BMW OWNERS NEWS – A PUBLICATION OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE OWNERS OF AMERICA
MARCH 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS www.bmwmoa.org
MARCH 2016
www.firstgear-usa.com
www.touratech-usa.com
Table of Contents features
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Riding with the Mrs. By Herb Haigh #79166 It can be hard for a motorcycle guy to find a good wife. Herb Haigh found one who understands that motorcycles are the only avenue to sanity.
my therapist's initials are gs By Tom Larson #202198 Statistics say 22 veterans take their own lives every day with depression, anxiety, loss of camaraderie and loss of purpose a few of the reasons. The mission of the Motorcycle Relief Project is to use motorcycles to help veterans take meaningful steps toward recovery.
ON THE COVER: The Pyrenees Mountains of southern France provide the backdrop as Paul Guillien plots a course north to Germany. Photo by Bill Wiegand #180584.
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BMW OWNERS NEWS  March 2016
The BMW MOA and MOATM are trademarks of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America.
the club 4 Owners News Contributors 8 Headlight 2016 looking great, by Bill Wiegand 10 President's Column Spring is coming, by Chuck Manley 12 Shiny Side Up Little bike, big lessons, by Ron Davis 14 Picture This Favorite Ride 16 Rider to Rider Letters from the membership 20 10 Questions for the Board, by Reece Mullins 26 2016 MOA Getaway planner 28 A Grandfather's legacy, by John Letteney Member tested/ product news 30 Weego jump starter battery pack, The
Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles, Touratech Extreme rear shocks, AltRider SYNCH dry bag
40 B MW MOA Rally Online Registration is now open, Deer Screamer gets animals attention, BMW names as the company with the best worldwide reputation, Michelin Anakee Wild tires finally here, Motorcycle Express offers discount to MOA members, Klim updates Adventure Rally jacket and pants, Jack Riepe not dead yet, Sisters’ Centennial Ride set for July
tech 50 Keep ‘em Flying
The Mexico Bike and Las Vegas auctions,
by Matthew Parkhouse
54 I just needed an oil change, by Wes Fleming 58 Air and fuel system blues, Part Two, by Ken Tuvman
discovery 62 Adventure Log The Baja Kerfuffle, by Shawn Thomas 64 Long Distance Style Carpe Diem, in your garage, by Deb Gasque
skills 88 Ride Well A first aid kit for motorcycle touring, by Marven Ewen
92 Ask a Pro Determining the best bike for you, by Lee Parks
lifestyle 96 Flashback A look back at our MOA history 98 Rally Review The 40th Falling Leaf Rally, by Larry Floyd
events 104 Welcome to Hamburg! 106 Calling all RVers, RV registration is open 108 Canadian beauty is just minutes away from the rally site 112 When and Where Places to go and things to see 119 Advertiser Index 120 Talelight
March 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS
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the club
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CONTRIBUTORS 1 . Ron Davis has been a rider, off and on, for about 40 years. Over that period, he’s also squeezed in a full time career teaching high school and university classes in writing, photography and publishing while also working as a social media writer for the tourism industry in northwest Ontario and Associate Editor for BMW Owners News. His writing has been featured by BMW Owners News, BMW Motorcycle Magazine and The National Writing Project, and his essays, sometimes on motorcycling, can be heard regularly on Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Wisconsin Life.” His recently completed novel for young adults, Sachem Summer, is about love, trout fishing and a BMW R 50/2. 2. Marven Ewen has been riding motorcycles since 1986 and has been an MOA member since 2007. He currently rides an R 1200 RT and a Triumph Street Triple. He is a Family Physician in Minnesota with more than 20 years of experience, including emergency medicine, and is also medical director of Allied Medical Training, an EMT training school. 3. Kas Stone is a professional photographic artist based in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia. Her portfolio includes an extensive list of publications, exhibitions and national awards, with two wilderness adventure guidebooks and a feature profile in Outdoor Photography Canada magazine. Although her cycling is typically of the self-propelled variety, she sometimes finds herself gazing longingly at passing motorcycles during
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BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
the uphill segments of her travels. Visit Kas and learn more at www.kasstone.ca. 4. Shawn Thomas has worked for many years in the motorcycle industry and is currently a rider coach and guide for RawHyde Adventures as well as a trainer for BMW Motorrad. While Thomas lives in California with his wife, daughter and son, his work takes him across the globe and the stories he brings back with him are priceless. 5. D eb Gasque, also known as “The Fashionista,” has been a licensed motorcyclist for 6 years and has embraced every aspect of the long distance motorcycling lifestyle, including earning a membership into the Iron Butt Association. Deb recently joined the ranks of motojournalism and enjoys sharing her passion for two-wheeled adventures through published articles and her blog page at www.TheFashionistaHasAn IronButt.com. 6. Lee Parks has been riding motorcycles since the age of 12 and finds his greatest joy in sharing the motorcycling experience with family and friends. This passion eventually led him to work in the motorcycle industry. Parks has an extensive racing background, has worked as the editorial director of Motorcycle Consumers News and founded Lee Parks Design in 2001 to create innovative products and services to help riders achieve “better living through motorcycling” and help companies better serve their customers.
www.maxbmw.com
At the beach
Paul Guillien of Seattle, Washington, surveys the sun-baked pebbles creating the shoreline near the Spanish city of Moncofa, just north of Valencia on the Mediterranean Sea. Photo by Bill Wiegand #180584
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BMW OWNERS NEWS  March 2016
March 2016  BMW OWNERS NEWS
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headlight Magazine of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America MANAGING EDITOR
Bill Wiegand bill@bmwmoa.org
2016 looking great By Bill Wiegand #180584
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Ron Davis • Wes Fleming • Joe Tatulli ART DIRECTOR
Karin Halker karin@bmwmoa.org CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alisa Clickenger • David Cwi Marven Ewen • Deb Gasque Chris “Teach” McNeil • Lee Parks Matthew Parkhouse • Jack Riepe Shirley and Brian Rix • Shawn Thomas ADVERTISING
Advertising materials, including chartered club rally display advertising, should be sent to our Advertising Office. Please contact Chris Hughes for display rates, sizes and terms. Chris Hughes chris@bmwmoa.org 11030 North Forker Road, Spokane, WA 99217 509-921-2713 (p) 509-921-2713 (f ) BMW MOTORCYCLE OWNERS OF AMERICA
640 S. Main Street, Ste. 201 Greenville, SC 29601 864-438-0962 (p) 864-250-0038 (f )
Submissions should be sent to the BMW MOA office or editor@bmwmoa.org. Submissions accepted only from current members of the BMW MOA and assume granting of first serial publication rights within and on the BMW MOA website and use in any future compendium of articles. No payments will be made and submissions will not be returned. The BMW MOA reserves the right to refuse, edit or modify submissions. Opinions and positions stated in materials/articles herein are those of the authors and not by the fact of publication necessarily those of BMW MOA; publication of advertising material is not an endorsement by BMW MOA of the advertised product or service. The material is presented as information for the reader. BMW MOA does not perform independent research on submitted articles or advertising. Change of address notification and membership inquiries should be made to the BMW MOA office or membership@bmwmoa.org. BMW MOA membership is $40/yr. and includes the BMW Owners News, which is not available separately. Each additional family member is $10 without a subscription. Canadian members add $12 for postal surcharge. The BMW MOA and MOA™ are trademarks of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America.
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BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
I’M EXCITED ABOUT THE 2016 RIDING SEASON.
From a personal perspective, it’ll be the first full year on the S 1000 XR I bought last fall and have been making uniquely mine. I’ve added a tinted windshield, high HP seat, heavy bar weights, oil cooler and radiator protection, removed the passenger pegs and added a new exhaust hanger holding an Akrapovic exhaust. Other than the seat, I guess the other additions were aesthetic, but like other motorcyclists facing a similar affliction, it’s a difficult condition to explain and impossible for a non-riding spouse to understand. With apologies to Christopher Walken and Saturday Night Live, I’ve got the fever and the only prescription is more farkles. I’m not sure what forum I was reading where the question was asked, “I don’t understand, why do you all buy a perfectly good motorcycle and constantly feel the need to change it?” A good question to which the best answer was simply, “Motorcycles are a blank canvas and by accessorizing, customizing and farkling, we create something uniquely our own, reflecting our personality, character and passion.” Until I read that, I’d never seen the addiction explained so succinctly. Be it custom carbon fiber covering the catalytic convertor on a K 1600 GT, HP rearsets on an S 1000 RR or a new seat on any motorcycle BMW builds, our bikes will always be works in progress. Unfinished masterpieces constantly evolving to look better, ride better and run better. By labeling this need to constantly tinker and tweak as a seemingly incurable addiction, the disease is raised to a higher level of behavior disorders on the long list of unexplainable human behavior. For the MOA, 2016 promises great things as well. Our 44th BMW MOA Rally in Hamburg, N.Y., promises to be one of our best ever. Located just minutes from Buffalo, the area offers fantastic geographical, historical and cultural opportunities for everyone to enjoy and explore. Then there are the roads. Day rides can take you north into Canada, east toward the Finger Lakes or south toward Pennsylvania on roads that wind through geography carved by glaciers long since gone. With an average July temperature of 80 degrees, Hamburg promises the heat will not be what you remember from this rally. In addition to the MOA Rally, the events committee has been busy this winter and currently has eight MOA Getaways planned. Not only do the venues include bucket-list areas like the Tail of the Dragon near Fontana Dam, N.C., and the scenic glacial lakes surrounding Bracebridge, Ont., but the natural beauty and great roads of Arkansas, Kentucky, Idaho, Utah, Wisconsin and Texas. These long weekend, get-togethers offer another great opportunity for all of us to get out and ride and share our common passion for everything BMW Motorrad. While riding BMWs is typically the first thing you think about when discussing the MOA, the governance of our organization is equally important. 2016 is also a Board election year with four Board positions open. To get to know the candidates, an election forum in the Clubhouse area of the forum will be available for all members to ask the candidates questions regarding the future they see for the MOA. Ballots will be available in the April issue of Owners News and this election represents an important opportunity for all of us to make our voices heard and have a hand in the future of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America. 2016 is going to be memorable and just as soon as that snow melts, I’m hitting the road!
www.bmwmotorcycles.com
PRESIDENTSCOLUMN
Spring is coming OUR MISSION
To foster communication and a sense of family among BMW motorcycle enthusiasts BMW MOA OFFICERS
Chuck Manley, President 309-825-8445; cmanley@bmwmoa.org Jackie Hughes, Vice President 509-928-3261; jhughes@bmwmoa.org Wes Fitzer, Treasurer 918-441-2114; jwfitzer@yahoo.com Muriel Farrington, Secretary 802-295-6511; mfarrington@bmwmoa.org BMW MOA DIRECTORS
Greg Feeler 208-376-5137; gregf@e-moto.org Vance Harrelson 205-621-1682; weridebmw@bellsouth.net Stan Herman 719-250-4358; hermanhaus1@msn.com Bill Hooykaas 705-329-2683; hooykaas@bmwmoa.org Jean Excell 719-650-6215; jeanexcell@bmwmoa.org E-mail the Full Board - Board@bmwmoa.org BMW MOA VOLUNTEER STAFF
Steve Brunner, Mileage Contest Coordinator 910-822-4368, steveb@bmwmoa.org Tom Pemberton, Rider Education Coordinator 425-226-3575, coyotewp@comcast.net Jim Heberling, High Mileage Coordinator 309-530-1951, jheberling@bmwmoa.org Karol Patzer, Consumer Liaison karol@bmwmoa.org Deb Lower, Ambassador Liaison 719-510-9452, ldeborah@comcast.net Dutch and Kate Lammers 2016 BMW MOA Rally Chairs 2016rallychair@bmwmoa.org BMW MOTORCYCLE OWNERS OF AMERICA
640 640 S. Main Street, Ste. 201 Greenville, SC 29601
Robert C. Aldridge, Executive Director bob@bmwmoa.org Ted Moyer, Director of Membership & Marketing tedm@bmwmoa.org Ken Engelman, Director of Business Development ken@bmwmoa.org Bill Wiegand, Managing Editor bill@bmwmoa.org
By Chuck Manley #12106 GREETINGS EVERYONE! SPRING OFFICIALLY ARRIVES MARCH 20,
and with its arrival 2016 will be in full bloom. Already 2016 is shaping up to be a year filled with new opportunities, excitement, challenges and unknowns. Will there be a bear market or bull market? Are fuel prices going to remain low? How many rides will you get to experience this year? What new opportunities and challenges will come your way? Member Benefits are opportunities. Have you reviewed the list of MOA benefits and Business Partners lately? Simply go to bmwmoa.org and click on the "Tool Kit" header. The ever growing list of Business Partners is detailed under "Member Discounts," and you will have the opportunity to save money. You'll also have the opportunity to review our Roadside Assistance program, BMW MOA Foundation, Rider Performance University, MOA Anonymous Book, and BMW Dealer locations. Click on the "Connect" header for information about the MOA Forum, Chartered Clubs, MOA Mileage Contest, MOA High Mileage Awards, MOA Awards and Recognition programs, and other social media opportunities. There will be plenty of opportunities for excitement in 2016. Look to the Rally and Events calendar in the Owners News and on the website for an up-to-date listing of activities around the country. Rallies, day rides, dealer open houses, MOA Getaways – there will be more things to do then time will allow. Yes, there will be some challenges and unknowns. 2016 is a MOA Board election year. All members will be challenged in April to cast their ballots for the election of four Directors. Unlike any year since before 2001, there will be no incumbent Directors running for reelection. The April Owners News will profile the candidates and their position statements. I cannot stress enough the importance of your participation in this election, as those elected will set the future course of the MOA for three or more years. If I recall correctly, fewer than 1,500 members voted in the 2014 election. We can and must do better than that in 2016. The most common excuse for not voting that I have heard over the years is "I didn't know anyone running." Our challenge as voters is to thoroughly read and consider candidate position statements. What are their business backgrounds? Do the candidates have business management skills? Have the candidates worked within volunteer organizations in the past? Why do questions like these matter? Understand, most MOA members see and experience only the "club side" of the organization...the Owners News, bmwmoa.org, Member Benefits, Social Media and the like. Keeping all of those things in place is a multi-million dollar a year corporation directed by nine elected board members along with a number of paid staff and contractors. Electing directors with proven business skills is the most important challenge you have as a member in 2016. It is January as I write this column, and the 2016 Candidate Search Committee is busy processing candidate nominations. I'm confident we'll be offered a slate of qualified volunteers willing to serve, and I thank the committee for their efforts. That's all for this month. Thank You for Being a Member!
Karin Halker, Art Director karin@bmwmoa.org Lesa Howard, Membership Services lesa@bmwmoa.org Amanda Faraj, Membership Services amanda@bmwmoa.org Ray Tubbs, Digital Marketing Manager ray@bmwmoa.org
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BMW OWNERS NEWS  March 2016
www.michelinmotorcycle.com
the club 12
shinysideup
Little bike, big lessons By Ron Davis #111820 MY
FIRST
BIKE
was a 1965 Honda S90. Well, sort of an S90. You see, a buddy of mine, Kurt, had taken a standard (and severely abused) Honda and reincarnated it into kind of a hideous ode to the Big Daddy Roth school of design. He had added a three foot sissy bar, ape-hanger handle bars, and a bullet-shaped muffler, discarded the front fender, raked the front end, and spray painted the whole thing in a sparkling purple finish. He sold me the bike and an oily cardboard box of parts for 50 bucks, after his dad (a doctor who had seen his share cycle mishaps and had caught Kurt riding without a license) gave him 24 hours to get the monstrosity off the property. I knew absolutely nothing about motorcycles, but it was the ‘60s, and I thought the bike looked cool. I dreamed it would it would give me celebrity status with girls and a new tier of respect from my friends, though they promptly dubbed it somewhat derisively the “The Chopper 90.” As I said, I knew nothing, but the bike very quickly taught me ten important lessons:
BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
1. O EM is not the enemy. Sissy bars may look cool, but catching your foot on one as you swing your leg over the saddle and falling over the bike (followed by the bike itself) doesn’t. 2. Use your trip counter. Back in 1965 there was no such thing as a fuel gauge on the dixie cup piston-ed Hondas. Though the S90 got nearly 90 miles per gallon (at an astronomical 40 cents per), eventually it would of course run out of
jump start it. Unless there was hill nearby, this led to a series of running starts, usually unsuccessful on the first few tries, due to my forgetting turn on the petcock/turn the key/put the bike in second gear/etc. 4. Carry a kickstand pad. Coming out to the parking lot after a being imprisoned in a sweltering high school classroom all day, about the most discouraging sight I can think of is seeing your bike lying on its side, baking on the soft asphalt in a pool of leaking gasoline. 5. Motorcycles do not necessarily impress girls. See items 1, 2, 3, 4.
gas. There’s something imminently humbling about pushing a dead motorcycle down the highway as everyone you’ve ever known drives by. 3. I will never be a mechanic. One of the biggest mechanical problems on the Chopper 90 was that the kick starter spindle was stripped, and my efforts to correct that (torqueing the clamp until it cracked, inserting homemade spacers, attempting to drill into hardened steel) were pathetic. As a result, frequently the only way to get the bike started was to
6. Wear a helmet. My dad, bless his soul, would only begrudgingly allow me to ride my Honda if I wore the purple flake helmet Kurt had generously thrown in as part of the deal. A lowside while rounding a sandy corner made me consider my dad might not be quite as ignorant as I thought he was. 7. Lights, kind of important. Though Kurt definitely had more mechanical savvy than I did, electrical functions were apparently not a big concern. The tail light shone brightly when the bike wasn’t moving, but often cut out on the road. The brake light worked though, and the nightly rides home from my girlfriend’s involved frantically tapping the brake pedal and redlining the engine in an
attempt to escape the semi that always seemed to be bearing down on me and my nearly invisible bike.
www.machineartmoto.com
8. Mufflers can be hot. I had a buddy named Joe who had lots of mechanical experience. Under the tutelage of his stock car driving brother, he had even completely disassembled and reassembled the engine in his aged Buick Cutlass (though it only ran intermittently after that). When I rode over to his house to get some expert advice on my kickstarter problem, my first move was to grab the muffler. I spent the rest of the day helplessly watching him tinker, my hand in a bowl of ice water. 9. All mechanics are not created equal. When I reached the end of my patience with my kickstarter problem, I finally bit the bullet and rode the bike out to the local Honda dealer. One of their mechanics (maybe a year older than myself) said, “Let’s just weld it!” He then proceeded to lay the bike down on its side and dragged the arc welder over. As gas began to drip onto the garage floor, he flipped down his helmet and began to glob some brass onto the fitting. I casually backed 20 feet out the shop door, finally appreciating the wisdom of Shakespeare’s “Discretion is the better part of valor.” (The weld lasted a day.) 10. Girls Trump Everything. Sometimes the bike actually ran, and miraculously, my girlfriend loved to ride. Though the Honda still had its passenger strap, she would wrap her arms tightly around me and put her chin on my shoulder as we tooled along. Somehow, this made all the inconvenience, all the frustration with mechanical issues, and all the occasional mortification that the Chopper 90 produced more than worth it.
March 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS
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Join the BMW MOA FACEBOOK page today! Get the MOA Newsfeed via Twitter for more BMW and motorcycle news – www.twitter.com/bmwmoa
Picturethis
We asked our online readers to submit their photos showing
Favorite Ride
1 1. T he area near Monument Valley has become one of my favorite places to ride. Steve Barnhill #103656 Little Rock, Arkansas 2. T he Chief Joseph Scenic Byway near Cody, Wyoming. Brian Snyder #180056 Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 3. M y wife’s best princess wave on turn 273 of the Tail of the Dragon during our 88-day retirement ride last September. Kim Dorsing #166192 Vancouver, Washington 4. M y favorite ride was taking the scenic route back to Wisconsin from Billings last summer. This is an early morning view of the Pacific coast south of Gold Beach, Oregon. Leif Dickinson #195592 Kenosha, Wisconsin
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5. D evil’s Golf Course in Death Valley National Park during a ride to Coronado. Eric Edwards #203660 Cincinnati, Ohio
6. S omewhere between Black Hills, South Dakota, and Billings, Montana. Scott Henderson #57031 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
7. One of my favorites taken at Los Andes, Valparaiso, Chile, a pass between Chile and Argentina. Dan Townsley #60829 Orondo, Washington
For May, our Picture This theme is "First Spring Ride." One photo may be submitted per member and the best selected for publication in the BMW Owners News. Send your high resolution image, image description and member number to editor@bmwmoa.org.
March 2016  BMW OWNERS NEWS
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t
t
RIDERTORIDER Send your letters and comments to: editor@bmwmoa.org
Why we ride
Quiet exuberance. It’s the feeling most riders of the marque experience when they get just a short distance away from home. Being outbound on two wheels is special. No doubt about it. It doesn’t matter if it’s only to run errands or to steal an hour or a day and just ride. The only thing better is if your bags are packed and you face the open road with a journey mapped. For riding near home, there’s the mental list you keep of fun routes, and then there’s that favorite stretch of road we all keep in reserve for days when conditions are perfect and resistance is futile. In the warm comfort of your winter abode, you close your eyes, remembering your last ride of the season. You eagerly wend your way along a road so well laid out that it seems to have been designed exclusively for two spirited wheels. The gravitational pull you feel drawing you down the road epitomizes and comes from the spirit of adventure. Your hungry machine devours each successive mile and begs for more. The miles slip by effortlessly, and the only things you hear are the sound of the wind and sound of freedom heard in the note of the exhaust. You relish the sensation of a deep lean angle at the apex of a short radius curve. The zen of an asphalt slalom dance, the execution of a well-polished repertoire of riding skills and the satisfaction you know at having out-maneuvered the mundane tedium of household chores. The exuberance builds and infects you with a hard-to-contain smile. It’s why we ride and what makes us tick. For many, it’s as elemental and as necessary as oxygen. It’s simultaneously a passion and a purpose. It’s a well-built machine, a map and a destination. And it’s also a brotherhood. Few things are better than a moto-rally. The camaraderie of a bike club, the meeting of new friends and the reunion of old ones. And
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BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
although any rider gathering will do, this is our bike club. We are the quietly exuberant. We are the BMWMOA, and we are family. See you in Hamburg. Bob Barnett #157735 Sagle, Idaho
Too expensive to ride
I agree with Steve Shauger (BMW Owners News Rider to Rider, September 2015): After almost 900,000 miles on Beemers, I can't afford them any more. In spite of many thousands of dollars trying to get them functioning again, final drive problems killed my bikes and my bank account. The dealer didn't care to keep me riding so now I can't afford to. Steve Hymes #61604 Golden, Colorado
Garden State gems
I read with great interest the article by Brian Rathjen about the New Jersey Skylands. The Skylands hold a special place in my heart as the place where I spent many happy days of my youth camping with friends and where I took my first ride on a motorcycle. Prior to this I was limited to riding on dirt camp roads and on private property where no license was required. I still prefer riding in the Gap region to anywhere else in the Garden State. When I first started going to the Gap, the Federal Government had just taken over the area and still intended to build the Tocks Island Dam project. Most of the original occupants were renting back their property from the Feds and trying to live their lives as normally as possible. This included the proprietor of the Copper Mine Inn, which was located just across the Old Mine Road from the Dutch Copper Mine that gave the road its name.
