Posted: 23 Nov 2009 08:35 AM PST

BMW motorcycles to be equipped with Osram LED fog light sources

Date Announced: 23 Nov 2009

-- Efficient and durable headlamps with OSRAM Joule JFLCF2 LED modules are replacing the conventional halogen-based technology.

OSRAM's highly efficient LED modules are used in fog lights on BMW motorcycles. The modules are very resistant to shocks and vibrations with a lifespan that usually exceeds that of the motorcycle itself. Therefore, headlamps with LEDs need to be maintained far less often than conventional halogen-based lamps.

With just 14 watts of power input per fog light, the LED module is considerably more efficient than the halogen version's 55 watts.

The design of the JFLCF2 modules with integrated lenses ensures ideal fog-light distribution, which guarantees relatively good vision even in thick fog and therefore greater safety for motorcyclists. The area in front of the bike and the edge of the road are illuminated far better. Plus, other road users can see motorcyclists better.

Even motorcycles that were unsuitable for conventional halogen fog lamps due to their battery or wiring can be fitted with the Joule JFLCF2 LED module.

The JFLCF2 modules, a version of the JFL2, are available in series production since November 2009. As they already include lenses, which meet the requirements of the new EU directive ECE R19 F3, they can be integrated into fog lights easily and inexpensively.

The fog lamps can be customised with heat sinks or assembly fixtures and offer customers the possibility of adjusting the design to their needs.

"By using LEDs, customers can develop new and innovative fog lamps within a very short time, which definitely enhance rider safety and are environmentally friendly, as they reduce energy consumption by more than 80 watts per bike compared with the current halogen technology", says Christian Meier, product manager of Joule LED systems.

OSRAM's Automotive Lighting division and the LED specialist OSRAM Opto Semiconductors have jointly developed the Joule JFL2 LED module. Lighting solutions of both companies for the car and motorcycle industry range from individual LEDs to standardised systems such as Joule. The motorcycle fog lights were developed as part of a BMW and OSRAM joint project.

OSRAM's Joule LED modules can also be used in other lighting functions such as dipped and main beams, braking, indicator and reverse lights. The high-performance diodes consume far less energy than conventional car and motorcycle lamps and can be included in new, platform-independent vehicle models.

ABOUT OSRAM
OSRAM is part of Siemens' Industry sector and is one of the world's two leading lighting manufacturers. In FY 2008 (to 30 September 2008) it generated business worth €4.6 billion, of which 88% was in other countries. OSRAM is a high-tech business in the lighting industry – over 65% of its business is in energy-efficient products today. This globally oriented company employs over 43,500 people worldwide, supplies customers in around 150 countries and manufactures at 46 production facilities in 17 countries.

Contact
OSRAM
Lars Stühlen
Tel: +49-89-6213-2597
Fax: +49-89-6213-3457

E-mail: l.stuehlen@osram.com

Web Site: www.osram.com

This content has passed through fivefilters.org.

2010 Kawasaki Mule 610 4X4 XC - UTV Guide

Posted: 23 Nov 2009 03:13 AM PST

Newest Mule Offers Expanded Off-Road Capabilities
After more than 20 years of service, the Mule name has come to define a whole category of hardworking utility vehicles. For 2010, here's an entirely new take on everyone's favorite beast of burden: The Kawasaki Mule^™ 610 4x4 XC appears to have been crossbred with Kawasaki's Teryx™ RUV. Aggressive 26 inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 radial tires mounted on 12-inch wheels give it newfound off-road ability—and a slew of upgrades designed to complement its suddenly more aggressive nature, infuse the new Mule XC with something it's never really been known for: This Mule is cool.
The standard Mule 610 4x4 was nearly unstoppable, but the new 4x4 XC takes that a giant step further. Not only do those burly 26 inch Maxxis tires provide a bunch more traction, their greater width increases the Mule's track by 1.3 inches and their greater height gives the new Mule a full 8.1 inches of ground clearance. To accommodate that new capability, new 1.1 inch longer front and 1.5 inch longer rear suspension help the Mule climb over larger obstacles than ever, while standard skid plates protect vital systems.

