to make reservations. How do you know that you are obtaining the best that's out there? In this article, we are going to discuss a few dependable ways to make hotel reservations that will guarantee that you are getting your money's worth.
Your hotel reservations will depend greatly on when you plan to travel as well as what price you will pay and the availability of rooms. Book travel to "hotspots" well in advance of your travel time. You also have to make sure that there isn't some special event going on that might cause a shortage of hotel rooms for the time you'll be traveling. If you can be a bit flexible with your arrangements you can save a boat load by planning a stay in during a less popular time. Since the introduction of the internet, going to a travel agent seems old fashioned. However, travel agents are still valuable in this process. While it's true that nowadays you can simply go online and make your own reservations, travel agents have access to much more information than you do. You probably don't have the time that is needed to compare hotels and other things in the destination that you have chosen. A travel agent, however, will be more familiar with your hotel choices, the best prices and current deals. A travel agent might be able to reduce your travel costs and put together a travel package that consists of airfare, hotel or other travel items.

Most people don't try to negotiate hotel prices because they believe they are set in stone. Hotel prices are not often set in stone, in fact they fluctuate with the seasons. For this reason, it's sometimes possible to get a better price on your hotel room simply by calling up the hotel and asking for it. Most hotels will offer a better room for the same price or a better deal on a room if you simply ask them for it. This won't work all the time but it's worth asking especially when the hotel is anxious for the business, they are more willing to negotiate prices for you.
When you make hotel reservations, it usually pays to look at several different offers before making a final decision. You will likely save more money on a higher quality room if you are able to start looking well in advance. You can play them against each other as they compete for your business to save you money. You can use this information as a means to help you find a great hotel deal on your next vacation.

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FD Technologies

FD Technologies

 

 

 

 

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