Back in those days, you could simply walk across the road from the Inn and swing open an iron gate to go into the mine. Today, the road is closed altogether in the winter due to erosion and lack of maintenance. Visiting that area about a year ago, I found the Inn permanently closed and shuttered, a victim of one of the spring floods on the Delaware River. Rather than repair and restore the historic structure, it appears the Feds will just let it rot and collapse. The federal picnic area that has replaced the campground of my youth had a sign posted “No Swimming Unless Lifeguard on Duty.” Of course, this being a beautiful Friday in August, there were no federal park personnel on duty there which meant that I could not legally take a dip in the Delaware where I had swum, carefree, many years ago. I believe the ghost town Brian referred to is Millbrook Village. It is mostly a recreation of a typical New Jersey, mid1800s farming village, using historic buildings that were mostly relocated to Millville from other areas which would have been flooded had the Tocks Island project gone forward. The village has fallen into disrepair, however, and although there were several government work trucks parked there, there were no workers. The recorded narrations that used to explain the purpose of each building no longer work. Another nearby village, which barely has any population left, has fallen victim to local drug addicts who break into unoccupied buildings to steal copper pipe. There are stories of arson in the area, and those historic, unoccupied properties that are not burned down are simply left to fall down, the victims of benign neglect. I don’t know about the national parks out west, but it is pretty obvious that not much of the Park Service budget is being spent here. You would think that there could be some sort of active federal
caretaker program that could permit interested people to occupy and maintain these properties for future visitors to see. Jim Kent #47089 Bayville, New Jersey
Unimpressed in Colorado
From “Overland with a Hangover:” I am confused as to the intent of said article. I generally read the ON from cover to cover. However, I was unable to read this article in its entirety. Really, riding a motorcycle with a hangover? I won't even bother to comment from a safety standpoint. Are we to condone this behavior as an organization that promotes safe riding? My takeaway is that the trip was about becoming intoxicated, that men always "hit" on any woman and, oh ya, ride a BMW (I almost forgot). Needless to say, I was not impressed with this article in the least. Brad Smith #75248 Fruita, Colorado
states “Slower Traffic Keep Right” or “Keep Right Unless to Pass” voids the posted limit. That is why you’ll never see a sheriff’s deputy or state trooper pulling over someone in the left lane if they are at or slightly above the posted limit. Yes, it’s a lane to make passing convenient and coaxes slower, more conservative highway users to keep right and not clog efficient traffic flow. But if I should wish to operate at or slightly above a posted limit, and someone comes up behind me, I am under no legal obligation to get out of their way. As a courtesy or out of self-preservation, I may very well do so. To imply otherwise only feeds the urban myth that “passing lane privileges somehow cancel out speed limits.” Ride with courtesy for other roadway users, yes, and with a priority to get out of harm’s way to survive, yes, but good luck trying to bully me out of the left lane because you don’t think speed limits apply to you. There is enough reckless operation these days without perpetuating the pipedream that the left lane belongs to the fastest guy out there. Kevin Greenwald #124358 Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Left lane legalities
First, let me say that I applaud the effort Tom Pemberton puts forth to educate all of us in issues dealing with staying safer out on the roads, whether it be our personal skills set or interaction with other drivers. However, I would be remiss to let one comment made during the December 2015 Motosafe article slide by without some clarification. In my three decades of law enforcement and my current position on a Wisconsin Motorcycle Advisory Council, I’m privy to how traffic laws are crafted. No law is ever written that contradicts an existing law. Newly proposed legislation is vetted by LEO’s, legal scholars and prosecutors before its final form is presented for passage. Tom’s comment of “Many drivers think they can stay in the left lane if they are driving at or faster than the speed limit. Not so; …..” is legally misleading and gives a false sense of entitlement to those who wish to ignore legal limits and “own” the left lane. No traffic law, whether it
We're all MOAs
I have been a BMW MOA member for about a year and a half, but I've been a BMW aficionado for a long time. While in college, Tibor Sirossy, who set a coast-tocoast record on his BMW, was a friend. I have gotten back into motorcycling as an old fart after a many year absence. I started with a Sportster 1200 and then got the touring bug, so I bought a Goldwing after being seduced by the fabulous engineering and knowing I could go anywhere at anytime on it. Haven't been disappointed yet. A bit over a year ago I test rode the K 1600 GTL (closest to my 'Wing in my mind), the R 1200 RT (instant L-O-V-E), and the R 1200 GS. However, I follow owners' group boards, and I read lots about the modern BMW's reliability problems. I keep thinking about buying a new RT and getting stranded. Beyond that, there is an anomaly with the naming of the MOA that bothers me
even more. A recent article or letter complained about the lack of BMW merchandise at a recent rally, saying that there was plenty of MOA stuff. Okay, that's what bothers me—I have a Harley and a Honda—I’m a motorcycle owner of America. My buddy has a Kawasaki; he's a motorcycle owner of America. The other neighbor owns a Triumph; he too is a motorcycle owner of America. I could go on, but the only time I've seen "BMW MOA" is in your editorial. The MOA merchandise, which I would never buy, has no tie-in to BMW. My Harley shirts are clear about what motorcycle brand they represent. My Goldwing shirt clearly identifies with Honda Goldwing. I can't understand why the BMW roundel was not put in the logo rather than the meaningless globe, which connotes world, not America. All that hot air doesn't cover up one salient fact: I want to own a BMW. And by the way, I identify with BMW owners more than any other group, and also I think you do a super job with the ON. Len Lipton #198918 Norwalk, Connecticut Thank you for your letter Len. Without giving you the complete and legal explanation, the short answer regarding the use of the BMW roundel is that the MOA, as well as all clubs, must adhere to the strict guidelines set forth by BMW governing its use. Believe me, a lot of work and effort went into creating the current MOA logo. Substituting a roundel for the globe, while seemingly a great idea, simply is not permitted. –Editor
Chasing high octane
I enjoyed Pieter Waker’s “Riding Middlemost America” in the August and September issues of BMW Owners News. Someone should've warned Pieter about RON vs AKI on gas octane ratings. He chased premium gas all across the western United States when 87 AKI (91 RON) would have sufficed. Still a great tale of a great trip. Josh Jones #201313 Lincoln, Tennessee
March 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS
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Over 1,100 items from t-shirts to tire gauges are available to show your club pride. New products and designs are added frequently and members receive quick service.
With a single call to the MOA Hotline, stranded riders can book a hotel room, get a tow truck, be given directions to the nearest BMW dealer and even have service arrangements made for them. Best of all, this new member concierge service is powered by Global Rescue and another member benefit free to all BMW MOA members.
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The Gear Shop
For up-to-date information and a convenient way to join, renew, change your address or just communicate, login at bmwmoa.org.
BMW MOA members receive a free year of KOA Value Card Rewards. Save 10% on KOA camping and earn reward points on every purchase. A $27 value just for BMW MOA members.
To join, visit BMWMOA.ORG 18
BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
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the club
10
QUESTIONS with BMW MOA Board President Chuck Manley and Director Greg Feeler By Reece Mullins #143779
Many questions have been raised recently by our members following the MOA’s seemingly abrupt decision to move from Ellisville, Missouri, to Greenville, South Carolina. The topic has been discussed and dissected on both Facebook and the MOA forum with few definitive answers being offered. After deciding to attend the MOA Board of Directors meeting in Greenville, South Carolina, in January, I created a forum post to not only let fellow forum readers know of my plans, but also to allow those unable to attend the opportunity to give me questions to present to the Board during the scheduled open session. Granted, the forums only represent a fraction of our membership, but I believe any dissemination of information, no mater how small the audience, a worthy effort. Because the open session presentations lasted about three hours, decorum dictated I narrow my questions to two that I felt best represented those offered on the forum thread I created. With time making it impossible to answer all of the questions I had, MOA Board President Chuck Manley and Director Greg Feeler suggested using Owners News to present both my questions and their answers to all MOA members. What follows are the top ten questions I brought with me to Greenville that day and the answers offered by President Manley and Director Feeler.
Q:
Regarding the move from St. Louis to Greenville, South Carolina, can you explain the reasons for the move and how the transition is going several months into the new digs? Additionally, there seems to be a lot of backlash regarding the abruptness of the announcement and a concern for the staff no longer with us. Has the MOA leadership looked at a strategy to manage or “soften the blow” when informing its members of personnel changes and major strategic moves?
A:
To put this answer into the correct context we have to start with the fact that the primary job of the Board is to serve the best
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BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
interests of over 34,000 members, and that foremost among those is to ensure the long term viability of the club. We realized many months ago that our legacy office in St. Louis just wasn’t affordable, being developed for a club with a much larger membership and not appropriate for the “virtual” world of the 21st century. The opportunity to share space in a new building being built by the BMW Car Club of America came up after we had determined the need to downsize. It was a fantastic opportunity to greatly reduce costs, while developing better relations with a sister BMW enthusiast organization. To be clear – in no way does this move affect the independence of the BMW MOA. We are not in any way subordinate to the BMW CCA or BMW corporate. This new location
will also allow us to use a more virtual structure, which will save money, give our staff greater flexibility, and allow us to better serve the members. The answer to the second part of your question is that changes like this are always going to be difficult and disruptive to the people affected. Some think an early announcement helps, that it might “softened the blow” as you said. However, it’s really not fair to ask people to put their lives on hold and continue to do their jobs for your convenience as if nothing has happened. From my personal and professional experience, it is far better to give those affected the chance to make their transition as soon as possible. In addition to this, there are also unfortunate requirements and liabilities today which make “transition”
periods very risky to an organization. Some people don’t like to hear that the MOA has a business side, but it does, and the process we followed is standard practice for organizations in our situation. No one should take this as a negative reflection on affected staff – absolutely not. There are just other considerations. However, although the details are a confidential personal matter, I can assure you that we did all we could to take all these concerns into account from all perspectives and to show the club’s appreciation for their years of dedication. – Director Greg Feeler
Q:
I’ve heard it said many times that, “The MOA ain’t like it was back in ’82” (or fill in any year anyone considers the “good old days”). Change is inevitable, but what attributes of the “good old days” of the organization is the leadership trying to preserve and what is the strategy of balancing the new guard and the old guard?
A:
My membership number is 2241, so I think I have a pretty good idea of the “good old days” in 1973, and how the club has evolved over four and a half decades. First, the good old days were seldom as good as we remember. At the 1977 Colorado Springs Rally we camped on cactus and showered in cold water plywood stalls! It was a lot more informal, with less structure and lower expectations. For example, many of the members who remember those times fondly were camping on the ground then but are staying in hotels now. However, probably the biggest change over the years is that whereas BMW made only one type of bike when the club was founded in 1972, they now make 23 widely different models. Those different bikes are made for different kinds of riding and therefore appeal to riders with very different interests. The club was created to reflect the needs of our members, so this change in member interests over the years has
inevitably changed the “feel” of the club. Also, as has been said before, the world has changed in 44 years, and very little else is as it was in ’72 or ’82. It’s hard to keep the intimacy of an 8,000-member club at four times that number, but we are doing all we can to keep the traditional values of the club, while accommodating change and appealing to a much more diverse membership. – Director Greg Feeler
Q:
Along those same lines, I’ve noticed in Owners News a desire and effort to highlight more diversity in the people that are MOA members and BMW riders. BMW riders seem to be tagged as stuck-up, old, rich, white guys, and both Owners News and our social media platforms are working hard to debunk that image. As Bill Wiegand pointed out at the BoD meeting, BMW has 23 different models each with a loyal and different demographic. What is the leadership’s strategy to include the many varying demographics riding BMWs without ostracizing or polarizing other groups?
A:
Continued social media contact is one area we believe will allow more BMW brand riders to learn of the MOA, our benefits and activities. More nontraditional riding activities are other areas we're working on. We believe anytime you provide riders a reason to ride, good things happen. More varied riding opportunities will result in membership growth. – President Chuck Manley
Q:
What led me to BMW motorcycles began with an eight-minute YouTube video promo commercial, “BMW Motorrad Films R 1200 RT Ride through Norway.” Can we as members ever expect to see an MOA video extolling the virtues of our organization? Has the
leadership looked into this possibility in the past or in our future as a cost/benefit recruitment tool?
A:
Yes, we began discussing this idea several years ago. Seeing an exciting video the first time you visit the MOA website would be an excellent marketing tool. Unfortunately producing a professional video is expensive and not in our present budget. We may be a year or two away from this becoming reality. – President Chuck Manley
Q:
While the MOA clearly has a business aspect of its existence, motorcycle riding is, at its most basic, a visceral passion that brings riders of all walks of life together like a close knit tribe. I encourage and am encouraged when I see the leadership on bikes, in tents, and fully participating in the riding lifestyle. Strategically speaking, how does the BoD address the need to run a Not for Profit, international organization and still remain relevant and in touch with the membership?
A:
I’ve always believed that the point of any motorcycle club is to make owning and riding your bike more enjoyable. However, as you said, we are also a business, and in today’s world it requires sharp business management to ensure that we can continue to fulfil our primary mission of having fun. Every Board’s challenge is to keep that business side as much in the background as possible, but sometimes it pokes through. A large part of our long-term success and “family” feel is a result of that passion you mentioned, and of the volunteer spirit. A couple of ways we are encouraging member involvement so folks can “own a piece of the club” is through programs like the Regional Coordinators, and the MOA Getaways. – Director Greg Feeler
March 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS
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the club
Q:
How is the new Regional Coordinator program working out, and would it be possible to list them and their contact information, or direct the membership as to where we could find them?
A:
The Regional Coordinators are tasked with visiting BMW dealers monthly and contacting Chartered Clubs quarterly. In addition, each RC will be responsible for hosting a one-day event in their region annually. This is a new effort that is only about six months old. The RCs continue to build their team of volunteers to assist them in their mission. RC names and contact info will be announced soon, if not already by the time this article appears. – President Chuck Manley
Q:
During the BoD open session, Chuck described the major points of our strategic fiveyear plan. One that caught my attention was the “increased value of belonging.” Also mentioned were several new projects like the new digital anonymous book and the possibility of MOA members receiving discounts through BMW on new bike purchases. Could you further explain your vision for increased value of belonging, both the tangible and non-tangible aspects of that strategic value?
A:
In addition to the new projects you mentioned, in early 2015 we introduced the Platinum Roadside Assistance and Tire Protection Program as a membership upgrade. In the past two years we've created a MOA Business Partner network of over 50 companies that provide discounts on products and services members use every day. This
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BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
far exceeds benefits being offered by the Harley Owners Group, Gold Wing Road Riders Association, and AMA. You can read about the new free MOA Hotline service elsewhere in this issue. All of these value added benefits for $40 year. – President Chuck Manley
Q:
I don’t think all of our members fully appreciate the sacrifice and dedication that goes with serving as a BoD member or MOA volunteer. While we are effective at recognizing the contributions of our volunteers, please describe what it takes to be a Board member. I’m not really talking about a standard position description here, but more of the personal side of what it takes. This is your chance to let the membership know just how much work is going into running this organization. Don’t be humble. They need to know.
A:
Since you asked, it does take a lot of time – and patience. There are three physical two-day meetings (each with two full or partial days of travel), one at the rally, and occasional special meetings. The three standing committees have a conference call each month, as does the full Board. Many Board members help with rally site selection, work on the MOA Getaways, or chair a key committee at the rally. There is often “homework” outside of calls or meetings and many emails to read and send. Doing the math, the typical Board member spends a minimum of 15 to 20 hours a month on MOA business, and often more. The officers have heavier workloads. When I was President there were situations which came up requiring several times as many hours in a month. One month, Jackie Hughes and I spent 36 hours on phone interviews with candidates to fill a Board vacancy. Also, you usually have little or no choice about when these are scheduled, so many personal interests have to take a back seat. But, more than the time, the nature of the
work is often difficult and stressful. It’s no secret that the club (like all clubs and associations) has been facing important challenges over the past several years, and we’ve had to make some very difficult decisions. Every topic is well discussed and options considered, and in the end you make your decision knowing that whatever you do, not everyone will support you or try to understand your reasons. On the positive side, at the end of the day, every Board member I’ve served with has always put the club first, and there is a great deal of personal satisfaction when you feel that you’ve help move it a bit further ahead. – Director Greg Feeler
Q:
I think industry, and specifically BMW, is figuring out that Top Down engineering and marketing has its limits. In the last eight years of riding BMWs I’ve noticed a trend where aftermarket or customization is finding its way into the OEM market. As the largest organization of BMW motorcycle riders in the world, how is the MOA leveraging our purchasing power to steer or drive the engineers at BMW? Is there a magic membership number that gives us a place at the table when it comes to steering, or at least affecting the future of the product we all love so much?
A:
That question comes up in one form or another frequently. First, it’s not a matter of a “magic” numeric size. BMW makes products for the entire world and has to figure out how to meet the needs of highly diverse markets with a relative handful of models (by today’s standards). North America is just one of those markets. They spend a lot of money on research, part of which is watching the aftermarket as you noted. One of the best ways the MOA can “influence” BMW’s products is to do our best job of providing good venues for our members to enjoy their different styles of bikes. The rapid growth in dual-sport
riding is an example. GS riding events have driven the demand for better accessories from the aftermarket and improvements to the bikes themselves. So it follows that the real power lies in each of us as consumers. What bikes we buy, and what farkles we spend our money on, clearly has an effect on new products. – Director Greg Feeler
www.mysafetyfast.com
Q:
Finally, I’d like to talk about the MOA Getaways. I personally feel this is the best decision the Board has implemented in recent years. It engages members that otherwise would not be able to attend a camping rally thousands of miles away and offers us options. Rhonda and I attended Gulf Shores Getaway in 2014, and I have signed up for the Fontana Getaway this year. I’ve noticed a significant expansion in the number of Getaways and wonder how these Getaways are planned and coordinated Could you go into some details on the success of the Getaways? Have there been any hiccups? If so, what has the organization done to push through the growing pains and establish these rendezvous’ as a permanent fixture of the organization?
A:
The MOA Getaways are very popular with our members. About 50 percent of the folks attending the 2015 Getaways had never attended a MOA or Chartered Club event. The 7,500 members participating in our 2015 online survey on "Events" also confirmed the popularity and continued support for these events with 83 percent saying they would or might attend. Typically, the Getaways have been hosted by a MOA board and/or staff member. Last year, we began enlisting members of local clubs to assist in the hosting of Getaways, which has allowed us to expand the number of events. Future events will continue to evolve to meet the interests of our members. – President Chuck Manley
March 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS
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BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
T H E
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2016 MOA S
everal years ago, the MOA Getaway idea was introduced to provide a smaller event where members and friends could gather at great locations all over North America. The events are designed to be smaller than
a traditional rally setting and are typically hotel based with no need to pack your ThermaRest and tent. Because MOA Getaway events are typically designed for approximately 100 attendees, they are sure to sell out. We have a fantastic line up for 2016 already and are working to add more. Visit bmwmoa.org and click on the Events tab for details and registration information. See you soon at an MOA Getaway!
na h Caroli t r o N , Dam Fontana April 22-24 ntains of western
is l mou the area r beautifu e in h t g in in d u the rid Base lling yo arolina, ithout fi l be North C t. If you leave w ! We wil ile n e id r ic if ’t n n mag tana V u did uota, yo t the historic Fon curve q a nce again based o ort. lage Res
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Eureka Springs, Arkans as August 19-21
We will return for the second time to the historic village of Eurek a Springs, located in the northwest corne r of Arkansas. This too is a beautiful area to ride or spend the day in town leisurely searching through the quaint shops.
May
27-29 This year we are excited to return for our second North -of-the-Border Getaway. Our base will be be autiful Camp Tamarac, situated on over 12 00 rugged acre s of pines and granite surrou nding its own very large private lake. You w ill have the chan ce to explore the area on road or get dirty on the network of AT V trails av ailable.
