LAVERTY LOOKING FORWARD TO OPENING TEST ON TYCO BMW

Tyco BMW Rider Blog – Michael Laverty

With the first test just around the corner [tomorrow morning in Spain!] with my new team for 2015, Tyco BMW, I thought I would give you all a quick update and say hello to all our new and loyal supporters.

The off season is usually a quiet time for riders but to be honest it has been both a busy and exciting winter for me: signing my contract to join the Tyco BMW team brought a huge amount of satisfaction and allowed me to enjoy a fantastic wedding and honeymoon stress free.

Upon returning from honeymoon I was almost immediately back onboard a bike as the Tyco BMW guys have kindly allowed me to work as a test rider in MotoGP during my free time. It’s great for bike fitness and keeping me sharp, as you just cannot compete with bike miles in the gym.

I really enjoy the technical side of bike development and I look forward to getting my teeth into the BMW, but by all accounts the guys in Munich have taken care of a lot of the groundwork, as the BMW S1000RR is a road bike built for the track.

You will probably have seen the new Tyco BMW colour scheme; I think it looks awesome. We launched the new bike at the MCN show in London, and it was my first time in the new blue and white uniform, which also looks very sharp.

Team Manager Philip Neill’s endless hours labouring over designs and layouts has certainly paid off and I hope all you guys patiently waiting for the clothing to go on sale are as happy with the end product as I am.

I’ve also signed a new agreement for 2015 to wear Oxford products race equipment from head to toe; that means I’m wearing HJC helmets which have been beautifully painted by Rich-art designs, Oxford’s own leathers, specifically the new RP-1 suit and Alpinestars’ boots.

I love all my new kit as the quality is superb and it looks cool, although having an in house designer on hand in the form of my new wife Jodi has definitely made life easier when sorting out the helmet and suit designs.

I was in the Eurosport studio last month for the opening round of World Superbike alongside Matt Roberts and Shakey, and what and opening round it was – edge of the seat stuff for the win in both races.

I enjoy being the pundit for a change as it is relatively easy to sit there and talk about something you love. Matt Roberts has the tough job in there keeping everything flowing smoothly and hitting his cue points. Myself and Shakey have just got to answer the questions he fires our way, which is fun.

That’s about all I have to report for now. I’m raring to go and looking forward to sampling the BMW power this week in Spain. I shall report back upon my return with the initial impressions of the new S1000RR.

Cheers

Michael