2009 Birel Line up

[Alex Grandahl]

Just wondering if anyone knows anything about next years models? When are they coming out etc?

[Garry Lobaugh]

No choices have been made yet as to what they will build for 2009.

I do have a new prototype shifter that has just arrived, however, it most likely will not be the final production.

The earliest we will see what they look like is Nov1st. Orders will be processed in order of receipt at the factory. Any new models will have to be flown into this country and most likely we will not see anything before December 15th.

All of this is subject to change based on perceived dealer attitudes for the new models and their needs. Please let your dealer know of your needs.
Garry

[Alex Grandahl]

Thanks Gary
I was just wondering.
Also on an unrelated topic, I talked to you over the phone on friday about Running Stars ICC next year. Any word yet on whether or not your running it next year? What about the Florida Winter Tour? Are you running ICC there?

Thanks again and sorry Im being a pain in the ass.
Alex

[Garry Lobaugh]

WE are running WKA, Florida Winter Tour, the MRP Super Rotax Series inSouth Bend for 2009.

There is no information on the Stars program for next year. I can not discuss what I do not know. Thanks for asking.

[Garry Lobaugh]

2 new 2009 prototypes arrived. A dealer failed to claim them. If interested, let me know.

[Alex Grandahl]

Gary,
I might be interested. Whats the difference between the 08s and the 09 protos? How much? Could you post a couple of pics?

Thanks for let me know.
Regards
Alex

[Garry Lobaugh]

I don't have a chance to take photos as we are waiting for a dealer payment for the two remaining karts. I don't want to open the boxes. Once the new models are prepared for release in late 2008, Birel will produce official photos. Sorry.

The two karts remain un paid at the moment, so we will sell them to first buyers. Just call Steve 269 756 9133 and he will organize a sale through your local approved exclusive Birel stocking dealer.

[Marc Miller]

Alex & All,

Each season we do a factory visit and prepare a marketing campaign and new product launch for the upcoming year. We will be making this visit late in October and by mid-November have some product release information for the 2009 model line-up, including any updates, changes, new freeline product updates, etc.

Be patient.

Also keep in mind that the 2008 models are incredible examples of chassis that will remain competitive for years to come and we have them in stock now. 2009 materials will filter in slower over the next few months.

[Brian Jespersen]

Hi all fellow birel people.

I know we are supposed to be patient about the 2009 birel models, but I was just wondering if you guys at MRP could just lift the lid to pandoras box just a smidge

Will the cik 08 bodywork continue in 2009, or if something new is coming along.

[Garry Lobaugh]

Our staff will be leaving this weekend to visit the factory. I would expect the Birel web site to announce the new products first. We will be hosting a dealer demo at the Anderson track( Tampa area) in early December. The introduction of the new Birel products will be on display for the first time at the PRI show.

If you have specific questions, then please contact your local Birel dealer and they can communicate directly with me. I have not seen any photos or descriptions of the new models. Thanks for asking.

[Roberto Castro]

This is what a friend in Europe told me about the 2009 Birels:

- Beside the new additional name S1, the models offer numerous technical changes
- The chassis will have the names RY31/CRY31, RY30 / CRY30 and RY32 / CRY32
- S1 models are equipped with the CX brake system and a new brake disc
- New 25 mm stub axle (up to now 17 mm)
- Footrests and exhaust holders for the classes KF
- New homologated bodywork that offers weight savings of 1.1 to 1.3 kilos

I can't wait to see the Birel 2009 products.

Roberto

[Garry Lobaugh]

If any viewer is interested in making an advance purchase of the above mentioned karts, please contact your dealer with your choices. We have a special incentive for all dealers at this time for making such an advance order. Our shipment will leave soon.

Any advance photos or details will only be available from Birel and not MRP under contract of law. I would say the Birel web site will be the first official announcement as karts are not produced until November 1st.

[Chris Lobaugh]

Some of the information on Roberto's post is accurate while some of it is not. As stated earier on this thread Birel will make the official announcement first. We have been in contact with the factory and it is truly not our intention to keep anyone in the dark but please consider that the homolgation process is not as easy as one would think or expect. The official announcement (including photos) is just around the corner.

[Roberto Castro]

Garry / Chris:

I am sorry if I created any problems. It was not my intention.

I look forward for the official announcement from Birel.


Regards,


Roberto

[Garry Lobaugh]

Thank you for your enthusiasm Roberto. I know you mean no harm. The problem we have here is that the karts are not released until the homologation is accepted by the CIK officials. For us to make an advance official statement from MRP would get me in trouble. In addition what we have learned is that the text may be miss leading some times. For example in the above post, the pod design is not changing. But the weight is being reduced. I have emailed all dealers today the text of the release we have from Birel.
Each customer may visit their dealer and discuss the new models and the information posted. I'm sure Marc and Chris will update us while they are in Italy next week.
Thanks for all of your support Roberto.

Rotax clothing just arrived, please call to confirm the products and sizes you wanted.

[Roberto Castro]

Garry:


Thanks, I will call this week.


Regards,


Roberto

[Chris Lobaugh]

No harm no foul. As Garry stated thanks for your enthusiasm...it's nice to be associated with people that are as passionate about the sport and the Birel product as we are!

[Bill Cary]

I was surprised to see a 2009 Birel Model press release on ekartingnews but nothing in this Forum or on the MRP website to give existing owners more detail????

[Marc Miller]

Hello Bill,

Each year Birel releases their global market chassis release to the market. It usually comes out in broken english and covers just some of the changes for KF/KZ models but not the entire line-up.

Right now (the next 2 days) - we are in the process of hosting our annual dealer meeting to introduce dealers to the models first hand prior to going on display at the PRI show in Orlando. This way all dealers will have first-hand knowledge of each chassis in the line-up to take back to their customer base.

Educating our dealers on our product line is our first step before we make final release of the products to the public. We will attempt to provide more indepth info and more photos once they become completely available.

Thanks for your question. Until then, do you have any specific questions that we can answer for you until this new info is released?

[Bill Cary]

Has there been any noteable changes to the C28 Cadet kart for 2009?

[Garry Lobaugh]

We are working with a prototype kart in conjunction with the factory at the Anderson track in Tampa. Twelve dealers are present to receive training on the new materials. There are slight cosmetic changes that we notice to this test kart. As is usual with the American Specialty karts, the changes will be complete by mid year. What we have learned is that any of the Birel chassis can be made to work. There is nothing significant yet to report in the C28.