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Septe members and m the area and ur fellow
26
BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
y the Join yo f sights you enjo s a s plenty o d n y jo frie n auE re the be l resort. beautifu take off and explo or close by area! ounding tiful surr
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lls, but event in judging Black Riv previous from th e succe er events in ss at this will nearby be To street an a hit too! There mah, Wis., d will be b The wea off road riding opportu oth ther wil nities. l be coo this eve l and cr nt isp, and the cran is during the ha berries! rvest tim e for
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the club 28
A Grandfather’s legacy By John Letteney #166428 THOUGH IT HAPPENED MANY
a bigger bike and passed the CB200 onto me. Riding with him was special, and we often found time to ride throughout my middle school, high school and college years. The bikes changed, getting bigger as time and finances allowed, and the rides got longer. My favorite was a ride from southern New York to Cape Cod, Mass., for a week of vacation—just the two of us. We rode all over the Cape, took a ferry to Mar-
years ago, I still remember the day. I was an almost-teenager and wanted, somehow and some way, to figure out how to get my parents to let me buy a mini-bike. A friend had one for sale, but back then 50 bucks was a lot of money. I had the money, but that wasn’t the problem; permission was. I spent weeks figuring out just the right words, but could never find just the right opportunity. Unbeknownst to me, my dad had the same burning desire to start riding, but he worried about the money, the safety and the message it would send to the kids. Is it really wise to spend hard-earned money on such a frivolous pursuit? What about all the household expenses that seemed to never go away? What if there was an accident? Then “The Day” came when I overheard my parents talking about it, and my mother, much to my surprise, was supportive. At that point I knew I was good to go! I learned years later that their initial motorcycle discussion, the part I didn’t hear, included how they would handle the kids wanting to ride. They had planned ahead and set the ground rules for training and safe riding. My dad bought his initial bike, a John Letteney and his first son. Honda CB200, and I got my 50cc mini-bike. His bike was reliable, and tha’s Vineyard and rode all over the island. I some years later he taught me how to was on a Honda CB350 and learned the ride on the street using that bike. My hard way that it was not a great long dismini-bike was not so reliable, and we tance bike. It was a special time to learn spent more hours fixing it than riding from and spend time with my dad. it. To me though, that was just as I knew I would always be riding. In fact, good. I was spending time with my before getting married, my fiancé and I had dad, learning to love a sport at a that very discussion. I talked about my pasyoung age. sion for riding, the family bonding and speWe rode together on the back of cial experiences along with the solace, that little Honda for years until he got
BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
tension release and therapy that motorcycling provided. She knew that; I had been a motorcyclist as long as she had known me. After several years of marriage, we were blessed with a son, so naturally the conversation advanced to when he would be able to ride. “When he is 18,” she said. Apparently mothers are more protective of their children than of their husbands! I was thinking he could ride at six years old, and we ended up compromising at 12. Twelve years is a long time to wait for a riding buddy, but wait I did. And the day finally came. We planned ahead, got him the right helmet and protective gear, taught him how to sit and lean, and talked about the physics of riding. He, like his brothers to follow him, helped me work on the bike, clean it and prepare for trips. I was on my sixth bike by then, a touring bike, and regularly took long trips with friends. On every ride, my memories of that great trip to the Cape with my dad kept coming back, and I was longing for the day when I could share those memories and build new ones with my sons. On his birthday, a cold April day, he woke up eagerly anticipating his ride later that day. If that were the only thing that happened on his birthday, it would have been a wonderful day. Much to his mother’s dismay—she hoped he would not like it— we had a great ride, and that started the tradition of him and his brothers riding with me. We went on organized rides, on charity runs, to rallies like Americade and more, and we found a reason to ride whenever we could. What started as my dad’s passion was being handed down to the next generation. Due to health reasons, my dad stopped riding that same year. The father, son and grandson ride was not to be. I wrote him a letter a short time later to tell him about our ride and the memories it brought back of my time riding with him. It was a letter to say “thanks” for cultivating a passion and
allowing me to be a part of it, but also to let him know that his passion was being handed down to the next generation. Each 12th birthday for each son (we are blessed with four!) came with an inaugural ride and the first of hopefully many riding memories, along with another memory for me and a handing down of the passion. So what does all this have to do with the MOA Weekend Getaways? I attended my first Weekend Getaway at Fontana Dam in 2015. My normal riding friends were not available, so I decided to go alone. “It’s the MOA,” I thought. There will be many likeminded riders there, and riding alone is just as good for the spirit, particularly in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. I looked forward to it for months. The weekend came, I loaded up and off I went. I had ridden through the area many times but never stayed in Fontana Dam. I arrived late in the afternoon on Friday with enough time to check in, drop the bags and head for the Tail of the Dragon. I had not had a chance to ride my K 1600 GTL on those roads and was looking forward to seeing how it differed from my K 1200 LT, which was a veteran of the Dragon. My late afternoon ride was, in a word, awesome. I headed back to the resort for dinner and met some new friends. It’s a small world anyway, as some would say, but the world is even smaller when you’re a part of the MOA. I met some new friends who go to the same BMW dealer near my old house about 1,500 miles away and found we had mutual acquaintances. Saturday’s forecast was rain and cold— didn’t matter to me. I came to ride, and that was what I was going to do. However, we were blessed with wonderful weather and not a drop of rain until Saturday evening. It was a great day followed by another great evening with other MOA members and riders. The weekend ended too quickly, and we all headed home on Sunday. I enjoyed that weekend and thought on the long ride home how to make it more special. It didn’t take too much time to figure that out: share it. The Weekend Getaway in Pineville, Kentucky, the following September was on my radar, and it was an opportunity to share
that ride with my son. While all my sons have ridden quite a bit and three are fairly regular riders, one has taken to the sport like his father and grandfather. He was on his fifth bike and had a scrapbook full of riding memories already. In the spring of 2015 he sold his crotch rocket and bought a R 1200 GS. Did I have any influence on that? Naah…He is just a wise young man! So, we started talking about the Weekend Getaway. First things first, it is a member getaway. So for this weekend, and for many other good reasons, as a new BMW owner, he needed to join. His birthday gift that summer was his Robert Letteney, the man who started it all. first MOA membership, a selfish investment on my part to bring him way traffic while dodging chickens and along in the sport and to introduce him to cows that stand around blind corners.) Pinall the great benefits of the MOA. eville was another great Weekend Getaway We arrived at Kentucky State Park and with good food, fellowship, fun and time the host hotel for the Getaway a few hours spent with my son. late, but still in time for dinner. Again, I met I recently found the letter I wrote my dad some new friends and had a great evening. so many years ago, and the memories We reviewed the planned rides for the next flooded back like the wind in your face on day, but decided to take off on our own, the first ride of the year (smiles and bugs in accompanied by a good friend from home. your teeth are optional). This paragraph Father and son do not get too much time to from the letter sums up the allure of riding ride together, and this was our opportunity and the special bond it offers: to do that and see some of the sights that we Our ride to the Cape still ranks #1 on my had on our list. list of great rides, despite the old dirt bike I We were up early and ready to go. Unforrode and the many trips I have taken since tunately, the weather did not cooperate, and then. It’s not the machine; it’s the company. it was looking like the day would be rainy. And I will recall those great times each time I No matter, we came to ride! As the dutiful ride with my sons. I guess that is one reason I dad, I still had to ask if he had rain gear, hold on to the love of riding; to hold onto a proper gloves, cold weather stuff, etc. “Yeah special part of our relationship and to build dad…” he said with that annoyed tone I something else for our kids to enjoy and hold expected him to have in light of my quesonto. tioning. For a moment I forgot who taught Ah yes, a grandfather’s legacy. Many him and, more importantly, who taught his thanks to the MOA for the opportunity to teacher… continue the family tradition through these We rode from gloomy weather into a Weekend Getaways and for giving us monsoon, through the clearing skies and to another opportunity to make memories some great stops in the Kentucky countryand build upon something to hold onto. My side. We experienced the city of Lexington dad has long since passed, and I have sevand the mountain back roads, and we were eral grandkids myself now. Hopefully that reminded, yet another time, not to trust grandfather, son and grandchild ride may GPS. (Unless, of course, you really WANT happen yet. to travel a one-lane country road with two
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Weego Jump Starter battery By John Wetli #195304 HAS THIS EVER HAPPENED TO
you? It’s a beautiful late Sunday afternoon, and you jump on your bike for one last weekend ride before your work week begins. You pull over to photograph some spectacular fall color, and just as you realize you’re running late for the dinner you’re expected to attend, you turn the ignition key and nothing happens. You try again. Still nothing. You’re in the middle of nowhere and not going anywhere soon. If you’re lucky, a nearby friend or relative might be available to help you or you’ve got your Owners Anonymous book to bail you out. If not, your only alternative is to call Roadside Assistance and wait. If only you had known your battery was struggling. Three times over the past year and a half I’ve experienced dead batteries, twice in airport parking lots late at night and the third time in my own garage. While the battery and charging system in my Honda Accord were fine, my problems were traced to my own stupidly and leaving my dome lights on. Luckily, both airports had jump services available to bail me out there, and I’ve got a battery charger in my garage. Short of listening to my wife
BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
and tying a piece of string around my finger reminding me to check my dome lights, a better solution is to carry a portable jump starter battery. I’ve seen several options at my dealer, but it was a Google search that opened my eyes to just how many similar products are out there. I wanted something small and easy to carry when I ride, but also something with enough power to start a six-cyl-
inder car if needed. In the end and based on what I read about the company, their history and some user reviews, I bought a Weego JS6 Standard Jump Starter from the company’s site. Included with my purchase were the jumper cables needed to connect to the terminals of a dead battery, wall and car chargers to keep the battery charged, a 3-in-1 USB charging cord with Micro, 30-pin and Lightning connectors, a carrying case, an owner’s manual and even a small brush to clean battery terminals. Ports on the end of the battery include a socket to connect the
jump start cables, an input port for charging, and standard and micro USB ports. A single LED sits amid the ports and works as a flashlight should the need arise. An ON/ OFF switch sits on another side and four LEDs on the face of the battery provide its charge status. My testing began simply by using the battery pack as a smartphone charger. In that capacity, I was able to charge my almost dead iPhone 5S about three times before needing to recharge the Weego battery. While that was fine, it wasn’t my primary reason for buying the Weego battery. I wanted to know if I could count on it to jump start my motorcycle or car whenever I might need it. My 2009 BMW G 450 X had gone without any serious use for more than a year and not been started or even touched in more than six months. Pushing the starter button gave me nothing more than a click. I’m not the original owner of the bike, but the sticker on the top of its Yuasa YTZ 7S battery told me it was the original battery delivered with the bike. This provided the first test of the Weego Jump Starter. With the jumper cables connected and then plugged into the battery, I powered up the battery. Four indicator lights appeared, and with a push of the 450 X’s starter button, the engine cranked and fired up. With the first test passed, it was time to up the ante. I’ve gotten better with my dome lights,
and not wanting to risk damage to the batteries in my other vehicles, I contacted a friend with a garage full of bikes all in need of some sort of love. Bingo. He told me he had a 1978 BMW R 100 RS Motorsport that hadn’t been started in more than a year, and the battery in it had not been connected to a maintenance charger. Turning the bike’s key didn’t even provide a click. The battery was stone-cold dead. With some fresh fuel in the tank and a little fussing connecting the jumper cables to the battery terminals, we connected and powered up the Weego. It was the moment of truth. Slowly at first, the starter cranked the cold RS engine, and after a few moments it fired with a cloud of smoke, as if to protest being awakened. I read somewhere that dead batteries can at best ruin your day and at worst, put you in a tight spot. For the same reason a carry a siphon hose should I run out of gas, I now carry the Weego Jump Starter battery for the peace of mind it offers. It’s small, easily fits into a pannier and is there when I need it. Though I’ve not tested the battery on my car, I’m confident it will work there as well should the need arise. Weego Jump Starter battery packs are offered in three sizes. In addition to the JS6 Standard I’ve got, they offer bigger units, including the the JS12 Heavy Duty model which is a 12000 mAh pack Weego claims can easily start gas engines up to 6.4L and diesel engines up to 3.2L. The JS18 Professional model, with 18000 mAh of power, can start gas engines up to 9.6L and diesels up to 4.8L according to the Weego website. Weego says the batteries will sustain up to 1,000 charge/discharge cycles and operate in temperatures from -4 to 140-degrees Fahrenheit. All models come with a 18-month warranty. The Weego JS6 Jump Starter battery sells for $99.99 and is available online at myweego.com.
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Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles by Bill Wiegand #180584 THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BMW
Motorcycles, written by Ian Falloon, presents a comprehensive, year-byyear history of every BMW motorcycle ever built by Germany’s leading motorcycle manufacturer. The beautifully illustrated hardcover book features 295 color and 143 black and white photographs, with many historical images borrowed from the BMW archives. Ian Falloon takes readers on a visual and historical journey beginning in 1913 when Karl Rapp began began building aircraft engines in Munich. Despite the fact that Rapp’s engines were unreliable, the outbreak of the first world war provided a lucrative war contract and business began to flourish. Because of Rapp’s poor reputation, the Austrian War Ministry stepped in and appointed Franz Popp, a 30-year-old Austrian lieutenant and engineer, to oversee production. One of Popp’s first moves was to remove Rapp’s name from the company, and in July 1917, the Rapp Motor Works was renamed the Bavarian Motor Works. With the Treaty of Versailles and Germany’s involvement in the manufacture of aircraft and engines forbidden, BMW’s future was in doubt. If not for the insistence of Martin Stolle, a factory foreman who several years earlier had won third prize on a 1913 English Douglas in a Vienna-toMunich race, Popp would not have steered BMW into motorcycle engine production. Several years later, BMW moved from building only engines, to producing motorcycles with the release of the R 32. So began the celebrated, yet oftentimes uncertain history of BMW Motorrad. Falloon’s book delves into BMW’s
BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
past by breaking its history into significant periods in the development of its motorcycles. Beginning with the birth of the company in the 1920s, which Falloon describes as a period where BMW “established their DNA,” the author details every model produced up to and including the 2015 BMW S 1000 XR while discussing the advancements with each new model. Between descriptions and specification charts of the models available each year, the author has included stories behind BMW motorcycle development during those times. For instance, Falloon describes how the need to remain competitive with motorcycles from Italy, England and Japan drove the development of the R 90 S. He also details how BMW’s conservative reputation was shattered with the release of the 1989 K1 and how a new classification of large dual-sport motorcycles was created with the introduction of the 1981 R 80 G/S. Another section tells the story behind the development of the S 1000 RR, which shredded any doubts that BMW could build a competitive Superbike. Sidebars trace BMW’s illustrious motorcycle racing history, beginning with Hans Soenius’ three German championships between 1927 and 1929 and Ernst Henne’s 76 racing records he held between 1929 and 1937. The racing highlights continue
through Reg Pridmore’s win at Daytona in 1976 all the way up to and including Michael Dunlop’s historic triple victory at the Isle of Man last June aboard the S 1000 RR. The Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles captures nearly 100 years of motorcycling excellence and is a reference worthy of a place on every BMW enthusiast’s bookshelf or coffee table. Ian Falloon is the author of more than 20 books on motorcycles, with several BMW-specific titles including BMW R90S, Original BMW Air-Cooled Boxer Twins 1950-1996, The BMW Story and BMW Boxer Twins. The Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles is available at quartoknows.com, amazon. com, Barnes and Noble and anywhere fine books are sold.
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Touratech Extreme rear shock By Trev Richter #191174 SOME WOULD SAY THAT I RIDE MY
bike like BMW designed it to be ridden. I push it to the limits on the street, carve the canyon twisty roads like a Moto GP rider (in my mind), and on the dirt, I'm the guy who aims for every jump, mud hole, and obstacle in my path. Most of the people I ride with learn to either keep me at the back of the group or stay WAY back from me. From the rocks being kicked up, mud flying through the air, and me jumping all over the place looking for things to hit, I put my bike to the test every time I ride it. When Owners News asked me to write about my new Extreme shock from Touratech, I thought about all the technical specs, the different adjustments, and how it differs from a stock setup for the F 800 GS. After 20,000 miles or so, I started to notice my bike bottoming out on terrain that I used to be able to hit hard,
BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
and it altered the way I rode. It gave me another thing to plan in split-second decisions. Everyone who rides in the dirt knows that there is enough to watch and plan for in picking a line to ride, so when you also throw in the need to worry how the bike is going to respond to the terrain, it will wear you out. We ride to be in nature, forget the day-to-day problems we all face, and the most important part – have fun! If your equipment doesn't act right, it's one more thing to distract you from your ride. After my bike started feeling like a 30-year-old 4X4 truck on a washboard road, I knew I needed to do something about it. It sagged two to three inches when I sat on it, and it bottomed out on just about everything. When a shock wears out, all of the oil inside breaks down and gets thin, and the spring loses flexibility from the constant abuse it takes. I did some reading and heard people talk about Touratech's suspension options. At the Backcountry Discovery Route (BDR)
Fundraiser ride this spring, I had the chance to ride with Touratech USA General Manager Paul Guillien, and we swapped 800s for a bit. It was like a completely different machine. When I had the chance to run the Extreme rear shock on my bike, I was excited to see how it changed my ride. Since I love to wrench on my bikes and I knew it wasn’t a difficult job, my plan was to install it myself. My schedule didn't allow for it, though, so $100 and a couple of hours at my local dealer got the work done. I didn't even have to get my hands dirty. My bike looks funny when I get new stuff on it. I am a firm believer that a clean GS is a dirty shame, so I rarely (never) wash it. I leave that for water crossings and frequent Colorado rainstorms. When I picked it up, it looked like a Photoshop picture with the rear shock highlighted—a mud- and dirtcovered bike with a shiny new shock. I would have to fix that! I am an instructor for RawHyde Adventures, and a weekend training class and a five-day Rocky Mountain Adventure tour would be the perfect place to get acquainted with my new shock. To get to our Colorado camp, I have some highway stretches, big city traffic, awesome twisty canyon roads, a wide-open dirt stretch (complete with washboard) and finally some technical riding. It is the perfect way to get used to new gear. I was amazed at how solid the bike felt. The ride was smoother on the road, and once I got through Denver traffic I got to see how well it performed on the twisty roads of the foothills and canyons heading west into the mountains. Despite being the “Dirt Dude” (as some call me), pushing the limits on twisty
roads is what I live for. The shock made my bike feel planted on the road. I rode it harder than I had been able to before, and thought to myself, “I haven't even played with all the adjustments yet.” The shock has different ways to adjust it for each person’s riding style. I started with it in the out-ofthe-box settings, and it was amazing. Once I got to the washboarded dirt road, the fun really began. The dirt road has some corners that would throw a vehicle into a ditch if you were driving too fast. I hit them at a pace that would make the bike feel like
it was going to wash out. Like it did on the asphalt, my F 800 GS felt planted in the corners, even with loose gravel and bumps. The wide-open stretches allowed for a little more speed. I rode down the road to get a feeling of how the bike felt. After taking a pass down the road, I pulled over and got the instructions out. I know, I know—guys don't read instructions—but adjusting a shock takes a few degrees in physics that I don't have. Much to my surprise, with very little reading and a couple adjustments, I started to fine-tune my new shock.
I always ride fully loaded with gear to get me through any situation, so I played around with the preload, which adjusts the bike’s ride height. It allowed me to get the bike a little lower (did I mention how short I am?). Then I moved to the high speed dampening, which changes the way the bike absorbs bumps in the road (washboard, rocks, etc.). After each adjustment, I took a pass down the same road at the same speed to see how it felt different, and adjusted it until it felt perfect for me. I adjusted the low speed dampening next; this controls the way the bike handles over bigger stuff like big potholes and how much it sinks when going over jumps and large obstacles. Think of how much the bike feels like it’s trying to buck you off when you hit something big, and that’s where low speed dampening comes into play. There are a couple cattle guards that I've heard allow for testing the GS's flying capabilities at higher speeds. Six hundred pound bikes can fly— but they have to land, too. After just a few adjustments and more passes down the road than I would normally take, it felt perfect to me. When I got to the technical portions, the shock wouldn't bottom out. Rocks, ruts, jumps, sand—and did I mention the jumps? The old shock would have rattled my teeth out with all the abuse I was giving the new one. I don't get to ride very much during a weekend of teaching, but the five days of touring would allow me to ride every type of terrain Colorado has to offer. Amazing twisty roads, high mountain passes, water bars, rocky sections of road, and enough dirt to put the proper patina on the new gear. The 1,000 or so miles I rode were amazing. The Touratech Extreme shock has changed the way I can ride, and I would recommend this upgrade to anyone that asks. If you want more comfort, better handling and a custom feel for your ride, then check out the options Touratech has to offer. I have many of their parts on my bike, but THIS one is my favorite! For more information, visit www.touratech-usa.com/Store/316/PN-048-5870X/ Touratech-Extreme-Rear-Shock-BMWF800GS.
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AltRider SYNCH Dry Bag A bag built for adventure By Ron Davis #111820 TANK BAGS, BACKPACKS , TOP
and side cases, saddle bags, front and rear panniers—the variety and number of ingenious ways manufacturers have come up with for riders to carry their stuff never ceases to amaze me. Whatever solution riders select, I’m guessing their primary concerns are convenience, durability, functionality and cost. Although I never did find out how exactly to pronounce the name, the new SYNCH Dry Bag from AltRider promises to be a “cinch” to get high marks from riders in almost every capacity. Designed to be mounted either crosswise or lengthwise across the pillion seat or rear rack, SYNCH bags are made of heavy, industry standard vinyl-coated fabric, tape seam sealed, which should stand up to just about any kind of abuse. Also like other ALTRider’s new SYNCH dry bag can be mounted securely either crosswise or lengthwise with the supplied tie downs.
For short hauls off the bike, ALTRider’s new SYNCH dry bag can be carried like a backpack using the included straps.
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leading dry bags, the AltRider bags use roll down closures with adjustable straps and nylon clips to seal out rain and dust. The large size SYNCH (38 liters) rolls down from the top, while the medium (25 liter) and small (14 liter) roll down from either end. I had the opportunity to test the medium size, and I decided immediately the end-opening version wouldn’t be great for stowing a lot of small items, since I might have remove a bunch of things to get what I wanted. This style is more suited for holding a few larger items, maybe a sleeping bag or extra jacket, although using two or three stuff sacks to sort items inside the SYNCH could make access easier, and numerous D-rings and “Daisy Chain” loops on the outside of the bag provide anchor points for a smaller odds and ends bag.
Included with the AltRider’s SYNCH bag are two sets of straps. Two are for tying the bag down, and they use end loops and heavy duty nylon/steel spring clips to make mounting quick and easy. The bag goes on and off in seconds. The other two, what AltRider calls “Stacking Straps” are for lashing things like smaller bags, tents, stools, or jackets to the top of the SYNCH, and they clip into D-rings or the Daisy Chain loops. All the straps have elastic “keeper” rings to keep strap ends from flying around. I found the stacking straps provided a handy option of converting the SYNCH into a backpack, nice for carrying stuff to a campsite or motel room. Heavy duty carry handles are also mounted at each end of the SYNCH bags, and they double as tie-down points. AltRider maintains all their adventure
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With the supplied stacking straps clipped into D-ring or Daisy Chain attachment points, tents, stools and additional dry bags can be mounted securely ALTRider’s SYNCH dry bag.
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The medium size (25 liter) SYNCH dry bag from ALTRider opens at either end and seals out rain and dust with the common roll-down closure and resin clips. The large size (38 liter) rolls down from the top.
products are “built for riding,” and it was obvious to me their new SYNCH dry bags were carefully designed by and for motorcyclists who like to ride in all kinds of conditions. Their toughness, weatherproof construction, no-hassle mounting systems, versatility and low price point should make them an attractive accessory, especially for adventure riders. AltRider’s SYNCH bags are made in America and can be ordered directly from AltRider.com in white or
black. Prices run from $79.97 for the small and $94.97 for the medium, to the large at $144.97. Shipping is free at AltRider on any order over $100. PROS: Tough, rain and dustproof, versatile mounting systems CONS : End openings on small and medium sizes are a little awkward.
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new
PRoductnews Ride safe with Deer Screamer
Deer Screamer is a new style of audible deer whistle that at speeds above 35 mph emits a whistle audible to wildlife. The whistle gets louder with higher speeds and is projected more than 200 yards in front of the moving vehicle. According to Deer Screamer developers, deer and other wildlife depend on sound cues more than sight and have become acclimated to the sound of engines and approaching vehicles while the “scream” of the Deer Screamer gets their attention as it emits a sound they’ve not heard. Because they are curious they stop, listen, and then look, which alone will dramatically lower the odds of a collision. Currently in use by the New Jersey State Police, the quarter-size Deer Screamer is available at amazon.com for $9.50, and for more information, visit deerscreamer.com
Online Rally registration now open
Registration for the 44th BMW MOA Rally set for Hamburg, New York, is now open. To register, visit bmwmoa.org and click on the DAS RALLY! link at the top of the page. Rates for online Rally registration are: • Current MOA Members - $50 • Guests - $70 • Children ages 6-15 - $5 RV and vendor registration is also available by visiting the DAS RALLY! link on the bmwmoa.org website.
BMW named company with best reputation
The Reputation Institute recently named BMW Group as the company with the best worldwide reputation among consumers in 2015. The Global RepTrack 100 report, was based on nearly 62,000 web-based surveys filled out by consumers in 15 countries, including the United States, Germany, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Australia, Japan, China, France and Italy. Other companies of note to BMW motorcycle riders that made the top 50 were tire manufacturers Michelin (#19 with a 74.07 rating), Bridgestone (#28, 72.44) and Pirelli (#38, 71.60). Electronics manufacturer Robert Bosch made the list at #30 with a rating of 72.34. Though several other auto manufacturers made the top 50, no other company that makes motorcycles did. Honda made the list at #61 (69.89) and was the only other motorcycle manufacturer to make the top 100.
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Klim updates Adventure Rally jacket and pants
Michelin Anakee Wild finally here
Michelin’s new Anakee Wild tires are now available. The 50/50 use (on/off-road) radial tires feature allnew compounds and an innovative tread pattern inspired by Michelin's Desert Race tires. Offset blocks and curved tread grooves provide off-road performance improvements, especially in soft and challenging conditions. The front/rear casing design provides improved on-road stability as well. The Anakee Wild tires are available in sizes to fit BMW models including the R 850, R 1100, R 1150 and all R 1200 GS and GS Adventure motorcycles. Front tire sizes include 110/80 R19 and 120/70 R19 with rear tires available in either 150/70 R17 or 170/60 R17. Visit your Michelin tire dealer for more details.
