ThomasJ Posted July 8, 2008 Posted July 8, 2008 While watching the Tour de France I find myself trying to figure out what motorbikes are being used for the camera work. Does anyone have an idea what they use?
BULLman Posted July 8, 2008 Posted July 8, 2008 While watching the Tour de France I find myself trying to figure out what motorbikes are being used for the camera work. Does anyone have an idea what they use? I was thinking the same thing, check out here
gmarktbone Posted July 8, 2008 Posted July 8, 2008 Although the TDF is mostly Kawasaki, the Tour of California was almost entirely BMW. Also there were a fair amount of RTs in the Giro. I find myself watching the motorbikes as much or more than the bicycles.
Francois_Dumas Posted July 8, 2008 Posted July 8, 2008 That's a great link...thanks Although not very accurate it seems Maybe not official, but there are still a LOT of Beemers in the race. Less so in the French police force, they have stopped buying BMW
Marek Posted July 8, 2008 Posted July 8, 2008 riding those bikes two up with all the gear following cyclists on some of the descents at high speed is not a small feat, I think more than I could do.
Semper_Fi Posted July 8, 2008 Posted July 8, 2008 was watching stage 3 yesterday and noticed more than once a silver RT. He had a passanger but could not tell if he carried a camera. Must be tough riding for them to keep traffic clear and out of the way of the cyclists
Francois_Dumas Posted July 8, 2008 Posted July 8, 2008 By the way, for those interested, here is one of the best English-language sites about it all: http://www.letour.fr/us/homepage_courseTDF.html
Schupo Posted July 8, 2008 Posted July 8, 2008 Maybe not official, but there are still a LOT of Beemers in the race. Less so in the French police force, they have stopped buying BMW ------------------ What do they buy now?
motoguy128 Posted July 8, 2008 Posted July 8, 2008 I was suprised that I saw quite a few C-14's. Kawi obviously threw their weight in as a corporate sponser somewhere. The headlights are pretty distinctive. I think the RT continues to be the bike of choice when there isn't a specific contract. I can't imagine someone prefering a C-14 over a RT for low speed riding, tight manuevering... especially in often wet, rainy incliment weather with a cameraman hanging off the back of the bike. Most riding is under 50mph, with them scooting up to slightly higher speeds to jump ahead to the next group of riders. But no triple digits where the C-14 would have an advantage in stability. I think the FJR would be close 2nd and 3rd choices. I think the power of the C-14 would be overwhelming at low speeds in tight quarters. Althouhg I've heard hte drivetrain lash is very minimal and it pulls smoothly right off idle... so I might be compeltely off base. When it's a cold windy, rainy day in the mountains... I'd would want heated grips and seat. In the end, the riders are professionals with years of experience doing these types of events. I'm sure they will happily ride whatever they are given... and take a chekc no matter whose name is on it. Any thoughts on that?
Francois_Dumas Posted July 8, 2008 Posted July 8, 2008 What do they buy now? Not sure if they have one specific brand/model. They signed a one-year deal with Yamaha last year I think. I see new plates on FJR1300's, Honda's ST1300's and they also have smaller bikes. Our local muni police ride on VStrom's. The Gendarme also has Cagiva off-road bikes.
Wheels Rollin' Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 riding those bikes two up with all the gear following cyclists on some of the descents at high speed is not a small feat, I think more than I could do. That pretty much sums it up for me as well, Marek... The riders' speeds on descents can blister an' blur some speed limit signs -- and all that on the skinniest of tires <>... Bike control at its best, I'd say, probably illustrating the 'hero-to-zero' concept better than just about anything else I can think of at the moment -- riding on the 'bleeding edge'... One slip? Toast -- dried out, displeasingly burnt and crusty, and tossed into the dust bin... ~ Bill
RichEdwards Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 My club supplies motorcycle services to the Ford Triathlon held in Clearwater each year. We were contacted because BMW's were considered the best bike for such a job. The photographers need to be able to ride facing backwards. A Goldwing club gives rides to the race officials but, since a Goldwing has no removable luggage, they are unsuitable for photographers. Here's Murray on his 650GS giving an NBC photographer a ride: I carried a Triathlon Magazine photographer. He was about 6'3" and 200 lbs., but since he has done this for years he was an excellent passenger. Not true for everyone. One club member had his new GT forced over by a sloppy passenger causing a few hundred dollars of damage (which we got back for him from the Triathlon organization.)
Francois_Dumas Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 Reporter will need new trousers after that ride
SweetP Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 Francois, According to various news and 'insider' reports I've read, BMW missed the mark in 2004 when they couldn't respond to the call for bids for bikes from the police, gendarmerie, and customs. It was for a three year contract, 05-07, and the Yams won. But there are still lots of 1100s and 1150s in service and the R12 is being tested with an eye toward the next contract bidding. Don't think I've ever seen an ST on the road. The FJRs were generally well received but I'd bet a litre of 100 octane (all I can afford to risk), that BM will be back in the game soon. Paul
Francois_Dumas Posted July 9, 2008 Posted July 9, 2008 Yes, could well be. The few police riders I talked to all liked the Beemer! The Honda's I've seen in Paris, maybe they are municipal bikes.
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