MIKE COOK: LOSS OF A LEGEND!

MIKE COOK: LOSS OF A LEGEND!

Mike Cook had spent a lifetime immersed in the British automotive industry as a PR and advertising executive, in the hobby as a racer, and later in his retirement as an archivist for Jaguar Land Rover. He passed away this week.

MIKE COOK: LOSS OF A LEGEND!MIKE COOK: LOSS OF A LEGEND!When I was a magazine editor in the 1960s and 1970s, I often interfaced with Mike Cook and regularly saw him at International Motor Press Association (IMPA) lunches and events. While my passion was Corvettes and high-performance American cars with big V8 engines, Mike had become the champion of British sports cars. On the surface it was “apples & oranges.” But we often spent time simply sharing car guy experiences.

In his retirement years he was responsible for archiving vintage Jaguar and Land Rover advertising, racing news and press materials. He became the go-to guy for journalists, collectors and enthusiasts researching the history of these storied brands. Without Mike and his endless enthusiasm for these vehicles and British car history, Jaguar Land Rover North America would not have the ability to serve the needs of the media as well as the hobby.

My son, Stuart Schorr, Vice-President Communications, Jaguar Land Rover North America, wrote the following tribute:

On Tuesday, November 27, Jaguar Land Rover lost a dear friend and passionate lifelong advocate, Michael Cook, to pneumonia at the age of 85. Mike had a storied career in advertising and public relations for a murderer’s row of British brands: Rover, Land Rover, Austin, MG, Jaguar and his beloved Triumph. He retired from Jaguar as Director of U.S. Public Relations in 1991.

 Up until this very week, Mike had been a constant, determined and cheerful fixture at the Jaguar Land Rover North American headquarters, running our JLR U.S. historical archives department, which he created with Karen Miller in the 1980s. For many of those years, Mike ran the Archives department like a carmakers’ skunk works operation: he was going to keep it going whether anyone officially knew about it or not. Mike personally kept the Rover and Land Rover (and Triumph) archival material at his home before anyone in the company ever thought it might be something we needed. Is there a stronger word than dedicated?

 A visit to the Archives or an email exchange with Mike quickly revealed the impressive depth of Mike’s knowledge and affection he had for these unique cars, and the people that made, marketed, raced and owned them. It was always a pleasure for Mike to assist someone, and a greater pleasure to be helped by him.

 In addition to his second career as Jaguar (and eventually Land Rover) archivist, Mike was prominent in the Jaguar and Triumph Club worlds, and a prolific author and editor of historical publications. Did I mention he was a racer himself and publicist for numerous Jaguar and Triumph racing teams? Talk about being a “car guy”!

 It’s one of those career clichés we often hear: Do something you love. Mike Cook loved working with our company and British automobiles so much that he dedicated his entire career to it. We are all honored to have worked with him, we thank him again, and we will miss him dearly.

 Mike passed away peacefully, in the company of his family, with his favorite Miles Davis playing in the background.

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New Gladstone Motorcycles SE Bobber Unveiled

The new Gladstone Motorcycles SE has been unveiled, and it looks rather nice. The company was founded back in 2012 by TV presenter and biking enthusiast Henry Cole as a bespoke British motorcycle brand. And the SE is the follow-up to their original model, the Gladstone No.1 bobber, which appeared in 2013.

Although the SE shares some of the key components and features from the No.1, the SE changes things a bit. Designer Guy Willison describes it as a “slightly lazier, earthier version of the No.1. We wanted to build a bike where we didn’t have any customers for it – this is what I’d build for myself as a personalised bike on the road. No outside influence – just me and Henry building what we want to ride”

The Gladstone Motorcycles SE
The new Gladstone Motorcycles SE bobber

It turns out what Willison and Cole want to ride is a bobber which features some Gladstone trademarks. Those include a Metisse nickel-plated rigid frame, a bespoke alloy petrol tank and fake oil tank, and a 5″ Smiths analogue speedometer.

Gladstone Motorcycles SE Rear Three Quarters View
The new Gladstone Motorcycles SE uses a rigid Metisse frame

But there are some significant changes from the nine hand-built No.1s that the company previously produced. Most noticeable is the paint, with the new model adorned in Aston Martin Rosso Red. That’s a bolder look than the original model, which came in black.

The Gladstone Motorcycles SE also swaps out the 750cc Triumph T140 engine of the No.1, which came with a 5-speed left foot gear shift. Instead, you get a refurbished 650cc 4-speed Triumph T120R motor, with a right foot gear shirt and single carburetor.

Gladstone Motorcycles SE Triumph T120R Engine
The Gladstone Motorcycles SE Triumph T120R Engine

There are now Norman Hyde M-bars, rather than the flat examples from the No.1. And the Gladstone Motorcycles SE also gets shorter, 720mm Ceriani front forks. Another change is that a Norton TLS front brake replaces the Ceriani replica Grimeca 4-leading shoe drum.