Ship your bike to the Rally
With a new geometry using more comfortable fabrics in key flex areas and adjustable straps on the forearms and sides, Klim’s lat- est generation Adventure Rally jackets and pants promise riders a more comfortable fit. The core of the Adventure Rally Jacket is a removable internal harness system that disperses weight across the body, reducing fatigue and increasing the rider’s ability to carry essential cargo. The harness also supports the D30 chest armor and includes a kidney belt and a collar that positions the neck brace on the outside of the jacket. A pocket in the back of the jacket holds a 3.0L hydration reservoir with internal routing options. Outer materials are GORE-TEX® 3 Layer Pro Shell Armacor fabrics with Superfabric material overlaid on the shoulders, elbows and knees to provide abrasion resistance and the incorporation of D3O®, Xergo and Viper Pro armor. Visit klim.com for more information.
Motorcycle Express is offering a special discount to MOA members interested in bringing their bike from Europe to the BMW MOA Rally in Hamburg, New York, this summer. Motorcycles will be shipped from several European ports to Toronto, Ontario, which is a twohour ride away from Hamburg. Clients will need to arrive at the cargo terminal with a clean motorcycle that has less than one gallon of gasoline. Batteries will have to be disconnected with the positive terminal of the battery taped over. The motorcycle will be strapped to a pallet and shipped in an airline container. Riders will also be able to return to Europe for the same discounted fare. BMW MOA members save $50 on average over standard rates. For more information, visit motorcycleexpress.com.
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news
news
Jack Riepe not dead yet By Wes Fleming #87301 TOMS RIVER, N.J. (MOA) – A LATE-
night ambulance ride saw venerable Owners News contributor and irascible K-bike aficionado Jack Riepe deposited in the intensive care unit of Community Medical Center on the evening of 3 December 2015. Perhaps thanks to liberal applications of cigars, coffee and herbal supplements, Riepe continues to avoid “random tours of the morgue,” as he related in a Facebook post on 28 December. Despite online reviews of the hospital such as, “Community Medical almost killed my brother” and “If you get shot, you’re better off going to a homeless man,” Riepe is still currently alive as of early February 2016. Following a diagnosis of Athlete’s Leprosy, Riepe summoned a young priest and an old priest, plying them with used oil filters and old copies of Hustler to “get cracking on something.” Many of Riepe’s friends expressed disappointment at the diagnosis, as they had other diseases in the betting pool (This writer bet his R 1200 GS on scurvy, in hindsight a grave error, as Riepe’s teeth remain firmly in place). Riepe moved from the hospital to a rehab center in late January, but remains in quarantine and is not accepting visitors. He says he’s weak, but somehow retains enough energy
to pinch nurses and complain about blood thinners sapping his will to shave. Unconfirmed reports have come in saying he’s already met his next ex-wife in the rehab facility. Ever aware of his loyal and growing legion of fans, Riepe gave assurances he would resume submitting columns to Owners News as soon as possible, sooner if his bedpans start filling up with premium ice cream. When contacted for a reaction to this news item, he coughed roughly, inhaled something deeply, and said, “Tell them the revised ‘cursed’ edition of the second
edition of Conversations with a Motorcycle is in the works, and I hope to have its sequel, Motorcycles Speak Louder Than Words, available at the rally in New York this summer.” Riepe received his discharge from the rehab facility and returned home on 3 February. He swears he will straighten up and fly right, just as soon as he gets over being dumped by his former fiancée, Nurse Ratched, who said, “Any man who loves motorcycles more than he loves me has obviously got something seriously wrong with him.”
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NEW 44
NEWS
Sisters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ride ON INDEPENDENCE DAY 1916,
with the United States about to enter World War I, Adeline and Augusta Van Buren set off on motorcycles on a transcontinental journey. The sisters made history with their successful coast-to-coast ride, becoming the first two women to cross the continental U.S., each on her own motorcycle. Their mission was to prove that women were capable of serving as dispatch riders, thereby freeing up men to serve on the front lines of the war. 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the Van Buren Sisters’ accomplishment, and this year riders have an opportunity to recognize their achievement by participating in the Sisters' Centennial Motorcycle Ride. Though the event celebrates motorcycle women’s remarkable achievements, men and women alike are invited to participate in the
BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
cross-country ride scheduled for July 3-24, 2016. “The 1916 ride was a phenomenal accomplishment by two courageous women at a time when few roads were paved, post-Victorian attitudes were in full flare and women did not yet have the right to vote,” said event organizer and MOA member Alisa Clickenger. "The 2016 event is intended to honor their achievement and promote the growth of modernday women motorcyclists and the motorcycling community." Adeline and Augusta were small women at just over five feet tall and little more than 100 pounds each, and they rode 1000cc Indian Powerplus motorcycles from coast to coast. It was Indian’s top-of-the line model at Adeline and August Van Buren rode their 1000cc Indian the time, with a chain transferring Powerplus motorcycles from coast to coast in 1916. Photographs courtesy Van Buren Legacy, LLC. power to the rear wheel instead of the leather belt some manufacturers used at the time. Selling for a base price of $275, the Powerplus had a 3-speed transmission and a foot-operated clutch, with standard 28” wheels. The motorcycles were capable of speeds reaching 60 miles per hour, if a road smooth enough to handle that speed could be found at the time. The sisters were the first women to ride to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak on motorcycles. Literally and figuratively for the sisters, Pikes Peak was the high point of their trip. West of Colorado Springs the determined sisters encountered many problems, including mechanical breakdowns and nearly dying in Utah after running out of water. It’s here where the Sisters’ ride will deviate from the Van Buren’s course most significantly, traveling to the south and through Zion and Bryce National Parks rather than through Salt Lake City. Champion BMW rider and 2014 AMA Female Racer of the Year Erin Sills, will be joining the Sisters’ Ride from Colorado Springs to San Francisco, where she will emcee our Grand Finale celebration. Sills is
a 12-time Land Speed World and National Record Holder, two-time Guinness World Record Holder and Bonneville 201 mph Club Member. Other BMW-riding motorcycle women involved as staff in the Sisters Centennial Motorcycle Ride include MOA member Lisa Malachowsky and Porsche Taylor of Black Girls Ride. The extended family of the Van Buren sisters has joined forces with Clickenger to promote the event, which will launch from the east coast with at least 100 women riders, including Adeline's great-granddaughter, Sofié Ruderman, and Sarah Van Buren, great-great niece of Adeline and Augusta. The 100-plus riders will follow the Van Buren’s 1916 route as closely as possible, often along the Lincoln Highway. The Van Buren sisters were inducted into the American Motorcyclist Association's (AMA) Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame in 2003. Community events and meet and greets are planned across the country as a way of celebrating the sisters’ remarkable achievements. Scheduled community events include the following: • Brooklyn, New York: Ride Launch Party (July 3, 2016) • Springfield, Massachusetts: Launch Party (July 4-5, 2016) • Latrobe, Pennsylvania: Lincoln Highway Experience event (July 7, 2016) • Pickerington, Ohio: AMA Hall of Fame and AMA Vintage Days (July 8-9, 2016) • Anamosa, Iowa: National Motorcycle Museum (July 11, 2016) • McCook, Nebraska: Community Event (July 13, 2016) • Colorado Springs, Colorado: Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum (July 15, 2016) • Pikes Peak, Colorado: Pikes Peak Event (July 15, 2016) • San Francisco, California: Grand Finale Party with emcee Erin Hunter Sills (July 23, 2016)
www.bullrack.com
www.m4motorcycles.com
www.legalspeeding.com
The Sisters’ Centennial Motorcycle Ride is an AMA-sanctioned event. Registration is open on the website at SistersMotorcycleRide.com.
March 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS
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BMW OWNERS NEWS  March 2016
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BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
www.remus.com
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keepemflying
Setting up the Mexico Bike and some Las Vegas auctions By Matthew Parkhouse #13272 This is the dead of winter. Snow voltmeter, I remembered the speedometer. It died a noisy death only 11 outside, temperatures below freezing. The miles into this last trip. The mechanical gauges really do not like cold Mexico Bike is on the lift, having two inches weather, and it was 11 degrees that morning last February when I set out grafted onto the back of the frame to extend for Mexico. The tachometer had failed about five trips ago, and I've just the wheelbase of the 1972 Slash Five. Other shifted by ear since then. I have a Slash Five instrument cluster I had than changing the engine oil, filling the tank rebuilt many years ago and have not had occasion to put it in anyone’s with gas and draining the carbs, I haven't R 75/5. Several hundred dollars back then, no additional cost now...it done any maintenance since returning from should take less than an hour to mount in the headlamp shell. the Yucatan last March, 2015. While it never missed a beat for I got a good look at the road-side welding repair to my left bag the 6,000 or so miles, the bike sure mount. It looks stout but I’ll need to get a collected a few "service items" on different set of mounts for the longer wheelthe last trip. I figured I'd attend to base. There are a few on eBay, but they seem them as I pulled parts off for the a bit costly. The mounts can be added later, work of extending the wheelbase. I when and if I head south. The broken miram also updating the driveshaft ror that had been replaced by a make-up with a post-1979 cush-drive shaft. mirror was properly replaced with a BMW I began the work by removing mirror from my collection. The rear fender the solid long-wheel-base drivethat I mended in the hotel parking lot in shaft from the swing arm that I am Merida appears quite strong as it is, after installing. That bit of work really being cleaned in the shop sink. It will go does call for the proper tool. Only back on the bike with the patch in place. The the specialized puller will fit around front wheel nut that fell off as I was heading the coupling bell and pop it off. home was replaced by God-knows-what in Once I had the pre-1979 shaft out of the way of hardware from a roadside junkthe swing arm, I installed the yard. This roster of issues pretty well covers spring-loaded post-1979 shaft into the wear and tear the bike suffered on the the longer swing arm. As the shaft last trip. was not from a 1979 or 1980 bike, I Mounting the new, two-inches-longer sub-frame on the As I unbolted the bike’s short-wheel-base had to grind opposing flat spots on Mexico Bike. I left for the Las Vegas auctions the next day. sub-frame, I noticed a bit of firecracker-colthe collar that is cast into the shaft. ored paper blasted into a crevice next to the There just isn't enough clearance to allow it to drop into the seat lock - just a souvenir of the Tultepec Fiesta de San Juan fireworks tapered swing arm. The entire procedure took maybe 30 minfestival from last year. The seat lock and lifting handle came off, to be utes, and I had a long-wheel-base swing arm, with driveshaft, reinstalled on the longer sub-frame. With a squirt of silicone lubricant, ready to bolt onto the Mexico Bike. the wiring for the tail light and rear turn signals pulled out of the hollow At this point, I pushed the bike up the ramp into my shop for tube of the sub-frame. As I installed the longer sub-frame, I reworked the rest of the transformation. As parts came off, they were the two parts of the battery box to be mounted two inches back. To cleaned up and put aside. As I checked the old battery, I accomplish this relocation, you need a pair of tubes with ¼ inch diamremembered that the voltmeter had quit during my last trip a eter holes and two pieces of plumbers’ strapping. This change in the year ago, just one of the several service items needing attenwheelbase allows the use of the larger batteries of the Slash Six and later tion. I took a quick look at what was being offered on eBay and airheads. The battery box parts and a number of other bits and pieces ended up buying a never used Harley-Davidson voltmeter. I were cleaned up and repainted in gloss black. With the replacement am not too concerned that the gauge has "Harley-Davidson" swing arm and sub-frame in place and the fender remounted, the rest emblazoned on the dial, just as long as I get an accurate readof the bike should go back together pretty quickly. ing of the bike's charging output. As I worked with the
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BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
The Las Vegas Auctions
A couple of our friends in the local BMW club, Helene and Ralph, had attended the motorcycle auctions in Las Vegas last year. Susanna and I decided to share the drive there and back with them this year. On the way out, we detoured a bit and spent the night at the Lodge at Zion National Park. Early January is clearly in the middle of the off season. The Park was probably running at 10 percent of what it is like during the summer time. It was beautiful. The first auction, Bonham’s, was a one-day affair at Ballys Hotel and Casino, in the middle of The Strip. It tended more toward high-end offerings. A couple of Ariel Square Fours, a half-dozen Vincents, two BMWs from the 1920s and 30s, and a Brough Superior were some of the bikes. There were also a number of regular bikes, including a 2014 R 1200 GS. This event had free admission for the public. The three-day MECUM auction was at the South Pointe Hotel/ Casino, where we stayed. This was quite a ways from The Strip and the many hotels/casinos that one thinks of when discussing Las Vegas. The MECUM auction had its share of high-end motorcycles but tended more towards more common marques. There were dozens and dozens of Triumphs, Harleys, various Japanese bikes and assorted others of all vintages. One fellow stated that the event was like “a party in a motorcycle museum.” A number of the bikes had the owners nearby or at least a card with the phone number of the owner so that you could ask questions before the bike went up on the bidding stage. The bikes were numbered, which allowed some indication as to when they would be brought up on the stage. The proceedings are also televised online at the auction house websites. There was a fee associated with attending. Both auction companies have extensive websites to preview bikes and inform viewers on the details.
Top to bottom: This was listed as a "1983 /5"! In reality, it was a combination of parts from several years of airheads. In the lobby of our hotel, admiring one of the 1,000 shaft drive Harleys made for the US Army. It sold at auction for $30,000. Two nice airheads at Bonhams. The RS went for $12,000 or so, and the Slash Five, which could have come right off a showroom floor (except for the NGK spark plug caps), sold for $8,000.
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keepemflying
I talked with the MECUM staff people to inquire how the auction worked. Sellers pay an entry fee that varies with the time of day the bike is offered up, as there are more bidders at certain times. The fee runs from $200 to $500. The auction company then gets a 10 percent cut of the final bid. So, if your bike netted a closing bid of $10,000, MECUM gets $1,000 of that. In addition, the winner also has to pay a sum to MECUM of ten percent of the selling price. If you won the bike at $10,000, you need an additional thousand dollars. If one exercises a certain amount of discipline and really knows about the kind of bike being sought, these auctions can be a good place to shop for a decent ride. Almost every bike was detailed and cleaned to a very high degree. There were a few that looked like they had been ridden there, but not many. The bikes were not permitted to be started, let alone test ridden. It was a fun few days, though not exactly the cheapest vacation we’ve been on. Ballys, for example, was selling imported beer at $12 a bottle, domestic for $10! I found out that the hotel offered ZERO drinking fountains and ended up getting a glass of water at one of the bars. Yeah, I admit that we Airheads are a cheap bunch, but there is a limit to what one should pay for sustenance. A shopping run to a local grocery helped with stretching our snack and drink dollars. Dinners were another story but, by and large, worth the price. We are back home now, and I’m finishing up the Mexico Bike project. Our week’s worth of held mail has arrived, with my new Harley-Davidson voltmeter, and it looks like it will be a perfect fit in the old BMW voltmeter pod. At a total cost of $18, it certainly beat out the used BMW voltmeters I looked at. I’ve heard of people fitting almost new Harley mufflers to their airheads. I haven’t done this, but a quick look at eBay shows a LOT of very new-looking takeoffs from people fitting their new Harleys with aftermarket (and no doubt louder) pipes. They look like they could be fairly easily adapted to a BMW airhead. Has anyone done this? I bet Harley takeoffs might be a good source of a few parts for our old bikes.
BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
The nice new voltmeter, along with the one that served the bike well for 10 trips south of the border. The gauge lined up perfectly with the mounting screws but what had been male fittings were now female. Took a couple of trips to a good hardware store to sort that out.
The moved-back battery box. The strips of perforated plumbers' tape and the two shiny tubes, plus some longer bolts are what is needed to shift it back the extra two inches. I'll be able to run a 28AH battery rather than a 20AH one.
www.metzeler.com/usmotopromo
TEC
I just needed an
oil change
By Wes Fleming #87301
A multi-part saga
Part One: A small oil leak and a post-Christmas breakdown VERY EARLY ON IN MY RELATION-
ship with BMW motorcycles, I discovered I had difficulty sticking to the mother ship’s prescribed 6,000and 12,000-mile maintenance schedule. Maybe I got bored, maybe I was forgetful, maybe I was simply stubborn; whatever the cause, I got myself into a maintenance cycle based around 5,000-mile increments. In retrospect, I think it was because that was the maintenance cycle on my car. At any rate, I settled into a maintenance cycle that suited me well – change the engine oil and filter every 5,000 miles (which I call “minor maintenance”) and do more extensive work every 10,000 (“major maintenance”). Major maintenance always includes checking the valve clearances as well as changing the gear oil in the final drive and transmission, also checking what drained out for any suspicious coloring, viscosity variances or chunks of metal. The major maintenance cycle could also include things like changing the air filter or fuel filter, flushing and bleeding the brake master cylinders and ABS unit, and flushing and bleeding the hydraulic clutch line and master cylinder, but it was primarily an excuse to give the bike a thorough going-over. Unless there is a pressing need to interrupt this cycle, I save big tasks for the 10,000-mile intervals – wheel bearings, steering head bearings, and the like. My 2005 R 1200 GS was creeping up on 80,000 miles, growing closer with every commute back and forth
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BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
to my various part-time jobs. I live in an apartment building, luckily one with copious sheltered parking on concrete slab. One morning when walking up to my bike, I noticed a tiny, fresh trail of oil on the
on the lift at the shop where I work parttime soon enough, I didn’t worry about it and kept on riding. December was unseasonably warm, and I made up for not riding to my family’s Christmas gathering by get-
Oil leaks better when hot; a trail of oil leading to the motorcycle can be a telltale sign of a problem.
ground. The floor isn’t quite level where I park my bike, so I could see that the oil dripped off the bottom of the cylinder and ran downhill as it cooled. “Time to change the cylinder head cover gaskets at my next major maintenance,” I thought. “And I better do the donut gaskets, too, just in case.” Knowing I would be putting my GS up
ting out both days the following weekend. Saturday was uneventful, but Sunday’s ride ended with my bike in a trailer. Going down a four-lane divided US highway at about 70 mph, my GS cut out completely. I squeezed the clutch lever, coasted for a few seconds while I gathered my thoughts, and thumbed the starter button. The engine started right back up, but as
Right: My GS on the lift, ready for me to get to work. Bottom Left: The carbon canister is easy to access on the left side of the GS below the rider’s seat. Bottom Right: One hose from the sensor fitting comes off the left throttle body and the port must be capped.
soon as I released the clutch lever, it stalled out again. I pulled in the clutch again, turned on my four-way flashers, changed to the right lane and looked for a place to get off the road. Stopping at last in a wide part of the shoulder, I inspected the throttle bodies, throttle cables and such to see if
there was a physical obstruction. I popped off the right side panel to see if anything was clogging the air intake snorkel. Nothing was obvious, so I got back on and started the bike back up. Everything was fine as I rolled down the shoulder – until I got just above 2500 rpm, when the engine died again. Had I been closer to home (or the shop), I would have nursed the bike there in first
gear, but I was 20 miles away. I coasted off the highway onto a surface street and called for help. My friend and boss at Beemers Uber Alles, George Mangicaro, came to the rescue and hauled my bike to the shop; my friends Chase and Corey Hinderstein were kind enough to meet me at the shop and give me a ride home. Fortunately, Chase needed to drop off his bike for maintenance, so it worked out quite well.
It wasn’t until after New Year’s Day that I was able to start trouble-shooting my problem. Naturally, by then the problem seemed to have gone away. Going back over my actions before the breakdown, I remembered filling my gas tank up all the way and riding on an unseasonably warm day. My thoughts went to what happens when gas overfill escapes the tank and contaminates the carbon canister – the engine can run
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rough or even stall. Not wanting to wait for a new carbon canister to arrive, I decided to remove it. I know this isn’t strictly environmentally correct and may not even be legal in some states (koffCALIFORNIAkoff), but I was impatient, and it was an easy task to complete. Three loop fittings hold the carbon canister to the frame rails, and the can connects to the evaporative system with three rubber hoses. One hose goes to the fuel system fitting on the right side of the fuel tank; the other two connect to a sensor on the left side of the tank. One of the hoses from the sensor goes to the left side throttle body; when this comes off, its port on the throttle body gets a rubber cap. Only the hose going to the right side fuel fitting needs to be removed from the canister; it must be re-routed down so anything (like fuel vapors or fuel overflow) that passes through it goes to the ground. Confident I fixed my problem, I started the bike up. It cranked a little, then ran for about 10 seconds before it shut off on its own. It wouldn’t start again, and since I couldn’t figure out why, George suggested I put the bike on the GS-911. There were several errors present, but only one was alarming: one fault code showed that the fuel pump controller might be bad. George explained to me that the fuel pump controllers go bad sometimes, usually from corrosion resulting from water and/or gas sitting on them. I had the fuel pump flange recall done in the summer (I’d actually fixed the leaky plastic fitting myself several years ago, but BMW insisted I have their collar put on my fuel pump flange.) He handed me a controller he knew was good; I swapped it for mine (two screws and two electrical connections) and cleared the codes.
BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
The other end of the sensor fitting is protected by the body panels, but can easily be tucked in or wrapped with electrical tape. Having this sensor disconnected will always throw a fault code, but as long as you remember that, it’s not a big deal.
Trimming the drain hose coming off the right-side fuel tank flange at an angle ensures proper draining and prevents substances from getting sucked into the hose.
www.tourbikes.com
The stock unit (left) doesn’t have the corrosion-resistant paint or wax plugs of the redesigned unit.
When I started the bike – and it fired right up – I let it run for a few minutes and monitored the fault codes. No codes popped up, and the bike handled various revs just fine. Satisfied I found the problem, I put the stock controller back on and tried to start the bike – nothing happened, and the fuel pump controller fault code popped back up. Because this is a relatively common issue with bikes from my generation (2005-07 Hexheads), George had a new (updated) fuel pump controller on the shelf, and I installed that. The bike started again and the fault code did not reappear. (Fuel pump, electronic; p/n 16 14 7 720 776, retail cost $138.42) A buildup of fluid causes corrosion over time on these electrical units, and the design of the original unit is such that the fluid doesn’t flow off. BMW redesigned the fuel pump controller to ensure that fluid doesn’t build up on the unit. They also coat the new units with corrosion-resistant paint.
