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APRIL 2021

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BMW OWNERS NEWS – A PUBLICATION OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE OWNERS OF AMERICA

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APRIL 2021 BMW OWNERS NEWS www.bmwmoa.org

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A Luckenbach, Texas, tourist attraction. Photo by Mark Hawkins #190235

INSIDE

APRIL 2021

FEATURES

50 WHICH BMW? BY ERIC BELL #110164 After months of pandemic-imposed house arrest, Eric Bell began wondering if the R nineT Pure, a bike based on the Slash 5 from the 1970s, would be the motorcycle to replace his beloved RT.

56 THE PURGATORY OF FEBRUARY BY KEN FRICK #199204 Looking out his windows, all Ken Frick sees are shades of gray with the only green being the light on his trickle charger. Only his trusty decade-old road atlas and dreams of rides yet to be made bring a smile to his face as he endures the month of February. ON THE COVER: Carving twisties aboard an R 1250 R. Photo courtesy BMW Motorrad.

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

60 HOW IT ALL STARTED BY DOUG MCBRIDE #6642 The product of a mind “severely affect by pandemic boredom,” Doug McBride offers a bit of historical fiction on the beginnings of the motorcycle marque we all love.

While riding around Banff National Park, Roy Shaw #198896 decided to head out onto the windy Albertan prairie to get this picture.

4 HEADLIGHT Volunteer and Make a Difference

44 KEEP 'EM FLYING Clutch Work and Ready for Mexico

8 PRESIDENTS COLUMN Rock the Vote! by Wes Fitzer 10 POSTCARDS FROM THE ROAD

46 TORQUE OF THE MATTER Hell with it! I’m buying

by Bill Wiegand

12 RIDER TO RIDER Letters from our Members 14 NEWS Upgrade the ride on your F 850 GS and GS

Adventure with a suspension upgrade from Touratech, BMW Motorrad recalls more models over lingering fuel pump issue, Aerostich fleece jackets keep you warm, carry more gear with Giant Loop’s Fandango Tank Bag, have you registered for the 2021 BMW MOA National Rally yet? BMW MOA Foundation Superstakes set to give away 20 new BMW motorcycles, Meet the 2021 BMW MOA Board of Directors candidates, Backcountry Discovery Route announces Wyoming route.

24 RALLY NEWS Things to do around Great Falls this June and Getting Ready to Ride in Montana.

36 MEMBER TESTED ContiSportAttack 4 sport touring tires by Steven M. Green

38 MEMBER TESTED DECI-BULL Sound Generator by April Ersten

40 MEMBER TESTED Rival Components skid plate and crash bars for F 850/750 GS models by Bill Shaw

by Matt Parkhouse

a Harley! by Wes Fleming

66 MOA GARAGE R 18 The Cost of Ownership by Wes Fleming 70 FROM THE FOUNDATION Saving Lives by the Numbers by Ted Moyer

SKILLS Basic Motorcycle Training Fails, Part 1 by Jon DelVecchio

THE RIDE INSIDE Can’t Leave Well Enough Alone

by Mark Barnes

76 78 80

SHINY SIDE UP The Perfect Motorcycle by Ron Davis You CAN take it with you! by Joe Billing

JACK THE RIEPE When Technology Sparks the Evolution of Social Change at MOA Rallies by Jack Riepe

84 SARGENT BIKER Just Slow Down by James Carlisle 88 WHEN AND WHERE Rally listings 95 ADVERTISER INDEX 96 TAILIGHT April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

HEADLIGHT

SINCE ITS INCEPTION, THE BMW MOTORCYCLE OWNERS OF AMERICA HAS

VOLUNTEER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

By Bill Wiegand #180584

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

grown and flourished through the unselfish giving of our members. From serving on the cleanup crew at our National Rally to leading our organization as a member of the Board of Directors, the MOA could not provide all it does if not for the overwhelming and selfless generosity of our members. Something that all MOA volunteers can agree on is that giving their time and talent offers a quick way to build friendships within the organization and helps them feel more a part of the MOA family. Whether it’s helping out at an MOA Getaway or National Rally, serving as an MOA Regional Coordinator or taking on one of the other many volunteer positions available within the organization, when our members help build upon the success of the MOA they can’t help but smile while beaming with feelings of pride and joy knowing they had a hand in our success. As we prepare for our Rally in Great Falls this June, now is the time the MOA needs your help the most. While volunteering at the Rally may sound intimidating, it shouldn’t. Most committees have many tasks that most of us can easily do, and when 1,500 or so of us lend a hand and give just a little bit of time, great things always happen. Many hands make light work. Several years ago, Sue Rihn estimated the number of volunteer hours that are involved in putting on an MOA National Rally. She estimated the Rally Chairs spend about 15 months planning, and the committee chairs start focusing on their tasks about four months before the Rally opens. Adding attendees who volunteer upon their arrival, Sue surmised it takes about 13,000 hours of labor to put on a Rally. In the days before the gates open, volunteers are needed to help with sign making and placement or to offer security in the vendor area prior to the Rally. Others are needed to help set up the registration area and the entertainment stages, to monitor the arrivals of members, to assist RV-ers set up their rigs, or to offer direction to camping areas. The stuffing of mugs with our pins and patches also requires many helping hands, and the MOA Gear Store and the Prize Committee both could use your help. These are just some of the committees that need volunteers. If you are able to help on the Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday prior to the official Rally start, please contact us. Once the Rally is actually underway, many hands will still be needed. Registration volunteers are needed throughout the Rally, as are shuttle volunteers to help taxi members around the Rally site. More volunteers are needed to provide Rally security and sell 50/50 tickets for the local charity that we generously support. Other committees needing your help include Door Prizes, the Sewing Table, the 5k Run, Bike Judging, the Bike Wash and Oil Change Stations and more. Don’t like the heat? Then pull up a chair and join Ice Sales and stay cool in the shade. If you have a medical background or have first aid experience, consider volunteering at our First Aid Station. Interested in helping out? If so, visit bmwmoa.org and click the Rally tab and look for volunteer opportunities. Or, email Paul Ruffell, 2021 Volunteer Chair, at paul.ruffell@ gmail.com or the Rally Chairs directly at rallychair@bmwmoa.org with your specific questions. Many members say they have so much fun volunteering that they usually signup for more than one shift. Together we can make the 2021 MOA Rally something special. See you in Great Falls!

