GIVI Magazine - Novembre 2015

ENGLISH TEXT EXCHANGE OF FAVOURS GIVI GOES TO GERMANY, AS OFFICIAL EXHIBITOR AT THE BMW MOTORRAD DAYS. THE BMW GS CLUB RECIPROCATES DURING A TOUR ACROSS THE ALPS WITH A VISIT TO OUR PRODUCTION LINE IN FLERO (BRESCIA, ITALY). BMWMOTORRAD DAYS T his year GIVI marks its fifth presence at the Garmish BMWMOTORRAD DAYS in Germany, but in a certain sense it was like a baptism. We use this expression because GIVI’s stand was welcomed for the first time inside the exposition. An ‘official’ recognition from BMWMOTORRAD for which we are honoured. And if this doesn’t seem like much, we assure you that very few ma- nage to enter the main door. This event, which is in its 15th edition, has reached unthinkable levels for a mono-brand meeting. The exhibitors are usually historical partners of BMW and the orga- nization goes well beyond the concept of similar mono-brand Biker meetings, with a typical Ger- man efficiency in the use of time and resources. This year the only glitch was the excessive heat. Even though Garmish is at 800 metres above sea level, the average temperature of around 40° favoured only the people tapping the excellent and ever-present German beer. Double grandstands and a mega-screen in the show area, where the official stuntman Chris Pfiffer put on a splendid show every two hours, jumping from his F800R to the full-optional GS1200Adventure, to the six-cylinder GT1600 to the C600 electric scooter. With him was Russ Swift, performing his stunts on 4 wheels with a team of Mini Coopers. The most impressive aspect of this event is the variety of nationalities present: at our stand we received clients from all of Europe, Russia, Chile, Argentina, Korea, Japan, USA, Canada… BMW enthusiasts who arrived in Europe, Germany, Garmish, exclusively for the ‘Motorrad Days’. In total, between fans and riders, over 40-thousand people were present. Italians? A lot. We like to remember the nice couple who arrived on a GS from Sicily: 2,500 kilometres (times 2) so as not to miss the 2015 edition. There was also a rich lottery, which anyone could sign up for, with a brand-new R1200GS LC as prize. The three GSs with the most kilometres were also given a prize (apparently the first one had more than 400-thousand kilometres). Interest in GIVI’s collection remained high during all the three days of the fair. What was appre- ciated most at our stand were the dedicated technical accessories and the range of soft bags, without forgetting the helmets. The fantastic BMW stand, on two floors, im- mersed visitors in an international motorbike exhibition atmosphere: all models were present, a constantly under siege merchandising area, a refreshment area and an interesting area for show bikes: few lucky people managed to reach the grand terrace overlooking the exhibition area. The crowd followed closely also the test drives, which could be done with any model and on diffe- rent routes, off-road included. Amongst the peo- ple who never miss an edition, we would like to re- member the great 83-year-old biker, with his white beard and typical Tyrolean dress and a fantastic vintage R45 (apparently he has an enviable collec- tion of boxers), who posed for many photographs right in front of GIVI’s stand. Another impressive figure is the number of tuning components for the GS range exhibited at Garmish. In this edition the Nine T model did well, a model that seems to have been conceived to be customised. A great show was offered (for free: take note, Italian organisers) at the Motodrom, known as the ‘Wall of Death’, in which the Motorellos, four fearless guys with a 50’s look, rode on the vertical wall vehicles we wouldn’t even use to go to the local pub. The Motodrom in Garmish is the oldest still working (it was built in 1928). We recognised an Indian, presumably from the 40’s, a Honda CB, a single cylinder model taken from bicycle track races and a sort of car similar to those little tin models of the 50’s. A breath-taking show, even with these strange vehicles. In the late afternoon, with the stands closed, the BMW enthusiasts moved to the refreshment areas, leaving behind the deafening sound of the various aftermarket exhausts, in favour of the captions rock sound of the groups on stage. From here onwards the atmosphere heated up, making everybody forget how tiring the day had been. Basically a nice quiet mountain village every year, for three days, is peacefully invaded by di- sciplined bikers who share their passion for the brand. If you own a BMW do not miss the 2016 edition. And come see us at our stand! THE BMWGS CLUB VISIT Friday the 10th July we had the pleasure to host at our GIVI headquarters a large group of German bikers of the BMW GS CLUB. The visit happened thanks to the initiative of Patric Janke, responsible for the German GIVI branch. Some months before Patric had learned from the organiser of the GS CLUB (of which he is a member) that during the summer the group would have probably participated in a tour to the border between Liguria and France (LGKS Tour - Ligurische Grenzkammstrasse). The first stop of the trip was going to be Brescia: a fantastic opportunity to present an invitation to visit GIVI. THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE LGKS TOUR A large group of bikers, coming from various German cities, met in Monaco and from there left for Italy. There were couples riding together, people riding alone, some used a van, using the bike only for certain parts of the journey. There was also a woman rider, tough-looking and with excellent riding skills! The average age was between 45 and 50: a range that well reflects the German bike world, where the passion for motorbikes belongs to people of a certain age. Common characteristic: super-accessorised BMW bikes, the desire for adventure and an unexpected warm friendli- ness. The meeting in GIVI went very well. After being greeted, the group went on a guided tour of the various departments: from R&D to the helmet test labs, to prototyping… to the production units for plastic and metal. There was a lot of interest, especially for the various phases of the working and development of the components used to assemble the accessories. Everybody expressed their marvel for the organisation of the company and for the involvement and passion they saw. The day ended at the dinner table, preceded by a visit to a wine maker in Franciacorta. 1) THE 2015 EDITION OF THIS FANTASTIC EVENT HAS FINALLY OFFICIALLY “VALIDATED” US. EVERYTHING WENT PERFECTLY: A LOT OF PEOPLE AT OUR STAND, A STRONG INTEREST FOR OUR TECHNICAL PRODUCTS, AMAZEMENT OF BMW USERS FACED WITH THE RANGE OF ACCESSORIES THAT GIVI HAS CREATED AND PRODUCED FOR THEIR BIKES. 2) ON THE PREVIOUS PAGE, THE ARRIVAL OF THE BMW GS CLUB AT GIVI’S HEADQUARTERS, AND THE VISIT AT THE HELMET THES LAB. IN THIS PAGE THE GROUP OF BIKERS FOLLOWS A PART OF THE PRODUCTION PROCESS. DURING THE FOLLOWING DAYS, APART FROM THE MANY EMAILS OF THANKS, WE RECEIVED A BEAUTIFUL POSTCARD SIGNED BY EVERYBODY, SENT FROM ONE OF THE STAGES OF THE TOUR (FONTANABLE LODGE). REPORT ByMario Frati andMonica Di Paolo – Photos byMario Frati Givi Magazine Novembre 2015 - reportage 25