(Because I removed the sensor fitting on the left side instead of rerouting the hoses connected to it, every time I put my bike on the GS-911 diagnostic tool, I’ll be looking at an error code that says "10098: Fuel Venting Valve defective and, in bright red letters, THIS FAULT IS CURRENTLY PRESENT.") With the breakdown issue solved and knowing I was nearly at 80,000 miles, I decided to go ahead and do a major maintenance on the bike as well as some maintenance tasks I had neglected or put off. I’ll be covering these things in the other parts of this tale: • Alternator belt • Clutch output cylinder replacement • Drive shaft replacement with rebuilt unit • Fuse block replacement and wiring cleanup • Full fluid change, including engine, final drive, transmission, clutch and brakes. www.aksengineering.com March 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS
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TEC
Air and fuel system blues – Part Two Bringing the Flying Brick back to life By Ken Tuvman #133210
Part One of this story appeared in the Tech Section of the February 2016 issue of BMW Owners News. This is the continuation and conclusion of that story. WHILE WAITING FOR MY PARTS,
the next step was removing the throttle body assembly. In order to do that, I first needed to remove the throttle and choke cables, sensor switch that runs to the dash light that shows when the choke is engaged, fuel pressure regulator, throttle position sensor, and the six Allen head bolts that secure the three manifolds to the engine. I inserted paper towels into the holes beneath the manifolds to prevent road debris from falling inside. Once all was removed, the throttle body assembly slipped right out and I could vacuum 28 years worth of accumulated sand and debris from the top of the engine. Next, I slipped on rubber disposable gloves and used a brake cleanersoaked paper towel to remove the black oily soot covering the throttle bodies. Always work in a well-ventilated area when spraying brake cleaner - it’s very toxic! I wasn’t familiar with the onetime-use Oetiker clamps. I used a pair of tin snips to cut each of the six clamps. Once cut, the clamps sprung apart, making easy work of removing them from the throttle body and air plenum box. I took this opportunity to clean up the throttle bodies and butterfly valves. I planned to replace the fuel line that goes from the fuel pressure regulator to the rear fuel injector rail. The fuel rail had some rust spots, so I roughed it up with sandpaper and sprayed it with several coats of heat-resistant black paint. About an hour before closing time,
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BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
Melissa called from The Hitching Post saying my parts had arrived. I dropped everything and got them. I requested about two feet of fuel hose and was presented with an attractive gray hose that would compliment the gray color of my bike. That evening I used my new Oetiker clamp tool to secure the new clamps to the new throttle bodies. I took it slow and successfully secured the new clamps to the new throttle tubes. I compared the new manifolds with the existing set that came off my bike and concluded the originals were still in good shape. Prior to ordering the parts, I’d asked Melissa about their return policy and she said I could return any of the parts purchased if they weren’t used. The following afternoon, I reinstalled the three original manifolds to the engine base and the throttle body assembly. After installation, I discovered I routed the wires that connect to the fuel injectors behind the throttle bodies instead of in front of them. Dreading removing the throttle bodies again, I discovered the harness plugs into an accessible area on top of the engine. I also discovered the harness is secured with a thin wire that holds the plug in place. I tried using a very small flat-bladed jewelers screwdriver without success. After posting my latest challenge to removing the connector, Lee suggested I buy a set of pick tools from Harbor Freight. I found a set with long handles that allowed me to access and remove the safety clip. Once the plug came off, it took no time to re-route the electrical wires. Now it was time to install my renewed fuel injectors. I followed the correct procedure of inserting all three injectors in the fuel rail and then gently but firmly pressing
them in their respective holes on the engine. It’s important to coat the seals with engine oil to avoid damaging the O-rings. After installation, I reattached the electrical connectors to each injector securing with the thin safety wire clips and then reattached the three clips that secure the injectors to the fuel rail. The next day, I cut my new gray fuel hose and installed it between the fuel pressure regulator and the two connection points on the fuel rail. About two years ago, I replaced the return fuel hose that runs from the fuel pressure regulator to the fuel tank, so I left that alone. After carefully installing the hoses and securely clamping them in place, I reinstalled my now mouse-free air box assembly and put the tank on the bike. I was now ready to start the bike, hoping not to see any fuel spraying from the reinstalled fuel injectors. I said a little prayer, asking for blessings from the BMW mechanical gods before pressing the starter button. When I turned on the ignition and pressed the starter button, she cranked and cranked and sounded like she was going to start, but I quickly stopped when I noticed fuel spraying from the front left underside of the fuel tank. Fortunately there were no explosions or fires! Always keep a fire extinguisher handy when working with gas and electrical systems. Disappointed, I forced myself to walk away and regroup. “Okay, what could be the problem,” I thought. A bolt of lightning floored me when I asked myself if that cool-looking gray fuel hose was rated for fuel injection systems. Our bikes require fuel injection hose with a minimum rating of 100 psi. I Googled the name on the fuel hose and discovered it was basic fuel hose used for
carbureted - not fuel injected - machines! I was angry with myself for not remembering to specify that I needed fuel injection rated hose. This meant removing the fuel tank and air box again to access the hose connection points on the fuel pressure regulator that reside behind the air box. It was just my luck that the dealer didn’t have fuel injector hose in stock. I drove to the local NAPA store and found fuel injector rated hose with a diameter compatible with the BMW hose. I replaced the gray fuel hose the proper hose, reinstalled the air box and tank, and tried again, but fuel was still spraying from underside the tank. I had to remove the fuel tank and air box again! It was time to press the pause button on the project, as I had to fly out of town the next day. About two days later, I decided to reread the various responses I received to my post on the MOA forum when something hit me across the head like a two-by-four. Lee had said, “The fuel return hose between the Fuel Pressure Regulator and the tank MUST be the factory premolded hose, otherwise it WILL kink when the tank is moved forward into position.” I hadn’t used the correct OEM fuel injection hose and surmised from all the times of removing and reinstalling the fuel tank over the years, I’d compromised the fuel hose where it was supposed to have a builtin bend. I searched eBay and found a NOS (new old stock) OEM hose for about $12. With the proper hose installed, the bike started but ran rough. After consulting the forum, it turned out I’d installed the air box improperly. Lee provided me with the proper way to install the 90-degree hose that attaches from the air box to the intake air box above
the throttle bodies. If you don’t do it the way I’m about to tell you, you’ll have an air leak and the fuel metering device will get a false reading and cause your bike to not run at all. Lee explains: “If that large 90 degree hose is not properly connected to the plenum over the throttle bodies, the bike either will not run or run like crap. When connecting that hose to the plenum, the air filter must be removed. Insure that the screw for the clamp is to the rear of the hose and pointed up for easy access. Use a flat bladed
screwdriver with a long shaft to secure the clamp. This explains your difficulty! Before you finish tightening the hose clamp, push the air box lid as high as it will go up against the frame and wiring, as that will be its normal position. If tightened when hanging down against the bottom of the air box, it will have to twist to get to its final position and that would promote cracking.” I’d installed the air filter and then clamped the lid to the air box and then tried connecting the 90-degree hose but this was incorrect and created air leaks. With the air box properly attached, I pressed the starter button and voila! My K 75 S roared to life and soon was purring like a kitten. I took her for a test ride and rode her pretty hard. She ran like a jet! The one thing I hadn’t done since owning her was balance the throttle bodies. I’d never thought to do
this because she always ran so good. When I attached my CarbMate throttle balancing tool to the throttle bodies, using the #3 cylinder as my reference point (aft on the bike), I discovered the throttle bodies were way out of balance. It didn’t take long to balance them up. I took a second test ride and she ran better than before! With the long Minnesota winter approaching, I topped off the fuel tank, added a few ounces of STA-BIL, changed the engine oil, oil filter, and the gearbox and final drive oil before covering her up and putting her to bed for the winter. My advice for any backyard mechanic is to do your homework before embarking on any repair project. Take things step-by-step and have a Clymer, Haynes or shop manual by your side. Many BMW dealers don’t support older bikes like mine, but the good news is they still carry the parts. It’s discouraging when things don’t go as planned and it’s easy to get frustrated; at least once or twice during this service I felt like setting my bike on fire! Seriously, though, when I created a quiet uninterrupted space, things came together. When I got stuck, I found taking a break helped me return to my project with a fresh approach. For those of you who like to do your own wrenching, the MOA forum is an excellent place to get help from some of the most friendly and experienced BMW mechanics anywhere. I believe our forums to be underutilized by the MOA community and also to be one of the crown jewels of our membership. Additionally, I’ve developed some very solid friendships from the forum. Thanks to all who helped complete this service - case closed, no more K bike blues!
March 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS
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March 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS
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adventurelog
The
Baja Kerfuffle By Shawn Thomas #91122 BAJA, CALIFORNIA.
January. I promise you I've never been so bloody cold in my life. Baja is supposed to be temperate. That's what all the commercials say. "Come feel the warmth of Mexico," says a throaty, inviting voice. "Where every day is bathed in tequila and sunshine." That's how I remember it anyway. I had spent the day riding down from central California, dodging rainstorms as I went. Ominous cloud fronts would waylay me at the nearest Starbucks, where I would sip chai and wait out the storm. "It'll be warm soon," I told myself, "so it's good that I only brought summer gear." Indeed all I had was a light riding suit, shorts,
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and other delicates. Why bother with anything else? It's MEXICO! Mexico rhymes with sunny! Looking back on it, I see all manner of flawed logic. The worst being that I was convinced the weather would magically change for the better once I crossed the border. It didn’t. In fact, it got worse. There was an irritating drizzle when I entered Tecate, enough to require frequent wipes of my goggles. Eventually I pulled them, resting the flexible eye protection on the chin of my helmet. Then came the rain; a cold, unrelenting downpour. Followed by hail. Shivering and blinded by stinging darts of death, I grabbed my goggles and refitted them. No good. My heavy breathing, combined with the proximity of my goggles which had been resting on the chin vent of my helmet, ensured I could see nothing but a foggy slosh of white. By the time the snow started falling (yes,
I said SNOW), I was all kinds of miserable. I would have happily turned back, were it not for my friends toughing it out beside me. And they were having fun. "Wow, now THIS is Adventure Riding!" they yelled, whooping and hollering as we drifted down slippery back roads. They were well bundled, of course. I felt compelled to forge ahead, if for no other reason than to avoid the myriad of heckling should I call it quits. The crescendo of our ride was the driveway to the hotel. It was dirt, 10 miles long and quickly turning to muddy slop. By its end we had all fallen numerous times and were exhausted. For an interminable amount of time we waited for hotel keys and room access. Folks in Baja are just not in a hurry. By the time we were in our rooms, I was cold beyond measure. Soaked and shivering, I went straight for the shower.... but there was no hot water. The room had heat,
but in the form of a rickety old freestanding stove, with no wood in sight. I went searching for some, and came across a man with a wheelbarrow full of soaking wet kindling. He worked at the hotel, and one of his job titles was "Official Fire Starter." With the speed of a sloth he meandered to the first room and went to work building a fire. My room was at the opposite end of the hall. Damn. This was going to take forever. Freezing, impatient and undeterred, I decided to build my OWN fire. I had been a Boy Scout after all (though not much of one). I grabbed some paper and wood scraps, stealing away to my room and setting to work. I found a lighter, set the blaze and… Fizzle. My fire burned out no sooner than it was lit. DAMN. I was still cold. And desperate. I grabbed a soda can and sliced the lid off, then went and grabbed some fuel. Now I know what you're thinking. "This
dude's crazy." Maybe that's true, but these were desperate times. I know a thing or two about gasoline fires. For example, I have learned that when lit, fuel can be rather explosive. I also knew that fire tends to burn off the fuel quickly, oftentimes too quickly to set ablaze whatever the fuel was lying on, so I formulated a plan. I took a long, rough plank from the wood pile and stuck one end in the fireplace. Then propping the plank up at an angle, I poured gasoline on the other end. My thinking was that the fuel would soak into the plank after a time, making the wood more likely to stay aflame after the fuel burned off, and any unspent fuel would trickle into the empty fireplace, where it would help with ignition. Flawless logic! Except... I had forgotten about my original failed fire, which had left a few hot embers hidden from view. When the trickling fuel touched the embers, it sparked, sending a
fast-moving string of murderous fire onto my plank, up to my fingers, and into my can of fuel. I screamed and tossed the can, spraying my entire room with flaming droplets of fuel. Now I had 37 fires to keep me warm. "WhoaDudeDammit!" I yelled, and went to work stomping out fires. This took a bit of triage. Do I put out the bedspread first? Or my riding gear? Does shag carpet burn faster than drapery? I cursed and stomped, running from fire to fire. My commotion must have been pretty loud, as it was enough to attract the attention of the man tasked with lighting fires. He appeared in the doorway to find me, hopping and yelling to extinguish the last of my pyrotechnics. He mumbled something about “gringos” and left. Soon all the fires were out, including the only one I had INTENDED to make. Somehow though, I wasn’t cold anymore!
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Longdistancestyle
Carpe Diem…in Your Garage! By Deb Gasque #182082 MOST OF US HAVE
heard the inspirational saying at one time or another: “Carpe Diem” (seize the day). As Eleanor Roosevelt thoroughly explained, “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” One frigid day this past January, while trying to keep the winter blahs at bay, I sat through my morning coffee yearning for a “newer and richer experience.” I wanted to learn something remarkable and functional. I wanted to color outside of the lines. I desperately wanted my being to be placed way outside of the box. As I racked my brain trying to figure out what I could do to excite and enhance the stalemate of a day that was ahead of me, I had an epiphany. I suddenly recalled all the ribbing I had gotten over last year’s riding season from a few close friends about my lack of ability to do my own motorcycle maintenance. My favorite question: “You may be the Fashionista and can drive thousands of miles across the country in a few days, but can you change your own oil?” That was it! There was my answer! That January day, I was determined to join the small world of women who wrench. I marched off to the wondrous man cave, where my husband was in deep hibernation, and shouted “Carpe Diem!” He jumped, sighed and with a pensive look on his face asked, “What are you up to now?” He knew my winter antics were in play again…scheming and dreaming. Following the big reveal of how I wanted to learn simple motorcycle maintenance, he smiled
BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
and was actually very proud of my decision. After a brief consultation, it was decided that an oil change and tire pressure check would be a great starting point. I bundled up and took my two-wheeled steed out for a quick, brisk ride to warm and circulate the engine oil. Upon returning and after the engine case was cool enough to touch so as not to burn my hands, we began the lesson. I am sharing my instructions and photos in order to empower others out there who also may want to learn some light maintenance. (Note: I put on some rubber gloves so as not to end up with oil-stained hands and fingernails—that would not be Fashionista-worthy!)
1. U nscrew the oil cap. This allows air in to allow the oil to drain out freely.
2. P lace a container under the engine case to catch the used oil. Make sure it’s large enough to hold all of the old oil that will drain out (my ’94 R 1100 RS holds approximately 3.5 liters).
flowing. (Make sure you also have the crush washer that fits on the oil plug.)
7. Check your M.O.M. to find out where
your oil filter is located (left front bottom on my motorcycle), and with your oil waste container in place, use your oil filter wrench to remove the filter and allow this area to drain. Try to catch the old oil filter with your hand as it’s exiting so as not to make an oily mess all over your workspace.
8. O nce it has completely drained, use a
few paper towels to thoroughly wipe out old oil and black sediment in the recessed area where the filter sits. Here are two types of filters that can be used for my bike. (I will use the one on the left.)
9. P our a bit of oil into the filter (about
3/4 full) and using your finger, lube the rubber seal on the filter with a bit of oil as well.
3. L ocate the oil drain plug under the 10. Screw in the new oil filter with your engine case (right side on my motorcycle).
4. U sing a wrench that fits your particu-
lar oil plug, carefully unscrew the plug. Check your M.O.M. (Motorcycle Owner’s Manual) for specifics on tools and oil capacity. As the oil begins to gush out into the holding container, try to keep ahold of the plug so you won’t have to fish it out of that black, gooey mess.
5. A llow the old oil to drain completely out. It will take several minutes.
6. Clean your oil plug with a rag or
paper towel, and then wrench it back into place when the oil has stopped
hands until it feels tight, then tighten it about another 1/4-1/2 rotation with your wrench (you want it snug with a proper fit).
11. Add fresh oil with a funnel (again, check your M.O.M. for type and amount).
12. Be sure to pour in small increments and allow a few moments. Then check your oil level so as not to overfill! The level of oil should be level with the red dot in the center of the sight glass located just in front of the engine case on the left side of your motorcycle.
13. Replace the oil cap!
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HEY, IF THE
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Fashionista CAN HANDLE IT, SO CAN YOU!
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longdistancestyle
14. Start your engine and let the
bike run for a minute or two in order to circulate the oil. Shut the engine off, wait about five minutes, and then check the level again. Add additional oil until it is again level with the red dot in the sight glass. Replace your oil cap, and you’re all set!
15. Now, tires! Get your tire gauge and air source ready. (Your most accurate reading will be when your tires are cool.)
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16. Unscrew your valve cap and
check the pressure in your tires using the gauge. The correct amount of pressure will again be determined by checking your M.O.M. Also note that a change in the outside temperature will affect your tire pressure, as well as any added weight on the bike (passenger, camping gear, etc.), so be sure to check them right before you’re ready for departure.
17. Using your air source, put in the
needed amount of air, and then recheck the pressure one more time to be sure the amount is correct.
18. Recap
the valve stem, and you’re ready to go!
The ice is melting, the air is warming, and we are all busy mapping out our adventures for the new riding season to come. I challenge you to take a time-out, step into your garage and shout “Carpe Diem!” Then get those gloves on and “experience to the utmost”…“without fear” some simple wrenching on your twowheeled steed. Hey, if The Fashionista can handle it, so can you!
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Riding with the Mrs. Story by Herb Haigh #79166 Photography by Kas Stone
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BMW OWNERS NEWS  March 2016
IT’S HARD FOR A MOTORCYCLE GUY TO
find a good wife. I had to go through two of them before I found one who understood that for some poor souls, there are no options, there are no choices; motorcycles are the only avenue to sanity. This one is so good she not only gets it, she occasionally decides to ride along, and occasionally, I enjoy having her with me. When I mentioned I was going to ride into Nova Scotia from Portland to see friends, I was of course elated when I received instructions that she was joining me. In retrospect, it was so kind of her not to point out that Nova Scotia is well known for its pleasures and, oh yes, the dates in question crossed over our twentyfirst wedding anniversary; Oops. Happy as I was at the thought of my love at my side (or should I say behind me) on this trip for eight fulfilling days, I realized that this change of plans would require some adjustments. For example, just for fun I did some quick calculations and realized that the cost of the trip had just slipped into bright red numbers and would require
a new, special place in the family budget. The inexpensive camping I always looked forward to suddenly became motels, and those motels would now require room and sheet inspections before registering. Riders ride, husbands take the ferry, so I could forget about riding the bike through New Brunswick and avoiding the cost of a cruise by any other name. Restaurants shifted from my regular, waiting-in-line-to-order cuisine to a hostess asking us if we had a reservation, followed by, "Walk this way" and "Would you like a wine list?" With that it hit me: Oh my goodness, the ride is gone, and we have a family vacation on our hands. How did it come to this? Then there was the bike; she carries many times more stuff as I do, and the back seat space will be occupied. Oh well, I'll have to chuck my beloved camping gear anyway, and that should work. There will be plenty of room if I can fit my stuff into the glove box or maybe tuck something in behind the license plate. Then there was the matter of the tires.
Crescent March Beach along the Lighthouse Route. 2016  BMW OWNERS NEWS 71
Being a responsible rider, I had made an appointment with the BMW dealer in Falmouth, Maine, to replace the tires after the Nova Scotia leg of my trip but before moving on to my next destination. When I made the appointment, I was satisfied that I was replacing the tires well within prudent limits. This was a decision I weighed carefully, as once I was in Nova Scotia I would be two hundred miles from the nearest BMW dealer in New Brunswick. Under normal circumstances this would not have mattered to me; like all BMW riders I have gotten accustomed to being far from the nearest dealer, but now we have the weight of a whole new set of responsibilities. Oh and yes, a very svelte additional 100 pounds, inadvertently putting pressure on me as well as the tires by placing a good deal of trust upon my judgment regarding these matters. Woe is me. Although I do consider myself reasonable about tires, I have lost sleep before over those all-important consumables that stand between us and an ambulance ride. I suppose the worry I am experiencing about them growing bald has to exceed my concerns about my checkbook growing thin. The woman who brings joy to my life is coming along, and so it's a new world. Tires that were at one moment, “just fine," have morphed into a critical question. Now,
Mahone Bay. 72 BMW OWNERS NEWS 
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Along the Lighthouse Route.
while Mr. Lincoln's beard is rising out of the grooves, I will have my children's mother sitting behind me with her trusting arms snuggly wrapped around my waist. Everything has taken on a whole new meaning. Oh my goodness, this is not just a family vacation; we are officially on a ride with the Mrs.
We call Florida home, and I had ridden the bike to Portland where we were to board the ferry in two segments. The first was to Richmond, Virginia, where I left the bike for a spell and then returned to ride it to Portland, Maine, weeks later. The Mrs. and I were to fly into Portland, pick up the bike, see some friends, and then depart for an
Cabot Trail.
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Left, Cabot Trail. Below, the lookout over Pleasant Bay
overnight voyage to Yarmouth, on the western edge of Nova Scotia.. All went as planned, but when they strapped the bike into the hold of our home for the night, I couldn't help but take a quick look at those tires. Big mistake. I'd swear in the three miles from our friend’s house to the ferry the groove in my tires went from Mr. Lincoln's chin to his beard, to his nose. But alas, this was no time for panic, it was now clear to me that any burden of stress I was carrying would have to be my burden and my burden alone; any revelation of my concerns would set off a chain reaction of acute marital disharmony. The now irrational concern about those tires lingered in the back of my mind as we settled into our cabin where I was of course required to prepare for dinner by shedding my very comfortable riding clothes in exchange for much less comfortable attire because, according to my partner in life, "we look nicer." This would also be the beginning of a regular routine of helmet head warfare. I suppose that understanding her irrational fear of bad hair caused by wearing an important safety device was never going to come to me. Still puzzled as to why, I left my perfectlyworn-to-fit riding boots in the room and found myself nattily dressed in pants with no rivets, a collar around my neck, and
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dress shoes that matched my belt. We left our cabin and wandered around the ship, carefully surveying every menu in every restaurant until we finally found the perfect green salad. Now, finally, we were prepared to sit in casual repose. A waiter in a white jacket with a towel elegantly draped over his arm poured wine into the proper glass for my red and the proper glass for her white, just like I always do at my campsite when I am having a peanut butter and bread supper. Later we retired to our cabin and slept like babies under our properly washed and fitted, clean and cool white sheets, the comforting sweet scent of my well broken-in sleeping blanket and old T-shirt pillow case gone completely from my mind. As the ship came to a halt and they slowly lowered the giant steel ramp that connected us to the dock, a bright morning sun descended just as slowly onto the line of cars and motorcycles eager to disembark. We emerged from the bottom of the boat into a postcard-picture wonderland bathed in crystal clear light. Nova Scotia is not only scenic; the already picturesque landscape is enhanced by an incredibly clear light that grabs your attention by surprise. On a clear day, especially at dusk, there is a perception of detail in all things your eyes can see that, when traveling alone, I would have found really awesome. However, walking on the
beach holding hands with my partner on the road of life, the situation called out for words like breathtaking, inspiring, and my personal favorite, transformative, although I'm not at all sure what that means. With all of our adjectives aboard, we took the slow way, which is called The Lighthouse Route. This southern two-lane road winds along the coast and connects directly with our friends’ home in the quaint, beautiful, charming, and of course really awesome, town of LaHave, Nova Scotia. We then spent two wonderful days with glorious weather, sitting side by side in the back
seat, being shown the beautiful sights and eating the best herb-encrusted seafood the south coast of Nova Scotia has to offer. All too quickly the time came to part with our friends and the Lighthouse Route so we could move on to the incredible Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail. As we bid goodbye, the wonderful weather we were enjoying began to deteriorate. By the time we arrived at the beginning of the trail in the otherwise charming town of Baddeck, the temperature was plummeting, and we were under something between heavy mist and light rain, with very limited visibility.
