2001 Kawasaki Motorcycle Ninja 500 Owners Manual P/n 99987-1033 (672) on 2040-parts.com

BMW looks to patent seven-speed lockout manual transmission

The intrepid Bimmerphiles over at www.e90post.com have uncovered a few drawings from BMW's latest patent request. The drawing shows a new transmission linkage and what looks to be a seven-speed manual transmission. Like the new Porsche 911, the BMW gear shifter has six gears in standard H pattern, with a seventh gear out to the right.

Ian Callum’s Jaguar Mark 2 goes in to limited production – costs from £350,000

Ian Callum’s Jaguar Mark 2 goes in to limited production Jaguar designer Ian Callum has worked with Classic Motor Cars Limited (CMC) for more than a year to produce his perfect Jaguar Mark 2, and it’s been so well-received it’s going in to limited production. Still looking like a Jaguar MK II – but with a few modern twists – Ian’s car gets integrated bumpers for a smoother look, louvres on the front wings, a set of split-rim wire wheels, an upgraded 4.3 litre XK engine, five-speed manual ‘box, upgraded suspension and brakes and a new interior. To our eyes, the whole car looks incredibly homogeneous and not at all like the ruination of a classic, and that seems to be the feeling of Jaguar lovers round the world.

Commute times increasing

COMMUTING times are starting to creep up after falling back during the recession, a new study has shown. Research by the TUC union revealed that men in their early 40s spend longest getting to and from work, at an average of more than 67 minutes a day. Commute times for women peak in their late 20s at 54 minutes and then start to fall as they get older, said the report.