Matthew “Bushy” McKelvey Breaks World Record

A Record-breaking achievement

Recently, SMG BMW Motorrad Umhlanga was privileged to be involved in the World Record breaking moment of inspiration from BMW Motorrad rider, Matthew “Bushy” McKelvey, at the Phakisa oval in Welkom. Bushy broke the world record for the longest distance covered on a motorbike in 24 hours- 3477kms, a record he reclaimed after holding it in 2014.

Riding a BMW S1000 XR, Bushy, a bilateral amputee from Pietermaritzburg, added over 67km to the previous world record of American Carl Reese, who held the record for almost 5 years. McKelvey, who turns 60 in February, set his latest record the hard way, fighting centrifugal forces at an average speed of over 170 km/h around the short 2,5km Phakisa oval. In comparison, the previous record was set on a 13,7km oval with a gentle 1.7km radius which allows for considerably more speed.

This amazing achievement also had a greater purpose. McKelvey used the record attempt to raise funds for the Grand Lodge of SA’s one million meals for children initiative.

SMG BMW Motorrad Umhlanga is proud to have partnered with Bushy on this extraordinary achievement. It truly is an ‘SMG Inspired’ moment.

Adventure for the ears.

Ride and Talk – the BMW Motorrad Podcast.

From moving interviews to exciting stories. Our BMW Motorrad Podcast is all about the best bikes and the people that ride them. Exciting personalities from the world of motorcycling take you with them as they tell you about their experiences. The following is about small adventures on your doorstep and great journeys of discovery in far away places. Listen in and come along.

Our podcast is an attitude for life – anywhere, anytime. Episodes of our podcast give you regular exclusive glimpses of and insider stories from the world of BMW Motorrad. Click through the episodes to learn more, either directly on the web page or using another player of your choice.

 

WEITERE PLAYER

 

Deezer – For iOS & Android devices.

 

Google Podcast. – For iOS devices.

 

Itunes. – For iOS devices.

 

Spotify. For iOS & Android devices.

Best BMW Motorrad Days ever!

They came, they saw, they enjoyed the World of BMW Motorrad.

From‚ first-timers‘ to familiar annual visitors, their destination remained the same: the southern Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the BMW Motorrad Days 2019. For some, it was a journey made every year since 2001 to reunite with motorcycling friends; for others it was their first sight of the biggest and best BMW motorcycle festival in existence. Whatever the reasons for visiting, they were not disappointed, as the BMW Motorrad community again united – as it does every year on the first weekend in July – to celebrate the joy of simply riding their BMW Motorrad bikes and to participate in the action-packed and fun-filled weekend that takes place every summer for fans of this special motorcycle brand.

 

 


 

R nineT /5 pays homage to a 50-year-old dream machine R 75/5.

It’s hard to believe it’s half a century since BMW Motorrad rolled out its /5 series of dramatic new models. And judging by all the cool /5 photos posted on the brand’s social media channels, there are many dedicated owners out there. So it was with great pleasure that BMW Motorrad Days was able to host the unveiling of the amazing R nineT /5 special model in the main event arena. Judging by the reaction, this all-new beauty could be around for at least another 50 years!

 

 


 

Just let it drift!

New for 2019 was Alex Le Marseillais with his unique Motorcycle Drift Show. We’ve all seen BMW S 1000 RRs speeding around the racetracks of the world in the Superbike World Championship, but what Alex was able to do with his RR in the confined space of the main event arena, was a spectacle to behold – especially the knee-down limbo! Spinning, smoking, drifting – whatever you choose to call it, we hope that he has a really good sponsorship deal with a tyre manufacturer. Check out the photos of the talented Frenchman on the slide!

 

 


 

As high as a kite – but upside down!

Back by popular demand were the freestyle motocross riders who literally stole the show with their breathtaking FMX displays. What these boys can do with a lightweight ‘crosser and a ramp is beyond most of us mere mortals but it was great fun to watch the fearless young riders showboating to the crowds and enjoying some serious ‘air-time’ – without a foam pit in sight! Bravery beyond words is just one way to describe their performances in the main event arena.

Team South Africa

The participants in the Int. GS Trophy 2020.

Team South Africa is probably one of the strongest in the field of the Int. GS Trophy. They started to participate back in 2012, scored the second place in the leaderboard in 2014 and took the trophy home two times in a row in 2016 and 2018. That’s why BJ Vosloo (34), Brandon Jason Grimsted (20) and Cobus Theron (28) are very eager to defend the front position in the 2020 edition. BJ Vosloo is an industrial architect and project manager from Cape Town. Brandon Jason Grimsted from Fouriesburg works as a commercial driver and Cobus Theron, who lives in Tulbagh, is a farmer.

BJ Vosloo

What do you expect from the Int. GS Trophy 2020?