This would not be a night I would be camping, so although I saw no cows, chickens, or even a tractor, we settled on a Farmhouse B&B which was recommended to us by the girl in the tourist office (who may or may not have been a first cousin to the owner). The room we shared seemed unfamiliar to me as the reassuring noise from the nearby highway, the vintage bedspreads, and the sweet smell of 20 years of cigarette smoke which pervades in my usual hotel room were nowhere to be found. The night passed all too quickly, and with my head still lying on my downy fluff
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pillow, I could see through the small crack in the window shade that the weather outside was disappointing. I stumbled over to the window and could see the sky was a dark gray, and the cover on my bike shimmered and sagged from the dousing it was receiving. The temperature was still in the 50s, and the forecast showed no improvement. As I emerged from the bathroom I found the love of my life was cheerful, optimistic, and unpacking her rain gear. I looked deeply into her beautiful green eyes and said," We don't have to ride in this. We can just hang out here in this comfortable, warm, clean sheets, comfy clean bedspread, and hot breakfast provided, B&B if you would like." As on the day we first met, my heart melted when she looked at me and said, “Why would we do that?" “Well dear,” I replied, "this is the Cabot Trail. In addition to the rain the cold, and the fog, we will have things like switchbacks and severe drop-offs to contend with." Unknown to her, the voice inside my head softly whispered, "And then there are the tires." With that, the five foot four, pony- LaHave bakery. tailed, center of my universe brought her beautiful face close to mine, kissed me quickly, looked me in the eye and said with authority, "Don’t be such a wuss." As I handed the credit card to the "farmer" who owned the B&B, I asked if there were any shortcuts around the Trail. He said no, not unless you have a snow mobile, and although the temperature might get close, it’s not quite cold enough for snow. He offered me no relief and then he said, "Please be extra careful, the winter has not been kind to our roads." Ride ‘em cowboy. I am one who likes to count stressors in a situation, and I try to never to go beyond six. Today the obvious number one is the
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rain, then there is the fog, that's two, followed by the cold, the aforementioned potholes, and I have yet to mention the predicted potential for 50 mph wind gusts. As I brace myself for the sudden jolt that comes when my otherwise graceful soul mate climbs aboard, the score is: the Mrs., five, and me, a secret six. Dressed for cold and rain and feeling like kids in snowsuits encased in a full body condom, we set out on our journey. With my dignity at stake we went foolishly forward into a land of cold, wet, fog, wind and potholes, those unmentionable worries regarding the vital components that provide our only contact with the road surface be damned. Today at least it would be good
to have the "two up cruise control," a unique device which kicks in whenever your speed exceeds passenger expectations and she involuntarily beats on your back. The Cabot Trail is circular, and we decided to travel counter-clockwise, our thinking that being in the outside lanes would give us a better chance at a currently non-existent view off the coast. With limited visibility, it would also bring some unneeded excitement to the ride by significantly increasing the possibility of riding off a cliff. The halfway point is a place called, Pleasant Bay. I was thinking that long before we reached it we would be turning back, but we made it, and the two sides of the trail stood
in bold contrast. On the south side, our ride from Baddeck revealed none of the Trail’s bounteous beauty. For the most part we struggled just to see those all-important yellow lines to our left and the white one to our right. Fortunately, there were no other travelers that day; I imagined they were napping underneath one of those warm comfy quilts back at the farm with no tractor, near that charming little village we left behind. Suddenly, just as we crossed the halfway point where going becomes returning, the sky turned blue, the air was cleansed of its vapor, the sun brought warmth to the earth, and the actual ride began. For the rest of the ride around Cape Breton on the wonderful Cabot Trail we were all smiles, happiness and high fives. So much has been written about the beauty of this ride, all I can do is confirm that it's all true. It is made of magnificent vistas, awesome road surfaces and some very appealing campgrounds, which of course would have to wait for another day. Where the first half of the circle had been an exercise in vanity, fear and cause for self-deprecation, the second half had been pure joy and gratitude for the privilege of a lifetime of riding. Oh well, I suppose I must admit the Mrs., my guiding light in life, was right yet again. When we began our return to the ferry back home, all the stressors were gone except the one that remained my secret. As the miles clicked off one by one, my confidence began to rise. Although I kept a firmer than usual grip on the handlebars, I slowly began to think we were actually going to finish the ride without incident. By the time they tied the bike down in the hull of the ferry on our way back to the States, Mr. Lincoln's chin mysteriously was again hidden in the grooves and I couldn't wait until the Mrs., rides with me again.
www.bmwmotorcycles.com
MY THERAPIST’S INITIALS ARE
GS
Using Motorcycle Therapy to Help Heal Our Veterans
By Tom Larson #202198 78
BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
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“I KNOW WHY YOU BROUGHT US HERE,”
Marty said, squinting his eyes and looking right at me. His face was hard to read. I wasn’t sure if he was happy or calling me out and getting ready to kick my ass. I glanced at the other guys who were standing nearby to get a feel for the situation, but none of them had heard Marty’s comment. Like Marty they were all veterans, mostly of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I often have an inferiority complex and feel like a wimp when I’m around veterans. Not just because so many of them look like total badasses, but because they’ve served and I haven’t. They’ve put
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themselves on the line and faced down death in ways that I never have. I haven’t seen what they’ve seen. I haven’t done what they’ve done. That feels intimidating at times. Part of it has to do with my own insecurities, but part of it is the fact that I’ve heard many vets say they can’t relate to civilians the same way they can relate to fellow veterans. A friend who works with veterans once told me a joke. How many veterans does it take to screw in a light bulb? You wouldn’t understand. You weren’t there. Marty and I were three days into a fiveday “Relief Ride” with a nonprofit I founded called Motorcycle Relief Project
(MRP). The mission of MRP is to honor, bless and encourage veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by taking them on therapeutic motorcycle adventures designed to help them decompress, get unstuck, connect with other veterans and take meaningful steps toward recovery. During the day we ride BMW adventure bikes both on- and off-road, and at night back at the lodge we do workshops on topics like stress management, overcoming obstacles and recovery through serving others. Almost everyone in America these days has heard the statistic: 22 veterans take
While some participants like Marty bring their own adventure bikes, MRP has a small fleet of GSs that we make available to participants like Travis who ride street bikes. So far all of our bikes have been either donated by MOA members or are BMW program bikes used for off-road training by RawHyde Adventures and made available to MRP at really attractive prices.
their own lives every day. Each case is different, but for vets of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, some common issues arise. Depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, nightmares, loss of camaraderie, loss of purpose, substance abuse and rage are common among combat veterans, especially those with PTSD. For many, serving with a unit in combat was one of the most energizing and fulfilling things they’ve ever done. They spent months or even years training to become warriors, and when they finally got to put their training to use in battle, they couldn’t help but be filled with a sense of purpose. They bonded with their brothers and formed deep connections that most of us civilians will never be able to understand. Eventually the time to come home arrives, which for many is both a blessing and a curse. While it’s good to get away from war and be reunited with family, it can also be a struggle. Some wrestle with survivors’ guilt over the fact that they made it home while their buddies didn’t. Others
struggle with anger over how clueless people back home seem to be over what’s really going on in the world, oblivious to the sacrifices the men and women of our armed forces make to keep us safe. Others miss the sense of camaraderie and purpose they had while deployed and miss the adrenaline rush that comes with putting your life in danger on a regular basis. It’s no wonder that many of the men and women of our military have a hard time reintegrating into “normal” civilian life, especially those with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or other invisible injuries. We train them to have steely resolve in battle, but the mindset that served them well in combat isn’t the same mindset they need to be successful in civilian life. All of that contributed to why I wanted to start MRP and led me to the specific place where Marty and I were standing at the moment. “Okay,” I said, curious to know if Marty had really discovered my motivation for bringing the group there. “Why’d I bring you here?”
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"Here" was a 40-acre ranch near Lake George, Colo., that belongs to Tom and Shelley Hedwall. Tom and his son Dustin are both world-class trials riders. Dustin, a 26-year-old whom I’ve known as Dusty since he was a little kid, is among the top trials riders in the U.S. Tom, his 53-yearold father, still competes and brings home trophies for his wins in senior competitions. We’d been at the ranch for about 90 minutes, during which time we’d seen Tom and Dusty do all kinds of mind-boggling things on motorcycles. They’d hopped, blipped, wheelied and splattered their way up and over boulders, ledges and stumps. They’d demonstrated the kind of balance that you normally only see on a tightrope. They wowed us for nearly an hour, leaving us shaking our heads in disbelief over and over again. After their trials demo we moved down to the bottom of their property. The father and son had built their own endurocross track, a crazy obstacle course comprised of loose logs, boulders and other gnarly impediments that, if encountered on a trail, would cause most motorcyclists to turn around and head for home. Endurocross, Tom explained to us, was a relatively new motorsport where competitors race motocross bikes over and through various obstacles. Forget about finesse; in endurocross the first one to the finish line wins. After doing several laps for us, Tom and Dusty stopped to answer questions. I asked Dusty to share a story he’d told me before about the difficulty he had making the switch from trials to endurocross. It was at this point that Marty had his ah-ha moment. “Trials is all about balance and finesse,” Dusty shared. “I’ve been riding trials since I was a little kid, so the mechanics and
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mindset of that type of riding are deeply ingrained in me. The thing is, the approach to riding that made me successful in trials competition was holding me back in endurocross. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake all those years of riding with a trials mentality, where I was focused on finesse, choosing the perfect line, and never putting my foot down.” Dusty went on. “I ended up working with a coach who helped me change my habits and instincts in order to get faster at endurocross, and now I’m finishing higher in the competitions. But I couldn’t have gotten there without some help. I needed someone who could help me retrain my brain to operate with a new way of thinking.”
recently applied to go on an MRP Relief Ride for the chance to do some riding in the backcountry of Colorado on a BMW GS. Seeing Marty’s GS, Travis struck up a conversation with him and encouraged Marty to apply to go on one of our rides. Marty applied, and now here we all were. “It was like a giant light bulb came on in my head while I listened to Dusty share his story,” Marty told me. “I need to retrain my brain. The mindset that served me well in the Army and in combat isn’t working for me now. It’s not working for my job, or for my marriage. I need a new mindset.” That night back at the lodge, other participants made similar comments. They shared how difficult it sometimes was to engage in normal life with spouses, kids,
I had hoped that Dusty’s story might prove relevant to some of the vets, and apparently it resonated with Marty. Retired from the Army after 20 years, Marty was now working in a job with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that he’d told the group was incredibly stressful. The proud owner of a beautiful 2015 BMW R 1200 GS, Marty learned about MRP when he met a fellow veteran named Travis at a gas station. Travis, a heavily tattooed Harley rider who’s still in the Army, had
neighbors and coworkers. War had left its physical scars on them, but it had left mental and emotional scars as well. While sometimes it seemed that the rest of the world expected they should be able to just jump right back into civilian life back home, it wasn’t that easy. How do you make the transition to being a patient and loving father and husband after so many years of being a battle-hardened warrior who thrived on conflict and intensity? How do you make small talk with a neighbor with
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whom you feel you have nothing in common and who has no context to relate to what you’ve seen and done in life? How do you successfully work with a team of coworkers who you think are self-centered, petty and inept compared to the loyal, brave and capable people you served alongside while deployed? After a few hours of discussion it became obvious that many of their struggles were universal. It was amazing how transparent they were with one another, especially after talking about how most people don’t understand them. There was something about the shared experience of combat and the shared experience of riding motorcycles together for several days that created a sense of safety and trust in the group. One veteran after another shared how the ride with MRP was the first time they’d felt comfortable talking about their struggles related to life after deployment. They talked about how they can’t share their thoughts of rage, depression and suicide
with most people because they worry about being deemed crazy or broken or scaring the ones they love. They keep those thoughts bottled up inside with no way of releasing them – and it eats away at them. While I don’t pretend to understand what it’s like to be in combat, I can certainly relate to people thinking I’m crazy. Especially when I tell them I’m raising money for a nonprofit that takes veterans with PTSD on therapeutic motorcycle adventures. Most people don’t get it. Compared to finding a cure for cancer or providing clean water to people in Africa, taking guys on motorcycle rides doesn’t sound like a very legitimate or worthwhile cause for a nonprofit. People who ride get it, though. Riders understand that there’s something about riding that is incredibly therapeutic, especially when you can get off the highway and point the bike down a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. Although my own history of trauma is
different from what these guys have been through, it was no coincidence that whenever I got on my motorcycle all my fears and anxieties subsided for a few hours. For me, riding through the backwoods of Colorado on forest roads is a remarkably effective form of relief. It was that realization that got me thinking about taking groups of veterans with PTSD on therapeutic adventure bike tours, and thus the Motorcycle Relief Project was born. After our final workshop the following night, Marty pulled me aside. “I want to thank you for doing this and allowing me to be a part of it,” he said. “Sure,” I replied, shrugging my shoulders. “I’m glad you came. It’s been great to get to know you.” “No, you don’t understand what an impact this week has had on me,” Marty said. “I have more mental clarity right now than I’ve had in three years. There’s something about the focus required for riding, especially riding on dirt, that is incredibly
People who ride get it, though. Riders understand that there’s something about riding that is incredibly therapeutic, especially when you can get off the highway and point the bike down a dirt road in the middle of nowhere.
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therapeutic. That, plus the ability to release some stuff I’ve kept bottled up for years, has really helped clear my head. I’ve been constantly stressed out for the longest time, but I haven’t even thought about work since I got here on Monday morning.” In the five days of our ride we rode more than 600 miles, a significant part of it on dirt. We rode forest roads through the Pike National Forest. We rode twisty paved roads through some amazing Colorado canyons. We rode to the top of Pikes Peak and even had a few snowflakes fall on us. We crossed the Continental Divide twice, once on pavement, and another time on dirt. We rode to the top of Mount Evans on the highest paved road in North America. We saw all sorts of wildlife, and not that many people. We had a few spills along the way, and a few broken pieces of plastic on a couple of our bikes, but fortunately no broken bones. In short, we had a real adventure. The week ended with a wrap-up celebration BBQ on Friday night. Everyone was worn out but also energized and in great spirits. We made new friends, blew off some steam, and saw some incredible scenery. Spouses were invited to come to the BBQ, and Marty introduced me to his wife, Michelle. Later that evening, Michelle pulled me aside. “Thank you for what you’re doing,” she told me, sounding a little serious. “Sure, it was great to have Marty along on the ride,” I said. “No, you don’t understand,” Michelle said. “The pictures that Marty posted on Facebook this week from the ride are the first pictures of him smiling I’ve seen in a really long time. I can’t believe how much a five-day motorcycle trip seems to have helped him. Thank you.” For once, I felt like I did understand. This time I was there.
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Motorcycle Relief Project is a 501c3 nonprofit based in Evergreen, Colorado that depends on donations from people—people who understand the therapeutic nature of motorcycling—to help the veterans it serves. For more information or to donate, visit their website at www.motorelief.org or email Tom Larson at tom@motorelief.org.
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Welcome To Das Rally! Don't book anything else the weekend of July 14-17, 2016! You will want to be in Hamburg, New York, for the 44th annual BMW MOA International Rally. It is simply the largest gathering of BMW motorcycles anywhere. Great roads and scenery, vendors, entertainment, technical seminars and good times with good friends. It's all in Hamburg this summer.
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RIDEWELL
Some first aid kit suggestions for motorcycle touring By Marven Ewen #150506 YOU ARE RIDING
along on the third day of your tour, and you realize that although it is dinner time, you aren’t hungry. An hour later, after unpacking your bike and checking into the motel you still aren’t hungry. In fact, at this point, you notice that you are starting to feel nauseated. The rest of the night is spent camped out in the bathroom. By morning you are exhausted, dehydrated, and dizzy when you try to get up. You can’t ride. You are too weak and miserable to do anything. Hopefully there is medical help nearby—if not, you are really in trouble... This actually happened to me on a trip a few years ago. Fortunately, I always bring medications with me to help with the symptoms of food poisoning. I was able to take Famotidine to reduce stomach acid, Meclizine for nausea, and Imodium for diarrhea. Also, I started sipping Gatorade as soon as I noticed I wasn’t feeling well. I still had a rough night, but it wasn’t as bad as it could have been, and by the next morning, I cautiously set off on my bike. Here is what I carry for a medical kit while traveling:
1. Basic injury treatment:
ntibiotic ointment, Band-Aids, A 4x4 gauze pads, Coban wrap, nonstick gauze pads, clear tape, and small scissors.
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2. B asic medical treatments:
– Acetaminophen 325mg. Two tablets every four to six hours as needed. This is good for fever or mild pain. – Ibuprofen 200mg. Three tablets every six hours as needed for fever. This is also for moderate pain as long as stomach is not upset. Not for those on blood thinners, history of ulcers, or poor kidney function.
– Meclizine 25mg. One tablet every six to eight hours as needed for nausea. Good option for mild nausea as it usually isn’t sedating. It is probably a good idea to try this medicine sometime when not riding or driving to make sure you are not one of those rare individuals who finds it sedating. – Dramamine 50mg. Half to one tablet every six hours as needed instead of Meclizine for more severe nausea, if you are not going to be riding in the next 12 hours (this is a very sedating medication). – Ciprofloxacin 500mg. One tab twice daily for three days if you contract traveler’s diarrhea. I would definitely bring this if traveling south of the
border (a prescription is required for this). – Benadryl 50mg. This is used for allergic reactions; however, it is quite sedating, so don’t ride for eight hours if you take it. – Famotidine 10mg. One to two tablets every 8-12 hours as needed. I use this for food poisoning, upset stomach, or in addition to Benadryl for allergic reactions. – You must carry an EpiPen® with you if you have a history of anaphylactic allergic reactions. – Powdered electrolyte replacement (Gatorade). Mix as directed with water and drink frequently to replace losses from vomiting or diarrhea. – Extra drinking water. – Sunscreen and mosquito repellant. Keep all these things in a little bag somewhere near the top of your panier or tank bag, except for the EpiPen®. This should be in your riding jacket pocket so you can find it quickly if needed. Also, keep your cell phone in your jacket pocket. It isn’t going to do you much good in an accident if it is packed away on the bike and you can’t get to it. All over-the-counter and prescription meds should be in well labeled original containers if possible, especially if you are going to be crossing any borders. I was glad I followed my medication rule when returning to the U.S. a few years ago, when I was subjected to a thorough search by a Customs Officer who seemed determined to prove I was a drug dealer. Funny story actually, in retrospect. This little kit has served me well on many trips. I always hope for the best but prepare for the worst, and I am never disappointed.
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Determining the best bike for you By Lee Parks #162125
Q:
I’m been wanting to get into dual-sport riding and am wondering which size GS is the best option. What’s the best advice for an aspiring off-road rider on bike choice?
to the ground on her 44 rear-wheel hp, 424-lb. steed. There are no other adultsized dual-sport bikes with a “real” engine and not too much weight that could fit her, so her option was limited to one. Basically the bigger you go, the more power, luggage, range and comfort you get. Conversely, the smaller you go, the more off-road agility you get. Smaller bikes are also much easier to pick up when you’ve fallen, which may be important if you’re riding alone in a remote off-road area. That’s a bit of a loaded quesTire choices are another area to really tion so let’s break things down into look at when deciding on “going both digestible chunks on such a kaleidoways.” The larger the front wheel, the better scopic topic. The first question is, the bike will be when negotiating large “What kind of dual-sport riding do obstacles as well as having the most options you want to do?” For example, are off-road, so a 21” is better you looking for long19”, which is better than distance adventure IT’S A GREAT LUXURY TO HAVE TWO SETS OF than a 17”, etc. Conversely, 17” travel, high-performance extreme off- WHEELS WITH DIFFERENT KINDS OF TIRES ON wheels have the most street tire choices available. The road or somewhere in THEM FOR QUICK SWAPPING WHEN YOU dual-sport tread pattern for the middle? The areas any size wheel can be 90/10 to consider are price, WANT TO TRY DIFFERENT TERRAIN. street/dirt, 90/10 dirt/street engine size, bike size, or anywhere in between. bike weight, fuel capacRegardless of the wheel size, you want the ity, luggage capacity, suspension ity and a 5-gallon fuel tank (stock is 3.2 galtire that will have the most traction availtravel/valving/springing and tire lons). The DR will happily cruise at 80 mph able for the kind of riding you will be doing choice. We’ll address each of these all day, can carry full camping gear and most of the time. It’s a great luxury to have with different bike types. clothes for several days yet it is still able to two sets of wheels with different kinds of To use myself as an example, I curhit some pretty big jumps and berms, tires on them for quick swapping when you rently have two dedicated dual-sport should it need to on an off-road excursion. want to try different terrain. bikes in the garage, and my girlfriend It’s not as comfortable as an F 800 GS or R Suspension components determine how has a third. Mine are a 2010 BMW G 1200 GS on long rides but outperforms the bike will react when you hit a bump or 450 X and 2008 Suzuki DR650, while both when the road turns into a trail. I dip, as well as how much weight it can hanmy girlfriend’s is a 2011 BMW G 650 would love to add a new water-boxer GS to dle. For example, if you’re riding a R 1200 GS. I’m currently 5’9” and 190 lbs. As the stable, but with another street bike and GS Adventure with almost nine gallons of a motocross racer since I was 14 (I’m several other dirt-only bikes taking up fuel, plus have oodles of overstuffed lugstill racing at 46), I demand extreme space, the garage is packed at the moment. gage on board, and/or a passenger, you’re performance from what I call my My girlfriend, on the other hand is 5’0” going to need very special suspension comdual-sport dirt bike. Here the G 450 and 115 lbs. To get the G 650 GS to fit her, ponents (or highly modified internals) to X is in its element. It currently weighs we started with the factory lowered frame, safely and effectively handle the load. This 283 lbs. with a full tank, makes 46 lowered and revalved/resprung the suspenis especially true if you want to also ride rear-wheel hp (32 was stock,) has sion, cut the seat down and had a doubleoff-road over various conditions. Remempure off-road tires, off-road-racethick sole added to her boots. Even with all ber that each suspension component is modified suspension, no luggage and that she can barely touch the tips of her feet
A:
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only 1.8 gallons of fuel capacity. It works great when I want to tackle serious off-road obstacles, but the seat is awful, the bike has a very limited range, and vibrates a lot at any speeds above 75 mph. I also like riding long distances on dualsport bikes, but I still want the bike to have decent off-road capability, which is where the DR650 comes in. It’s my dual-sport street bike. It officially has more dollars than sense in it, but most of my bikes suffer from that particular anomaly. It weighs 383 lbs. with a full tank, makes 42 rear-wheel hp (36 was stock), has 80/20 street/dirt tires, comfy seat, small windscreen, streetish-optimized suspension, heated grips and accessory plugs, lots of luggage capac-
STRONGRAK both optimized for a particular weight/riding style and built to a price point. While you may get lucky on both counts, more often than not the opposite is true, and you should plan on upgrading the components and/or internals for the kind of dual-sporting you want to do. There are two ways to get fuel capacity— stock tank size and auxiliary fuel tanks. BMW’s “Adventure” models come with large tanks that are beautifully integrated into the bike’s design. Unfortunately they can be a little bulky, and you are always carrying that size/capacity around whether you need it or not. Alternatively you can carry an auxiliary fuel tank(s) that can be plumbed into the stock system a la Iron Butt riders, or carried as separates. With plumbing, the downside is added installation complexity and a cobby look and feel. With separates the downside is you have to stop the bike and manually refill the tank. On the plus side, you don’t need to take them with when you don’t need them, which makes the bike lighter and slimmer under normal use. Obviously, there is no “best” dual-sport bike for everyone. The bottom line is they are all compromises. The question you need to ask is which compromise best fits your individual needs and desires. Of course, if you’re like me, the real answer is “more than one.”