Gladstone Motorcycles SE Seat
The Gladstone Motorcycles SE Seat in Alcantara

Rather than the Monza design used on the NO.1, the SE gets a flush-fitting petrol cap. And there are Doherty levers, plus natural rubber Tommaselli handlebar grips. The Alcantara seat comes with red stitching to match the Aston Martin paint. And the headlamp and tail light get brass bezels.

Gladstone Motorcycles SE Brake Light
The Gladstone Motorcycles SE Brake Light With Brass Bezel

As a bespoke British motorcycle manufacturer, customers get to tailor the Gladstone Motorcycles SE to their preference. Which means you can request changes to the colour finishes, grips, saddle and more. But you also need to be a little patient, as there’s a 12-month delivery time from when you order.

Gladstone Motorcycles SE Side View
The new Gladstone Motorcycles SE

Following the release of the 9 Gladstone No.1 models, the waiting list started for the new SE. And it’s a bit of an investment, with prices starting from £40,000. Hence why the company describe their customers as ‘discerning hooligans’.

Gladstone Motorcycles Designer Guy Willison
Gladstone Motorcycles Designer Guy Willison

But you do get something created with the iconic classic Triumph engine, a rather lovely frame, and numerous other hand-made and bespoke features for things like pipes, brackets and more.

Gladstone Motorcycles Founder Henry Cole
Gladstone Motorcycles Founder and CEO Henry Cole

So if you fancy ordering the new Gladstone Motorcycles SE bobber, and you have the finances, you can contact the company via their website to get the building started.

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Two Special Triumph Auctions At The 2018 Day Of Champions

Bit short notice, but it’s worth mentioning that there are two special Triumph auctions at the 2018 Day of Champions on Thursday, August 23rd. The unique experiences are open for bids as part of the annual event to kick off the British Grand Prix round, and raise money for Two Wheels for Life. The official charity of MotoGP and the FIM, it’s part of the group you might know as Riders, or Riders for Health. Founded by former racer Randy Mamola with Barry and Andrea Coleman, it provides large-scale vehicle support for medical teams across the world.

Two Special Triumph Auctions At The 2018 Day Of Champions

The auction is part of the attractions at Silverstone for the 2018 Day of Champions, with live music, stunt displays, exclusive British MotoGP paddock and pit lane tickets and more. A limited number of tickets are still available on the day from £20. Sadly it’s a bit late to get tickets for the official ride-in, which includes two laps of the circuit. But you can still enjoy everything from 9am to 8pm, with interviews featuring motorcycling stars. And the charity auction towards the end of the day

Lots of stuff is up for grabs, and among them are the two special Triumph auctions at the 2018 Day Of Champions. One of which is a private all-access tour at the Hinckley factory where the British motorcycles are created. But it’s not just a trip for the winning bidder – nine friends can also join them. And in addition to getting to look around the headquarters, you’ll also get to spend time with the official Triumph design team. So you can try to find out more about what they’ve got planned, and then drop us an email with any exclusive information!

The other auction lot is the chance to join Triumph on a Global Press Launch. It’s your chance to go on an all-expenses paid trip to southern Europe to be one of the first in the world to ride a new Triumph motorcycle. And the only member of the general public with that opportunity. Which would get you pretty big bragging rights. It does have the downside of putting up with members of the motorcycling press, but they’re generally not a bad lot.

So make sure you take your wallet or cheque book along with you to Silverstone for the 2018 Day of Champions. And if you’re going to the British MotoGP round on Sunday, you’ll get the chance to see the new Triumph Moto2 bike in action. Former World Superbike champion James Toseland will be riding the new race machine for the first ever public parade lap.

If you can’t make it to Silverstone, you can support Two Wheels for Life online. You can find out about fundraising, volunteering and donating via their website. And they also have a constant rotation of online auctions with exclusive MotoGP items, and the chance to meet riders and teams. For example, you can currently bid to be a special guest of Team Suzuki Ecstar and meet riders Andrea Iannone and Alex Rins at the Misano round. Or spend some cash to not only meet the MotoGP racers, but also come away with their boots, gloves, or Iannone’s rear seat cowl. So it’s worth taking a look at the Two Wheels for Life auction page regularly.

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BMW Enduro Park Celebrates 25 Years

1993 was quite a while ago. Bill Clinton became the new U.S President. Czechoslovakia was replaced by the Czech Republic and Slovakia. And the European single market was created as the European Union was founded. In motorcycling, 1993 saw the launch of the BMW R1100GS, along with the Ducati Monster, Triumph Tiger 900 and Yamaha YZF750. And BMW Mottorrad Enduro Park Hechlingen was created. Now in 2018, the BMW Enduro Park celebrates 25 years of hosting off-road enthusiasts.