Participating in the GS Trophy has been one of my biggest dreams since I got introduced to the concept. Sharing the passion with so many like-minded people, making new lifelong friends and unforgettable memories along the way, experiencing different cultures and landscapes, a once in a lifetime opportunity, and being able to do this on the back of a motorcycle. I expect the Int. GS Trophy 2020 event to challenge myself and my team, but to give me the opportunity to truly take in every meter ridden in an unfamiliar country and spread the joy why each and every rider should not let an opportunity like this pass them by. We only live once; I chose to live it one ride at a time.

What will be your greatest challenge at the Int. GS Trophy 2020?

I believe the greatest challenge will be not to forget to enjoy the moment. The Int. GS Trophy journey is most definitely not easy. It takes hard work, massive determination and an attitude not to forget about your goals set to yourself. You have to be willing to sacrifice some things in life to achieve great things. Every rider that has qualified in the past will know this. Although we all have the same goal in mind, we tend to forget that we’ve all come this far, we won’t stop training, we won’t stop pushing boundaries, but we will also not stop making memories whilst having an incredible amount of fun. Note to self: “Don’t forget to Make Life A Ride.”

Why will your team win the Int. GS Trophy 2020?

We have massive shoes to fill taking the history of Team South Africa in the Int. GS Trophy events referring to 2016 and 2018. As a team we’ve been really privileged to not only have some of the gnarliest terrain ride, but we also have some, if not the best instructors and past Int. GS Trophy Champions at our disposal. We all battle it out individually to be selected as the top three riders of our respective countries, but we immediately after qualifying realised we have an incredibly strong and diverse Team. There’s no “I” in Team, but there is one in “WIN”. We have amazing support back home and we intend to let the “Spirit of GS” guide us in our training, efforts and commitment. The eagerness of the team is what will allow us to bring the trophy home.

 


 

Brandon Jason Grimsted

What made you want to learn how to ride a motorbike?

From a young age I have been lucky enough to have parents who have always pushed, supported and motivated me in whatever I pursue, motorbikes included. With my dad being a BMW instructor, he taught me everything I know and was a huge inspiration for me to start my journey as a GS trophy rider.

Complete the sentence: “For me, a week without my motorbike …”

… is a week gone to waste.

What do you expect from the Int. GS Trophy 2020? 

I look forward to completely submerging myself in a new culture and being able to challenge myself and push my skills and abilities to new heights, all whilst exploring the incredibly beautiful and diverse terrain that New Zealand has to offer.

 


 

Cobus Theron

What does the “Spirit of GS” mean to you?

A few years ago, it didn’t have the meaning that it does today after getting involved with the trophy and the closer GS community. For me, in the true spirit we share our passion for GS and allow it to take us places new and old and Make Life a Ride!

What made you want to learn how to ride a motorbike?  

As I grew up on a farm, it was a mode of daily transport. I started riding at a young age but always wanted to broaden my horizons. I like the fact that all of your senses are activated while riding.

What will be your greatest challenge at the Int. GS Trophy 2020?

I don’t get the time to ride for eight days straight at home so I will have to pace myself to perform up until the last day.

Close

What are you looking for?

Choose from one of our four categories below.

Next

What is your budget?

Select a minimum and maximum amount to set your budget range.

View by:

next

What is the type of car?

Select which car type you are looking for below

next

What type of transmission?

Select which type of transmission you would prefer below.

next

New or pre-owned car?

Choose from the options below.

next

What brand of car?

Select a brand from the drop-down options below.

next

Select a year car model & mileage.

Choose what year model and mileage you are looking for.

Maximum Mileage:

Year Model:

next

Add any extra preferences.

Feel free to select from the additional preference options below if desired.

Drive Type:

Fuel Type:

Colour:

Find my car
Close

Book A Service

Complete the form below to schedule your service today.

"*" indicates required fields

Vehicle Details*

DD slash MM slash YYYY
Close

Book A Panel & Paint Repair

"*" indicates required fields

DD slash MM slash YYYY
Close

Sell My Car

"*" indicates required fields

Close
Close

MINI Service Special

Complete the form below to schedule your service today.

"*" indicates required fields

Close

MINI Motorplan Special

"*" indicates required fields

Vehicle Details*

DD slash MM slash YYYY
Close

BMW Service Special

Complete the form below to schedule your service today.

"*" indicates required fields

Vehicle Details*

DD slash MM slash YYYY
Close

BMW Motorplan Special

"*" indicates required fields

Vehicle Details*

DD slash MM slash YYYY
Close

Search our site

Close
Close

Coming Soon!

Exciting things are on the horizon! Our Lifestyle Shop is almost here, bringing you a curated collection of unique and stylish products designed to elevate your everyday living.

Close