Lee Parks (162125) has been riding and racing motorcycles for well over 33 years. He has been the editor of both consumer and trade motorcycle magazines, manufacturers his own line of motorcycle gloves and is a WERA national endurance champion. His riding skills book Total Control has sold over 100,000 copies in five languages around the world. Lee’s Total Control Training company manages—and is the curriculum vendor for—the California Motorcyclist Safety Program as well as several large military contracts. If you have a question you’d like to him to answer in this column, send him an email at lee@totalcontroltraining.net.
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lifestyle 96
flashback
25 years ago
A NATIONAL TELEVISION COM-
mercial airing in late 1990 and early 1991 was the subject of much discussion in the March 1991 issue of Owners News. The commercial depicted a male motorcyclist and a female automobile driver narrowly avoiding a frightening head-on collision. The motorcyclist was shown as the bad guy, carelessly taking a sleep-inducing over-the-counter cold medicine before jumping on his bike and recklessly blasting down the highway endangering innocent motorists. The motorcyclist took Sudafed. An editorial in the issue asked, “Can you imagine what image millions of television viewers glued to their TV sets during this 60-second, anti-motorcyclist propaganda now have about motorcyclists? The commercial for Sudafed would have them believe that motorcyclists are drug crazed, reckless individuals not responsible for their own actions or
BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
for the safety of others on the road who can’t read or abide by the warning labels on potentially dangerous over-the-counter drugs.” Several Letters to the Editor offered a similar disgust for the commercial and “speaking for the hundreds of other offended motorcyclists who have written Owners News and other motorcycle publications” called for a boycott of Sudafed and all products manufactured by the Burroughs Wellcome Company. In Part Two of his interview with Hans Koudella, Vice President of BMW of North America, BMW Owners News Editor Cecil King asked, “What do you think the motorcycle will be like by the year 2000 in light of some of recent legislative actions?” Koudella responded, “The motorcycle will be lighter with certain improvements in the steering area. In the engine, I do not see that much evolution. The tendency to increase horsepower and performance are close to the limits now.” Owners News Safety Editor Jeff Dean’s article discussed the natural erosion of riding skills riders in the north face, based on their inability to ride during the winter months. Dean’s statements are as true today as ever. “In addition to the fact that the roadway itself may be more hazardous because of winter road debris and surface damage, an experienced rider should be able to ‘anticipate and accommodate’ these changes and expect them,” he said. Some of Dean’s additional suggestions for riders getting back in the saddle after a significant layoff include: 1. Accept the fact that riding skills are likely to have diminished over the winter. 2. The best way to decrease the danger of a hazard is to slow down. 3. Increase your “space cushion” to allow more room for errors. Because skills may be diminished, try to ride smarter and think more about everything going on around you. 4. Check your motorcycle, especially the tires, before taking it out for the first time. Adding under-inflated tires to an eroded riding skillset is a recipe for disaster.
10 years ago
BENEATH A HEADLINE READING “LIFE’S
Curves, Part Two,” Owners News Editor Sandy Cohen recalled her first headline used on her first column in April of 1998 when she slipped behind the editor’s desk after the sudden passing of Don Douglass. The March 2006 issue of BMW Owners News was Cohen’s last. Using her Headlight column, she offered thanks for the opportunity to serve the MOA and described a t-shirt she found at a dealer years earlier that said, “When life throws you a curve, lean into it.” “No matter how well-planned a journey may be, I’ve learned that maps will never be able to show all the detours a ride may entail,” she said. “We share the joy of freedom, the appreciation of nature, the contentment of being alone without thoughts and have experienced the instant camaraderie between us; all proving we are indeed a very special group. Thank you all for letting me share in a small part of your lives over the years.” Like no other motorcyclists, BMW riders are masters of ingenuity. Yet another example of this was illustrated by Gilbert Long’s Rider to Rider letter where he thought the cover image on the previous November issue of Owners News showing a rider with a guitar strapped to his back to be “No Big Deal!” According to Long, the owner of an R 100 and an R 1150 RT as well as the tuba player with the Nashville Symphony, carrying an instrument is a simple fact of life. Wanting to ride more often, but needing to carry his tuba, one day at work Long took the passenger seat pan to a stage tech worker and asked if he could make a rack of sorts that could be attached. Two hours later, Viola! With the new rack, Long was
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able to commute to Nashville with his tuba for Nashville Symphony rehearsals and concerts, engagements with the Faculty Brass Quintet Blair School of Music and at Middle Tennessee State University, and his recording sessions with such artists as Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Amy Grant, Colin Raye and many others. In his article “Anatomy of a Crash or How did I get here?” Todd Thompson recalls his ordeal of dealing with a collision with a truck in Washington state while on an Iron Butt ride. Thompson’s memory was limited when he woke up to a man dressed in green scrubs and hat asking him, “Do you know where you are and do you know my name?” “Well, I’m in a hospital, and I don’t know your name. Should I?” Thompson replied. According to eyewitness accounts, Thompson was struck while passing the vehicle. Whether or not the driver of the truck had his direction light on remains a question, but from the accident, Thompson offered advice all riders should heed: 1. Never pass in a lazy manner; be focused and definitive. 2. Look ahead and anticipate what the driver in front of you may do. 3. Expect the worst. 4. Never expect drivers will check their side-view mirrors or see you. 5. Toot your horn as you overtake the vehicle and let the drive know your intentions and that you’re there.
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rallyreview
40th Falling Leaf rally a great success By Larry Floyd #59663 THE 40TH FALLING LEAF RALLY IS
in the history books. The Gateway Riders of St. Louis, Missouri, hosted 612 rally goers, served lots of coffee, hot dogs, and lemonade; saw several anvils rise and fall; and, of course, raffled off a beautiful R 75/5. Forty years ago, a small group of BMW enthusiasts decided to start a rally to give back to all the MOA clubs who sponsored events that were enjoyed by all. The Falling Leaf
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Rally was born. According to the recollections of Phil Sulfstede, one of the founding members, the first five or six years the event was held at Jasper’s Hollow, a private campground owned by Club members not far from Bland, Missouri. After outgrowing that facility, the rally was moved to the city park in Bland. Facilities were still sparse; shelter from the elements consisted of a large tent, and showers were only available at the local high school. Club members would go down to the site the week before
the rally and cut firewood, a perk much appreciated for a fall camping weekend. As attendance increased to over 400, once again relocation was required. Fortunately, we found the Lion’s Club Fairgrounds in Potosi, a perfect place for a growing motorcycle rally. The Lion’s Club and town of Potosi are great partners, and the event could not be staged without them. The fairgrounds boast a meeting hall, several outbuildings, and plenty of fenced area for camping, while Potosi is adjacent
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to the Mark Twain National Forest and some of the best motorcycle riding roads in the Midwest. The rally provides all the usual amenities: free coffee, a Friday night hot dog roast, meals available on site, vendors and true to our camping theme, free firewood. We have had some truly memorable moments at the rally. We gave away a fully reconditioned R 90 at our 25th anniversary event. This was also our highest attendance to date, at 998, just shy of the 1,000 mark.
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The night of the eruption of “Crapatoa” remains one of the most infamous in rally history. On Saturday, just after the awards ceremony, when most rally goers head back to their campfires to reminisce about the weekend, we discovered the floor drains in the main building and bathroom facilities bubbling. Little did we know that the lateral sewer line had collapsed. The Lion’s Club liaison, a volunteer fireman, decided that a good blast of water from a fire truck might just unclog the line. The pumper truck was summoned and the nozzle strategically placed in the drain in the men’s bathroom building. When the water blast hit, all the toilets and drains in all the facilities serviced by the lateral line shot geysers about six feet in the air. Fortunately, we had enough portable toilets on site to compensate for the temporary closing of the affected facilities. Water seems to be a recurring nemesis. The rally has been rained on more than a few times. The 34th rally turned into a mud pit. At the time, drainage at the fairgrounds was not ideal, and heavy rains in a 360 degree circle around Potosi hit hard the day before the rally and on opening day. Our attendance was correspondingly smaller than usual. However, the 300 or so people who did brave the elements represented the heartiest of the rallying clan; they made the best of the situation and lodged few complaints. We have also been called the “Frozen Leaf Rally” for obvious reasons. Temperatures have sometimes dipped into the teens overnight. On Sunday morning getting the airheads started sometimes required pushstarting down the hill or hooking up a jumper cable to one of the four wheelers. The bikes often turned over slowly and smoked a lot once they got going, but they always did get going. Besides being the Frozen Leaf, we have also been tagged as the Anvil Rally. Almost 20 years ago, Bob Odell, one of the owners of BMW Motorrad of St. Louis, offered to pay for “some guy in Farmington, Missouri,” to come to the Rally and shoot off www.twistedthrottle.com/bmwowners
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George Siede of Webster Groves, Missouri, was the lucky winner of the BMW R 75/5 given away at the 40th Falling Leaf Rally in Potosi, Missouri. Photo by Marilyn Roberts.
an anvil. That’s when we first met Gay Wilkinson. Gay resurrected “ringing the anvil,” a practice harkened back to olden times. It seems a hollowed out anvil filled with gunpowder was placed upside down on top of a base anvil and then blasted off. The top anvil then went several hundred feet in the air, and the resultant boom would signal some event or celebration for the community. Once we had Gay shoot off an anvil at our rally, everyone was hooked, and it became our signature event. We start and end the Saturday awards ceremony with the anvil. This year, Gay did a three anvil blast to end the ceremony with three booms, not the usual one. We always inform the operators at the local emergency center prior to the anvil shoot, as there are routinely a number of calls reporting the explosion hitting the 911 switchboard. We have many memories of the 40th anniversary rally, but the highlight had to be the drawing for the 1973 R 75/5 toaster tank motorcycle. The Gateway Riders acquired the bike and then turned it over to
Dave Leligdon, our Technical Director, for rehab. We got significant help from Dave Clark’s Forever Endeavor Cycles, Gateway BMW, Flying Tiger Cycles, and F&M Motorcycle Refinishing. Over the course of several months, the bike was returned to its former glory, a proud symbol of BMW motorcycling at its finest. When the winning ticket was drawn, the new proud owner, George Seide from Webster Groves, Missouri, was sitting near the front. It took several long seconds for George to fully comprehend that his name had just been drawn, but reality did sink in, and George stepped forward as shock morphed into a huge grin on his face. Where the rally goes from here is exciting to contemplate. There is now a fortyyear history and tradition that fuels momentum for the future. The rally will stay true to its roots: a Fall, camping-oriented BMW motorcycle rally located in one of the best riding areas in the Midwest. Be sure to attend number 41, October 7-9, 2016!
www.twistedthrottle.com/S10000xr March 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS
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RIDE BIG BEND This Winter
January 22 - March 18th, 2016
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Welcome to Hamburg! HAMBURG, NEW YORK, STARTED
as a settlement called Barkerville, named after the local postmaster. The town of Hamburg came into existence in 1812, and it began to thrive in 1815 as mail routes came through along with new settlers. German settlers started arriving in the 1830s, but things really picked up in the early 1850s when the Erie Railroad was built. By the 1890s, Polish and Italian immigrants flowed in to support the railroad and steel industries. While the steel industry has waned in recent decades, the town is home to about 57,000 people. Hamburg hosts the Erie County Fair—the third-largest county fair in the nation—every August on the 275 acre plot where the MOA’s rally will be held. Access to Hamburg is via Interstate 90, which starts in Boston, Mass., and passes through Cleveland, Ohio; Chicago, Ill.; Rapid City and Sturgis, S.D.; Billings, Mont. (home of the 2015 MOA rally); and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho (home of a popular MOA Getaway) before terminating over 3,000 miles away in Seattle, Wash. US Highway 62 passes directly through Hamburg; US Highways 20 and 219 are not far off to the east and west, respectively. The fairgrounds are sandwiched between US 62 on the east and McKinley Parkway on the west, with Quinby Drive and Clark Street marking their northern and southern limits. The Hamburg region enjoys an average high temperature of 80° Fahrenheit (27° C) in July and an average low of 62° F (17° C), meaning that the MOA’s visit should be pleasant. We’ll keep an eye out for the average of three and a quarter inches of rain they get in July, though. Summers in Hamburg tend to be a little wet, with about a quarter of the region’s annual
BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
precipitation falling in June, July and August. This is very little precipitation compared to the lake-effect snowfalls that pummel the region in December, January, February and March, which result in an average total snowfall of 82 inches (nearly seven feet!) in those months. Lake Erie—second smallest of the five massive freshwater Great Lakes—is only a few miles from Hamburg, and Niagara Falls is a major tourist attraction in the region. Be sure to bring your passport if you want to see the Falls from the Canadian side. There are two pro sports teams in the area, the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, but neither is in season during the rally. Buffalo’s minor league baseball team, the Bisons, will be playing all away games during our visit to Hamburg. Hamburg tourist information can be found by visiting www.townofhamburgny.com, which includes info about the Boies-Lord House Museum, one of the town’s prime tourist attractions (tours by appointment only). Another attraction is Chestnut Ridge Park, a 1,200 acre county park east of Hamburg. The park features tennis courts, hiking trails and even a disc golf course. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra occasionally plays concerts at the park, and the Eternal Flame Falls in the park are picturesque. About 80 miles from Chestnut Ridge is Mendon Ponds Park, a 2,500 acre National Natural Landmark. The park’s geography was heavily influenced by the waxing and waning of glaciers and has features unique to the area, such as a floating sphagnum moss peat bog. Anybody with a fishing license is welcome to fish at Mendon Ponds, too. Hamburg features a variety of food opportunities; a quick search on Yelp turned up the town’s top 10 restaurants, which include Daniel’s, Savory’s, the Waterstone Grill, Cozy Thai, Juicy and more.
Hamburg distances: 13 miles from Buffalo 110 miles from Toronto 160 miles from Syracuse 180 miles from Cleveland 360 miles from Washington, D.C. 370 miles from New York City 400 miles from Montreal 730 miles from St. Louis 1,030 miles from Jacksonville 1,530 miles from Key West 1,550 miles from Austin 1,780 miles from Billings 1,850 miles from Saskatoon 2,480 miles from Mexico City 2,530 miles from Los Angeles 2,600 miles from Seattle 4,100 miles from Anchorage
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MOArally
Calling all RVers! THIS YEAR, THE RV CROWD WILL HAVE A PREMIUM
location to set up rigs, with most sites literally within steps of the main facility buildings. RV site costs for four nights beginning Wednesday night will be $150 for sites with water and electric service and $160 for sites with water, electric and sanitary service. RVs may arrive as early as July 11 but will be charged $20 per additional night. There will not be any free, non-serviced camping for RVs and all RVs must leave the rally grounds no later than 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 17. Site availability includes about 40 with full hookups and 160 with water and electric only. Sites will be allocated on a first come basis, so be sure to register early to avoid disappointment. Dump stations are available on site. This year, due to Hamburg Fairground regulations, pull out awnings are not allowed to be extended and each rig will be required to stay
clearly within the marked boundaries of each site. Please contact either of us below if you have any questions. We will be on site for the entire event should you need any assistance. Bill Hooykaas, RV Co-Chair (hooykaas@bmwmoa.org) Steeve Sternberg, RV Co-Chair (lssternberg@juno.com)
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On The Level
BMW Magazine Think outside the Boxer www.bmwra.org/join
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MOArally
Natural beauty only moments away By Douglas A. Waines #116758 HAMBURG, NEW YORK, AND THE
Greater Buffalo/Niagara area welcomes all riders this summer to an area rich in history, water frontage, tourism, architecture and friendly neighbors. As part of the Rally experience we also want to welcome you to Canada. Be sure to dedicate some rally time to explore the many day-ride options radiating from the rally site. This article is dedicated to a 105-mile (168 km) day trip from the rally grounds in Hamburg and will give you a wonderful mix of scenery and points of interest. The ride will take about three hours, but with stops it can easily push past four. Don’t forget your passport and camera. Did you know the Canadian border is only 20 minutes from the Rally site? Explore the entire length of the mighty Niagara River from its beginning at Lake Erie to its end at Lake Ontario. Experience the majesty of Niagara Falls and gain an appreciation for the Great Lakes, the world’s largest body of fresh water. Now that you have distance and time figured out, here we go.
Peace Bridge into Canada
Upon clearing Canada Customs and Immigration at the Peace Bridge (from Buffalo, New York to Fort Erie, Canada), all vehicles including cars and trucks will merge to the tollbooths. The tollbooths entering Canada are well marked for “EZ-Pass Only” or “EZ-Pass/Cash.” Cash prices are $3 US or $4 CDN. (There is no toll if you decide to return to the US via the Peace Bridge). Note: I highly recommend taking the tollbooth furthest on your RIGHT because you will be exiting on your
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An aerial view of Niagara Falls.
RIGHT immediately after paying your toll. If you miss this exit, don’t panic. You can take the next exit and double back eastwardly on secondary roads that end at the Niagara Parkway. The Niagara Parkway follows the entire length of the Niagara River from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario on the Canadian side. This is protected green space, professionally groomed and landscaped, and it is your main road all the way. The 55 km or 34-mile winding, paved course ends at the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a pleasant destination in its own right. This will be the most leisure-riding segment of the day, with plenty of pullover rest areas and viewpoints. The majority of the Parkway is posted at 60 km/h (38 mph) for a reason. Your head will be bobbing back and forth between the changing views of the Niagara River on your right, and the
gorgeous homes on your left. Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Great Britain, was quoted as saying “The Niagara Parkway was the prettiest drive in the world.” The Parkway is a tourist and motorcycle attraction where traffic volume increases throughout the day. You can also expect heaviest congestion right at the Falls. Best to do a morning run if possible, and watch out for the Canada geese! Old Fort Erie was built by the British in 1764 as a military fortification that spanned the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Although the “Old Fort” is worthy of a tour, this waypoint delivers a great view of Lake Erie, the city skyline of Buffalo, New York, and the true beginning of the Niagara River and Parkway. It’s a very short detour with the iconic Peace Bridge border in view. Depart Old Fort Erie grounds and proceed north along the Niagara Parkway.
Niagara Falls, Canada
The Niagara River splits into two waterfalls, the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and American Falls or Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side. If you have time, stop on the U.S. side on Goat Island (further info below) to appreciate a different perspective. All the water you see going over the Falls comes from the four Great Lakes upstream. Every drop is destined to Lake Ontario, then into the St Lawrence River, and ultimately to the Atlantic Ocean. That’s almost one-fifth of the world’s fresh water supply running 24/7. What’s interesting is that a significant amount of the water from the upper Niagara River never goes over the Falls. It’s diverted for hydroelectric power on both sides of the border through a series of tunnels and reservoirs. To understand what kind of volume of water is diverted, one tunnel measures 12.7 meters (41 feet) wide and 10.2 kilometers (6.3 miles) long. As you get close to the Horseshoe Falls you may think it’s starting to rain. If it’s a nice day, that’s mist from the Falls. This area of the Parkway is also the most congested with tourists. There really isn’t an option for ongoing traffic to stop even briefly for a quick photo opportunity; the sheer volume of traffic dictates local police keep traffic moving. To really absorb the sheer power and beauty of the Falls, be prepared to park your motorcycle and take a close-up view of the Canadian Falls with the American Falls in the background. It is spectacular and worth the pause to do so. Local Attractions: There is a myriad of sightseeing and entertainment attractions that are outside the scope of a day trip from the Rally. The only way to appreciate this aspect of the Falls would be to add a couple of days onto your itinerary after the Rally. You can experience everything from world class casinos to a Whirlpool jet boat ride, from a helicopter fly over the Falls to a boat tour at the bottom of the Falls and so on.
Niagara Glen Nature Centre
Niagara Glen Nature Centre, 3050 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Canada, is shown
as a point of interest (POI) on the GPS route. It will be on your right, approximately 7.5 km or 4.5 miles from the Horseshoe Falls. You will need at least one hour to explore the 200 feet of elevation change and trails down to the water’s edge of class-5 rapids. You will walk through a pristine Carolinian forest laden with giant boulders and fern overgrowth where the Falls used to be. Constant lip erosion over thousands of years keeps gradually moving the Falls upstream. The unique carving of the Gorge and elevation changes have left the original Falls bed exposed for exploring by foot in this designated Nature Reserve. If nature trails are your thing, you will not be disappointed. This is my best-kept secret of Niagara.
Queenston Heights Park
Queenston Heights Park is located right off the traffic circle on the Niagara Parkway approximately 4.5 km or 2.8 miles from the Niagara Glen Nature Centre. This detour is very brief, and you will not lose sight of the Parkway to get back on. Free parking offers a chance to walk about the gardens, and it can also be an opportunity for an excellent lunch break at the Queenston Heights restaurant. The best panoramic view and camera shot of the Gorge is from the restaurant’s outdoor patio railing.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming town at the mouth of the Niagara River on Lake Ontario. Take a short walkabout for an ice cream, coffee break, light lunch or people watch. There is a casual sophistication to this quaint town noted for its historic boutique hotels, live theatre and local wineries. Speaking of which, you are in the regional epicenter of Canada’s largest wine producing area where you’ll find a countless array of wineries and the birthplace of ice wine. You will get a view of Lake Ontario and Old Fort Niagara on the U.S. side as you double-back towards the US border.
side. Just remember to stop for Customs and follow the Robert Moses Parkway to Niagara Falls, New York. Note: There are four international border-crossing bridges spanning the Niagara River, namely Queenston-Lewiston, Whirlpool, Rainbow and Peace Bridge. It’s very important to know that the Whirlpool Bridge is a Nexus-only crossing. Therefore do not take the Whirlpool crossing unless you have a valid Nexus card.
Goat Island
Goat Island, Niagara Falls, USA, is situated in the Niagara River at the southwest corner of Niagara Falls, New York, and is part of Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the U.S. Although the island is small (approximately 1 km long by 0.5 km wide), it provides the best view of the Falls from the U.S. side. There is no entry fee onto Goat Island, so a ride through is okay, but you will not see much this way. You need to get close on foot to appreciate the spectacular photo opportunities.
I-190 South to Rte. 5
The majority of this leg will be at highway speeds to bypass urban Buffalo and will get you back to the Rally.
Border Crossing Info
Tip 1. Border crossing should be a friendly experience. Remember, the last conflict in this region was the War of 1812. Have your border documents, such as a valid passport, enhanced driver’s license, or Nexus card, in hand as you pull up to the border stop. Vehicle registration may be requested so keep it readily accessible and not buried under your motorcycle seat. Be sure to listen to the questions asked and answer truthfully. Tip 2. Pay attention to make a complete stop at the stop signs as you approach the U.S. or Canadian Customs booth. Failure to do so is only amusing as long as it’s not you.
Queenston-Lewiston Bridge to USA
Good news, no toll collection on the U.S.
March 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS
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WHENANDWHERE
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March 1
3/19/2016 – 4/24/2016
2016 Klim Collection Preview at Bob’s BMW
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Location: Fontana, North Carolina Contact: Vance Harrelson alabeemer@gmail.com The MOA will host another great MOA Getaway at the Fontana Village Resort. The beautiful Fontana Village Resort will be the base of operations for all there is to see and do in the area.