BMW Enduro Park Celebrates 25 Years

The Enduro Park Hechlingen took an abandoned quarry and turned it into a 26 hectare area for enduro motorcyclists of all abilities. And it covers a range of challenges including steep slopes, gravel tracks, single trails, forest tracks, ruts, climbs and descents, as you ride under the watchful eye of the professional instructors.

BMW Enduro Parck Hechlingen Aerial View

It’s also notable as the inspiration for numerous BMW enduro parcks and official partners around the world. Not only was it created to provide a place for motorcyclists to enjoy improving their riding, but a lot of work has been put into preserving numerous species of animals and plants. The conservation work even won an award from the German Federal Ministry of the Environment.

BMW Enduro Park Celebrates 25 Years Riding Uphill

As the BMW Enduro Park celebrates 25 years, there are more than 40,000 people who have visited to improve their riding. That’s across around 250 training courses each year, run by more than 50 employees instructing and in the workshops. And maintaining the bikes includes around 420 tyre changes on an annual basis. As well as around 400 clutch and brake levers broken off each season.

BMW Enduro Park Celebrates 25 Years Tuition 1990s

The photos reveal how much has changed since the park opened. Aside from the early 1990s riding kit, there was the transition from the BMW R100GS and R80GS to the modern dual sport BMWs we see today. The BMW R1100GS was a slight stepping stone, but it shares a clear lineage right down to the current R1200GS.

BMW Enduro Park Celebrates 25 Years Group

BMW opened the park with the idea of offering motorcycling as an ‘integral, all-round experience’. And obviously this and other parks have to cover their costs. But you can imagine how much feedback and usable data is generated by having 3,650 riders using and abusing your bikes in a controlled environment  in 2017 alone.

BMW Enduro Park Celebrates 25 Years Water on F650GS

The Enduro Park Hechlingen was originally owned and operated by BMW Motorrad, but in 2008 it was passed over to Enduro Park Hechlingen GmbH under the direction of Manfred Spitz, one of the first instructors. And both companies are currently looking at various expansion and extension plans to create an even bigger and better experience.

BMW Enduro Park Celebrates 25 Years Riding 1990s

Having experienced the BMW training available in the UK, we’re sure that the Enduro Park Hechlingen must be a pretty incredible experience for any enduro enthusiast. As the BMW Enduro Park celebrates 25 years, here’s to hopefully writing a story explaining how it has grown over the next 25.

BMW Enduro Park Celebrates 25 Years Riders BMW Enduro Park Celebrates 25 Years Riding BMW Enduro Park Celebrates 25 Years Staff

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Win Free Insurance With Approved Used Triumphs in July

Buying secondhand motorcycles is a lot of fun. But it can also be a bit stressful, which is why manufacturers have introduced approved, pre-owned schemes. It means you get a bit more peace of mind when you’re buying a bike previously ridden by someone else. And as a bonus, you can currently win free insurance with approved used Triumphs in July, 2018.

Buy an approved pre-owned Triumph from the Adventure, Roadsters and Modern Classics before the end of the month and you’ll automatically be entered into a prize draw. And three winners picked at random will be offered Triumph Insurance for 12 months, up to a value of £500. And if you’ve already got cover sorted, the offer will be valid for two years.

Win Free Insurance With Approved Used Triumphs - Like the 2016 Triumph Bonneville T120 and T120 Black

You can buy from the Approved Pre-Owned Triumph stock either online or through participating dealers. And there’s a list of checks which are carried about before a motorcycle is available.

All the Triumph motorcycles available as an approved used example will be under five years old from their first registration. And they’ll also have done no more than 25,000 miles.

To be included in the stock list, the bikes will also have received any service required within 1,000 miles or 3 months. And they’ll undergo a multi-point inspection and any rectification work required. So you get the benefit of a vehicle history and mileage check, a certified vehicle quality check, and full service history. The checks include the frame, suspension, steering, final drive, wheels and tyres. And a full engine diagnosis, exhaust system examination and electrical inspection.

Other benefits to the Approved Pre-Owned scheme include a one year MOT. Plus a one year unlimited mileage warranty, and a full year of Roadside Assistance just in case.

As a final incentive, Triumph TriStar Finance is also offering a 7.9% APR deal on the Pre-Owned range until the 31st July, 2018 as well.

Paul Lilly, general manager of Triumph Motorcycles UK and Ireland, commented: “With a comprehensive multi-point inspection and a quality & safety check by a qualified technician, we’re confident that each Approved Pre-owned motorcycle will perform like a factory fresh bike for its new owner for complete peace of mind.

So full checks, a finance offer, and the chance to win free insurance with approved used Triumphs in July. Not a bad way to celebrate summer, really?

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