To make room for those new tires, the new Mule's front bumper's been kicked forward about 1.2 inches, and while they were at it the Mule team added sporty new graphics—also a new, more comfortable seat covered in a more pliable material, and a smaller-diameter sport steering wheel lifted straight from the Kawasaki Teryx^™.
In spite of its new capabilities and the fact the XC looks like an entirely new vehicle on the outside, you can rest assured that its legendarily reliable and economical drivetrain remains intact on the inside. A durable, 401cc fan-cooled overhead-valve engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) feeds power to all four wheels as needed, and simple, automotive controls mean it couldn't be much easier to operate. An enrichening system partially opens the throttle for easy engine starts, hot or cold, and the Mule can be started in forward (Hi or Lo) or reverse gear, provided the brake pedal is applied. Select 2WD or 4WD, and away you go.
MacPherson strut front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering combine great bump absorption with light handling, and the Mule's mid-engine layout and swingarm rear suspension provide great traction at the rear. An upgraded braking system brings it all to a reliable halt.

Fun as it looks, the XC is all about hard work, with a new special black texture paint applied to its 400-pound capacity tilting bed for even greater long-lasting looks and durability, and 1,100-pound towing capacity that means you can bring whatever you need. Dual cup holders keep thirst at bay when you're on the clock, a capacious glove box can carry more than just gloves, and the front hood pops open to reveal more than 12 gallons-worth of storage. Popular accessories include an enclosed cab, snow plow, winch, and soft or hard tops, available through Kawasaki dealers.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, utility vehicles and recreation utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,475 independent retailers, with an additional 8,000 retailers specializing in Kawasaki power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,300 people in the United States, with 400 of them located at KMC's Irvine, California headquarters.
Kawasaki's tagline, "Let the good times roll.™", is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades. Information about Kawasaki 's complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

This content has passed through fivefilters.org.

Affection for confection - Greater Milwaukee Today

Posted: 23 Nov 2009 02:37 AM PST

Craig Nyholm is gearing up for a busy February. The head of Nyholm Supply, a truck and auto parts supplier in Milwaukee, has a side business making dozens of varieties of candy concoctions.

The Brown Deer resident started tinkering with candy making about four years ago. "I went to the store to buy some candy for the women in the family and thought, This is really expensive," he recalls. Seeing slabs of chocolate, he figured he could make his own creations and set out to prove that he could. Nyholm now has 13 flavors for his fillings and numerous molds for making specialty items.

Word spread about Nyholms candy talents and now hes kept busy supplying goodies for corporate gift boxes, receptions, parties and weddings, including happily getting the order for the September nuptials of his youngest daughter, Carrie.

"I get a call and its hard to say no," Nyholm indicates of this growing side business, which he calls Heavenly Treasures. He even has a patent pending on a chocolate sauce that remains soft when it is poured over ice cream. "I have three flavors: Avalanche, Mudslide and Im thinking of maybe Quicksand in keeping with the disaster theme. Thats the one with caramel," he says.

Nyholm is also part-time chef at the White Birch Inn near the yacht club in Door Countys Sturgeon Bay. Its here that Nyholm also works on his candy making, each creation more sinfully wonderful than the next.

"Valentines Day, of course, is a big time for me. I make a lot of hearts," Nyholm says, who, incidentally, is not a big chocolate eater himself.

He regularly leaves chocolate items for guests in their rooms at the White Birch Inn, which are certainly more-than-the-mere-mint-on-the-pillow toss aways. In addition, the Piggly Wiggly store in Jackson and another outlet in Sturgeon Bay are stocking his wares. And without a doubt, Nyholms automotive clients love when he drops by with samples. For more details about Heavenly Treasures, call (414) 699-9675.

This content has passed through fivefilters.org.