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Location: Jessup, Maryland Contact: Bob’s BMW www.bobsbmw.com or call 1-888-BMW-BOBS Come get an exclusive sneak peak of the KLIM 2016 collection! Check out the samples available to try on and then RIDE TO DECIDE.
4/28/2016 – 5/1/2016
Horizons Unlimited Virginia Travellers Meeting
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Location: Appomattox, Virginia Website : horizonsunlimited.com Whether you’re a seasoned veteran with wisdom to share or a novice hungry for ideas, Horizons Unlimited meetings are for everyone who dreams of taking the road less travelled.
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Detailed information for all events is available online at:
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26th Annual Georgia Mountain Rally
bmwmoa.org
March 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS
4/29/2016 – 5/1/2016
Location: Hiawassee, Georgia Contact: Marc Mergen, rally@bmwmcoga.org The BMW Motorcycle Club of Georgia returns to the picturesque fairgrounds in Hiawassee for its 26th Georgia Mountain Rally!
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5
4/29/2016 – 5/1/2016
Frosty Nutz Campout
Location: Weathersfield, Vermont Contact: Ken Springhetti kz1000@hotmail.com Our rally season kicks off with camping in 30-degree night temps. Bring a zero-degree sleeping bag, a sweater and a wool cap. A no-frills event, bonfire, morning coffee. A mix of lean-to’s, Connecticut River-facing camp sites, limited cabins.
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4/30/2016 – 5/1/2016
31st Annual BMW MotoExpo & Flea Market Location: Pecatonica, Illinois Website: blackhawkbmwclub.org We welcome buyers, vendors, and enthusiast-sellers. Vendors, register early and get a free listing on our Website.
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4/30/2016
Bob’s BMW Spring Open House
Location: Jessup, Maryland Contact: Bob’s BMW www.bobsbmw. com or call 1-888-BMW-BOBS Kick off the riding season with FOOD, FRIENDS and a ton of FUN! Bob’s BMW is conveniently located off I-95 so grab some friends, find one of the many great scenic routes there and join us.
May 8
5/6/2016 – 5/8/2016
The Original Mini Rally
Location: Sturgis, Michigan Contact: Mike Hart, bathartx46x@ comcast.net or call 269-317-9951 Website: bcbmwclub.com Celebrate spring at the Green Valley Campground in Sturgis, Michigan for the 44th Original Mini-Rally hosted by the BMW Club of Battle Creek.
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5/6/2016 – 5/8/2016
2nd Annual Hopewell Road Rally
Location: Logan, Ohio Contact: Sam Booth samrbooth@yahoo.com Come enjoy two night camping, hot showers, Friday and Saturday night dinners, endless coffee/tea, campfires, door prizes, Saturday night movies, self-guided rides and two guided historical rides covering the earthworks and effigy mounds of southeastern Ohio.
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5/13/2016 – 5/14/2016
Blue Ridge Hi Pass Boogie
Location: Ashville, North Carolina Contact: Linda Cox, abmwrevents@gmail. com Enjoy dual sport, pleasure and endurance routes over the majestic Appalachian high country and hidden mountain valleys.
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5/13/2016 – 5/15/2016
Natural State Campout
Location: Morrillton, Arkansas Contact: Roy Kilduff 501-329-8859 rod.kilduff@conwaycorp.net A no-frills campout at Corps of Engineers Cherokee Park on the north bank of the Arkansas River, southwest of downtown Morrilton, AR. Complimentary coffee and lots of good roads.
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5/14/2016 – 5/15/2016
New Sweden 450
Location: Cherry Hill, New Jersey Contact: Ron Cesaretti, ns450@newswedenbmwriders.com or call 856-425-4040. The New Sweden 450 is simply 450 miles of amazing roads through the Delaware Valley area, a night of camping and more with 100 of your fellow riders.
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5/20/2016 – 5/22/2016
Battlefield Memorial Workers Rally
Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Contact: Sam Booth, samrbooth@yahoo.com A BMW rally devoted to a day helping the National Park Service doing battlefield restoration along with great riding, food and fellowship.
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5/20/2016 – 5/22/2016
Morton’s BMW Spring Fling Rally
Location: Natural Bridge, Virginia Website: mortonsbmw.com You’re invited to the sixth annual Spring Fling Rally, sponsored by Morton’s BMW Motorcycles, for a weekend of good fun, great food, fantastic roads, and terrific camaraderie.
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5/20/2016 – 5/22/2016
European Riders Rally
Location: Burkesville, Kentucky Contact: pw630@aol.com Join us for some of the best riding in Kentucky and Tennessee from curvy asphalt roads to rocky creek crossings. Camping is free in the city park.
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5/20/2016 – 5/22/2016
Downeast Rally
Location: Phippsburg, Maine Contact: David Eskelund 207-809-2689 rally@bmwrsm.org Enjoy 3 days & 2 nights of Oceanside camping at Hermit Island Campground. Friday night chowders & chili, Sat. morning breakfast, Sat. evening lobster dinner & Sun. morning breakfast. Guided rides, maps for self-guided rides will be available.
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5/21/2016
4th Annual Texas National Picnic
Location: Jacksonville, Texas Contact: Rich Barnhart, detbmw@gmail. com or call 836-645-4549 Join us for the Fourth Annual Texas National Picnic at Love’s Lookout Visitor Center for this one-day event with no fee.
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5/26/2016 –5/29/2016
17th Annual Rok Rally A.K.A “The Firefly Rally” Location: Del Ria, Tennessee Contact: Jerry Dobrianski 423-587-1718 twocreekstn@aol.com It is our pleasure to host our 17th Annual ROK Rally in conjunction with an amazing synchronized firefly show by Mother Nature at T.W.O. Creeks Camp area in Del Rio, Tennessee Memorial Day weekend! In addition to East Tennessee’s great mountain roads,
it’s possible to enhance your riding experience to NC, KY, VA or WV! Experience a small, peaceful rally in a beautiful setting with great riding!
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5/27/2016–5/29/2016
27th Charter Oak Rally
Location: Eastford, Connecticut Contact: Brian Fisk, rider_06416@yahoo.com or Joan Dahlstrom, davidjoandahlstrom@ gmail.com The 27th Charter Oak Rally will be held at our new location at Camp Nahaco in Eastford, CT, on Crystal Pond just off of Weeks Rd. 5/27/2016 – 5/30/2016
20 Cass Rally
Location: Arbovale, West Virginia Contact: Michael Harper, motoman1150rt@ hotmail.com Thank you for joint us at the 2015 Rally. We are looking for forward to seeing everyone over Memorial Day weekend! Ride Safe!
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5/27/2016 – 5/29/2016
www.alaskaleather.com
www.bluerimtours.com
27th Annual “Great Chicken Rally”
Location: Dunlap, Tennessee Website: www.bmwmoal.org Join us in the beautiful Sequatchie Valley in Dunlap, Tennessee, for two nights camping, great riding and lots of food. Registration forms online at www.bmwmoal.org under the Rally tab.
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5/27/2016 – 5/29/2016
MOA Getaway Muskoka, Ontario
Location: Muskoka, Ontario Contact: Bill Hooykaas, hooykaas@ bmwmoa.org. Come join the fun in our second annual MOA Getaway in Canada. We have moved the Getaway about 30 miles north into the heart of granite country with windswept pines and rocky outcrops surrounding the thousands of glacial lakes in the area.
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March 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS
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June 23
6/3/2016 – 6/5/2016
40th Annual Hiawatha Rally
Location: Money Creek, Minnesota Contact: hiawatharally2016@gmail. com or visit www.bmwmocm.com Join the BMW Motorcycle Owners Club of Minnesota for the 40th Annual Hiawatha Rally for camping, food and great riding.
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6/3/2016 – 6/5/2016
2016 Land of Oz Rally
Location: Atchinson, Kansas Contact: Don Hamblin, bmwscooter@ gmail.com or call 256-479-5606 or 816-600-2475 Join us for the 2016 Land of Oz Rally at our new location at Warnock Lake Park in Atchinson, Kansas, for an even better weekend of history, mystery and entertainment!
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6/9/2016 – 6/12/2016
40th Annual Iowa Rally
Location: Middle Amana, Iowa Website: purestodge.org or email psta.rally@gmail.com or call 319-930-0051. Join the Pure Stodge Touring Association for our special 40th Annual Iowa Rall, located in the heart of the historical Amana Colonies, for the best food, music and camping ever!
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6/10/2016 – 6/12/2016
24th Gathering of the Clans
Location: Ferguson, North Carolina Contact: Charlie Smith 276-628-3251 bmwcharlie@embarqmail.com Airheads, those who ride airheads, and other esteemed members of the motorcycling community are invited for a weekend of friends, fun and fantastic roads.
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6/10/2016 – 6/12/2016
14th Laurel Highlands BMW Riders Campout Location: Somerset, Pennsylvania
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BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
Contact: Jason Kaplitz gsjay@kaplitz.com or call 814-615-9138 Join the Laurel Highlands BMW Riders for some great riding, great campground, great food and friends in the scenic Laurel Highlands of Somerset County, PA.
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6/10/2016 – 6/12/2016
Pemi River Rally
Location: Thornton, New Hampshire Contact: Bob Blethen tnkdriver@gmail.com Our Toy Box will be there, a blazing campfire, an excellent Saturday Pig Roast and canopy tent, and of course some of the finest BMW riders in the land. Twisty roads in every direction, and a lot of great off road riding.
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16th Annual Red Rock Rendezvous Rally Location: Panguitch, Utah Contact: Jeff Thurmond 801-243-0660 jeffthurmond@hotmail.com or visit beehivebeemers.org Beehive Beemers Motorcycle Club of Utah – invites all to Utah’s color country featuring day rides to Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Grand Canyon National Parks and more. 6/17/2016 – 6/19/2016
30 Chief Joseph Rally
Location: John Day, Oregon Contact: bmwro.cjrrallymaster@gmail.com or call 541-689-2822 There is lots of green grass for tent camping and plenty of RV spots with motels and restaurants just three blocks away. Meet old friends and make new friends with dinner provided on Friday and Saturday nights.
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6/17/2016 – 6/19/2016
2016 MotoMo Rally
Location: Crane, Missouri Contact: Steve Kronberger kronie12@gmail. com or call (801) 597-1678 Join us for camping along a spring-fed creek, with plenty of shade and grass to pitch your tent and park your bike. Great riding in the area with lots of curves. GS ride and day ride to Bentonville on Saturday.
July 32
7/14/2016 – 7/17/2016
2016 BMW MOA International Rally
Location: Hamburg, New York Contact: Kate and Dutch Lammers, 2016rallychairs@bmwmoa.org Information in this issue of BMW Owners News and online at bmwmoa.org.
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7/21/2016 – 7/24/2016
44th Annual Cascade Country Rendezvous Location: Republic, Washington Contact: www.wsbmwr.org Held at the Ferry County Fairgrounds in Republic Washington, we have fabulous paved and off-pavement riding, great camping, good food and camaraderie.
August 34
8/5/2016 – 8/7/2016
21st Annual Damn Yankees Rally
Location: Heath, Massachusetts Contact: Bill Cusack, bcusack@comcast.net Join us for our annual flagship event, where all proceeds are donated to local charities. Located in beautiful Heath, MA, the 21st annual Damn Yankees Rally is rustic camping at one of New England’s oldest operating fairgrounds.
35
8/12/2016 – 8/14/2016
34th Annual Huskerally
Location: Franklin, Nebraska Contact: Jayney Solo jayneysolo@cox.net or call 402-676-1739 Nestled in the beautiful Republican Valley of south central Nebraska, the Nightriders offer a weekend of great food and fun. Meet others who share your love of the open road, good company, shaded camping, hot showers and the best rally food.
8/18/2016 – 8/21/2016
36 Nakusp Hotsprings Rally Location: Nakusp, British Columbia Contact: Michael McPeak, nakusprally2015@beeceebeemers.com or call 604-438-3954. Reconnect with old friends and ride some of the most scenic twisties in the northwest at our 15th visit to Nakusp, British Columbia. Enjoy the hospitality of the nicest small town in BC.
37
www.m4motorcycles.com
www.ventureheat.com
8/18/2016 – 8/21/2016
17th Beartooth Rendezvous
Location: Red Lodge, Montana Contact: Gary Smith, registrar@ beartoothbeemers.org or call 406-259-4927. Join us at the Lions Camp, ten miles south of Red Lodge, Montana. Ample camping and cabins available with a mountain stream nearby. 8/19/2016 – 8/21/2016
38 Four Winds 50th Anniversary
Rally, Pennsylvania
Location: Fairmount City, Pennsylvania Contact: www.4windsbmw.org Join us as we celebrate our 50th Annual Rally, the longest consecutive BMW rally in North America, in Scenic Western, Pennsylvania.
39
8/19/2016 – 8/21/2016
MOA Getaway Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Location: Eureka Springs, Arkansas Contact: Chuck Manley More information coming soon. Get the latest buzz in the forum. 8/19/2016 – 8/21/2016
40 14th Annual Return to Trenton Rally Location: Trenton, Ontario Contact: Cheryl Gzik, prez@ltbmwr.ca Come to Centennial Park on the shores of Lake Ontario in Trenton, Ontario, for the 14th Annual Return to Trenton Rally!
41
8/19/2016 – 8/21/2016
Lime Rockz Rally
Location: Lakeville, Connecticut Contact: John Shields jjshields01@cox.net
March 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS
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www.bmwmcsem.com
event
whenandwhere
Rally on a Racetrack! Camp out under a canopy of trees overlooking one of the most beautiful race courses in the East and arise to the hum of the Skip Barber Race Series Formula cars on the track. 8/30/2016 – 9/3/2016
42 Curve Cowboy Reunion Location: Monterey, California Contact: www.curvecowboyreunion. com Want an opportunity to check off some boxes: The Pacific Coast Highway? Big Sur? Carmel? Hearst Castle? Cannery Row? The Monterey Bay Aquarium? CCR 2016 is Monterey’s Hyatt Regency, a full service hotel.
September 43
9/9/2016 – 9/11/2016
MOA Getaway Pineville, Kentucky
Location: Pineville, Kentucky Contact: Vance Harrelson alabeemer@gmail.com More information coming soon. Get the latest buzz in the forum.
44
9/16/2016 – 9/18/2016
Autumn Beemer Bash
Location: Quincy, California Contact: bashinfo@comcast.net or call 925-443-2070 Famous CCBR coffee, beer garden, two nights camping w/early camping available, Saturday night BBQ, two continental breakfasts, GS ride, poker run, vendors, and speakers.
that we have been putting on this rally, we believe it has earned the reputation for being one of the best anywhere. 9/16/2016 – 9/18/2016
46 MOA Getaway
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Location: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Contact: Jackie Hughes, jhughes@ bmwmoa.org More information coming soon. Get the latest buzz in the forum.
47
9/23/2016 – 9/25/2016
30th Annual Hoosier Beemer Rally
Location: North Vernon, Indiana Contact: Jeff Kernen jrkernen@yahoo.com Come ride southeastern Indiana and experience some of the best roads in the Midwest! 9/23/2016 – 9/25/2016
48 13th Annual Thunder Mountain
Rendezvous
Location: Hotchkiss, Colorado Contact: Gary Campbell gcampbell44@ yahoo.com or call 970-210-2604 Come join us at the Delta County Fairgrounds in downtown Hotchkiss on Color weekend on the Western Slope of Colorado.
49
9/23/2016 – 9/25/2016
34th Annual Last Chance Rally
Location: Buena, New Jersey Contact: Peter J. Lisko Jr. pjliskojr@ verizon.net or call 856-589-7015 Shaded camp sites, cabins and local hotels to accommodate your travel preference. Enjoy a relaxing weekend of field events, riding destinations, awards, comradery and sumptuous food. 9/23/2016 – 9/25/2016
9/16/2016 – 9/18/2016
45 Twin Valley Rally
Location: Meadows of Dan, Virginia Contact: Seth Pagani twinvalleyrally@gmail.com Willville is located right in the middle of some of the finest motorcycle roads in the state. In the seven years
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BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
50 Whackey Hat Campout Location: Jamaica, Vermont Contact: John Van Hook jvanhook@ comcast.net This year we are returning to our roots by returning to Jamaica State Park in Jamaica, Vermont. The Whackey Hat is the last official Yankee Beemer campout of the
season. In its first year the YBs didn’t let a bit of rain spoil the fun so in a fit of PMS (parked motorcycle syndrome) the attendees started crafting hats out of whatever they could find. Soon judges were recruited to decide the “best” hat.
51
9/23/2016 – 9/25/2016
MOA Getaway Cedar City, Utah
Location: Cedar City, Utah Contact: Jackie Hughes, jhughes@ bmwmoa.org The MOA returns to our most popular Getaway destination for the eighth time to ride on the lightly traveled and twisty twolane roads around Cedar City, Utah.
52
9/30/2016 – 10/2/2016
MOA Getaway Black River Falls, Wisconsin
Location: Black River Ralls, Wisconsin Contact: Sue Rihn More information coming soon. Get the latest buzz in the forum.
53
9/30/2016 – 10/2/2016
2016 Rams Rally
Location: Parker’s Crossroads, Tennessee Contact: www.bmwrams.com/ the-rams-rally The Rider’s Association of The Mid-South (The RAMS) invites you to join us for the RAMS Rally in Parker’s Crossroads, Tennessee.
November 11/18/2016 – 11/20/2016
54 MOA Getaway
Marble Falls, Texas
Location: Marble Falls, Texas Contact: More information coming soon. Get the latest buzz in the forum.
advertiserindex Abus Security............................................... 68 Action Stations/Bohn Armor................. 23 Adriatic Moto Tours................................... 23 ADV Depot..................................................110 Adventure Designs.................................... 13 Adventure New Zealand Tours............. 37 AeroFlow....................................................... 38 Aerostich-RiderWearHouse.................... 60 Alaska Leather...........................................115 Alaska Motorcycle Adventures............. 38 ALTRider......................................................... 47 Arai/Doe-Anderson................................... 25 Ayres Adventures....................................... 93 Bates Footwear........................................... 39 Beach’s Motorcycle Adventures........... 47 Beemer Boneyard...................................... 99 Beemer Shop, The........................ 45, 60, 97 Best Rest Products...................................105 Bing Agency...............................................115 BMW Motorcycle Owners of America....... 48 BMW Motorrad.......................................9, 77 BMW of Pensacola...................................110 BMW of Southeast Michigan...............117 BMW Performance Center...................... 69 Bob’s BMW.................................................... 95 Bombar’s Beemers..................................... 47 Boxer Works Service.................................. 68 British Motorcycle Gear........................... 24 BullRack......................................................... 45 California Motorcycle Rental...............107 Cee Baileys Aircraft Plastic............... 69, 94 Central Italy Motorcycle Tours.............. 38 Colorado Motorcycle Adventures....... 85 Colorado Tourbike Rentals..................... 57 Corbin Pacific............................................... 89 Crampbuster/Throttle Rocker............... 93 CruzTools.....................................................107 Cyclenutz....................................................... 68 DMC Sidecars............................................... 60 Don’t Want a Pickle.................................... 85 Dubbelju Motorcycle Rentals................ 60
Eaglerider Pittsburgh............................... 31 Edelweiss Bike Travel.......................43, 107 EPM Hyper Pro............................................ 60 Euro Moto Electrics................................... 91 First Gear......................................................IBC Geza Gear...................................................... 43 Giant Loop.................................................... 47 GSM Motorent...........................................102 Hannigan Motosports.............................. 89 Happy Trails.................................................. 97 Held USA....................................................... 33 Helmet Sun Blocker................................... 24 Ilium Works................................................... 46 IMTBIKE TOURS................................... 13, 31 Jesse Luggage Systems........................... 37 Kermit Chair Company............................. 24 Kinekt Gear Ring......................................... 99 LadyRidersWear........................................102 LD Comfort................................................... 99 Legal Speeding Enterprises................... 45 M2 Moto Tours..........................................110 M4Moto-psa.......................................45, 117 MachineartMoto........................................ 13 Max BMW Motorcycles...............................5 MC Wheel Repair........................................ 68 Michelin Tire................................................. 11 MOA Gear Shop.......................................... 90 MOA Hotline..............................................111 Morton’s BMW Motorcycles.................102 Moto Aventura............................................ 91 Moto-Bins....................................................102 MotoDiscovery............................................ 60 Motohansa Tools (The Beemer Shop)... 60 Motonation..................................................BC Motorcycle Travel Network..................105 Motorex USA................................................ 46 Motorrad Elektrik....................................... 37 Motoskiveez...............................................107 MotoStays..................................................... 24 Mountain Master Truck Equipment.... 97 Next Adventure Wealth Advisors......... 31
Olympia Moto Sports..............................IFC On The Level Magazine...........................107 Overseas Speedometer.........................102 Palo Alto Speedometer............................ 85 Pandora’s European Motorsports.......106 Parabellum................................................... 42 Paradise Motorcycle Tours....................105 Peru Motors................................................102 Pirat’s Lair....................................................105 Pirelli US......................................................... 53 Progressive Insurance.............................. 19 Pure Stodge Iowa Rally..........................110 RawHyde Adventures............................... 87 Ray Atwood Cycles.................................... 68 Redverz.......................................................... 93 Remus USA................................................... 49 Re-Psycle BMW Parts................................ 43 Ride in Tours................................................. 24 Rider Magazine............................................ 97 RoadRUNNER Magazine........................115 Russel Cycle Products............................... 38 Sargent Cycle Products............................ 43 Side Kicker (AKS Engineering)............... 57 Spiegler.......................................................... 24 Stop ‘n Go....................................................102 Street Eagle Motorcycle Rentals............. 24 StrongBilt (StrongRak)............................. 93 Suburban Machinery................................ 60 Throttlemeister........................................... 68 Total Control/Lee Parks Designs...... 60, 91 Touratech.........................................................1 Twisted Throttle.............................. 100, 101 Two Wheels of Suches.............................. 43 Venture Heat..............................................117 Westco Battery............................................ 47 Wilbers USA.................................................. 60 Wolfman Luggage..................................... 68 Wunderlich.................................................103 Wunderlich-bmw2valve.com................ 85 Ztechnik......................................................... 67
BMW ON (ISSN:1080-5729) (USPS: 735-590) (BMW Owners News) is published monthly by BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Inc., 640 S. Main Street, Suite 201, Greenville, SC 29601. Periodicals postage paid at Pewaukee, Wisconsin and additional mailing offices. Opinions and positions stated in materials/articles herein are those of the authors and not by the fact of publication necessarily those of BMW MOA; publication of advertising material is not an endorsement by BMW MOA of the advertised product or service. The material is presented as information for the reader. BMW MOA does not perform independent research on submitted articles or advertising. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO BMW ON, 640 S. Main Street, Suite 201, Greenville, SC 29601 © 2016 by BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Inc. All information furnished herein is provided by and for the members of BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, Inc. Unless otherwise stated, none of the information (including technical material) printed herein necessarily bears endorsement or approval by BMW MOA, BMW NA, the factory or the editors. The editors and publisher cannot be held liable for its accuracy. Printed in the USA. Volume 46, Number 3.
March 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS
119
talelight
Life at 42 mph Few understand the allure of blurred pavement passing only inches below one’s feet as do motorcyclists. Photo by Barrett Jones #142266
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MARCH 2016