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April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

PRESIDENT'S

COLUMN

WELCOME TO THE 2021 BMW MOA ELECTION!

ROCK THE VOTE!

By Wes Fitzer # 170126

The MOA is once again offering an electronic voting option, and both the MOA Board and staff have worked diligently to ensure “one member–one vote.” Prior to the election, each MOA member will receive an email with a unique authentication code and a clickable link. In the case where we do not have a member’s current email address or if a member doesn’t want to vote electronically, he or she can call the MOA offices and request a paper ballot. These paper ballots will have that member’s unique authentication key to ensure voting integrity. That’s enough about the mechanics of our new voting system from me. Let’s talk about the importance of voting and volunteerism within our club. Volunteerism: If you’re a regular reader of my column (both of you), then you’ve heard me mention this many times before. We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers at all levels. I would like to personally thank the six BMW MOA members who have volunteered their time by offering to serve the MOA membership as members of our Board of Directors. I can honestly say, without really knowing any of these candidates, that I believe we have a great pool of candidates to chose from. Those elected to serve are doing so to make our club better for all of us. To those who are unsuccessful, I hope they chose other ways to support our club through volunteerism and/or chose to run again next year. Voting: I’ve also written many times before about the importance of our members voting to choose the leaders of our organization. If you don’t vote, I believe you must forfeit your right to complain about decisions made (OK, that one came from my mother when I was a child). With electronic voting, it only takes a few minutes but means so much to the integrity of the voting process and the selection of our newest leaders. Without our candidate volunteers willing to donate much of their personal free time without receiving any compensation and our voters selecting the most qualified of those candidates, both the electoral process and our club suffers the consequences of inaction. I hope to see as many of you as possible at the MOA’s upcoming Getaways and our International Rally in Great Falls, Montana, this year. Personally, I’ve gone online and registered for the rally and the Fontana Getaway. With my hotel reservations made, I’m now just waiting for the predetermined kickoff date for both my Getaway and rally season. Ride Safe.

Wes Fitzer 8

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

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POSTCARDS

FROM

THE

ROAD

Above, An '07 R 1200 GS (left) and the ten year younger version posed along the Icefields Parkway near Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Photo by Jari Honkanen #134726. Below left, Near the beginning of Colorado's Alpine Loop Scenic and Historic Byway. Photo by Kathy Strain #223351. Right, A socially distanced and masked velociraptor found near Tucson, Arizona. Photo by Mike LoGalbo #155063.

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

Top Left, Along Route 40 in Alberta, Canada during a three month trip across Canada. Photo by John Grutschnig #191187. Middle left, My 2014 R 1200 RT along the shore of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, at midnight on June 21. Photo by Josef Woodall #216871. Above, My 19765 R 90/6 at the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad bridge in Cumberland, Maryland. Photo by Steven A. Burr #222621. Bottom Left, An abandoned cement truck found near the old logging town of Quilcene on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. Photo by Eric Bell #110164.

Each month we publish the great images sent to us by BMW MOA members from their travels around the globe. Send us your best images and you could have your work published in our Postcards from the Road pages. Email your high resolution images, image description and contact information to editor@bmwmoa.org.

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

RIDERTORIDER Send your letters and comments to: editor@bmwmoa.org

Torque of the Matter

Regarding Wes Fleming’s article on page 38 of the January issue of BMW Owners News, the postscript note on page 40 states, “Sadly, Odessa’s bike died of catastrophic engine failure...” I’m curious to know what the details of the cause of the failure were. If you may happen to know these details, please let me know or perhaps you could refer me to someone who does. Andy Clark #155401 Niagara Falls, Ontario

Odessa called one day and said she heard an odd rattling noise inside the engine. After discussing it, we thought it might be the cam chain tensioner, but it’s difficult to diagnose such a thing without having the bike in the shop. By the time she got the bike home, it was leaking oil and making bad, bad noises. It’s possible the tensioner failed completely and resulted in significant internal engine damage. We recommend any time your bike starts making a funny noise, you stop riding it and have it looked at by a qualified technician. Odessa confirmed the engine was trashed on the inside; she sold it to a friend who put in a new engine and is currently riding the bike. –Wes

Love my R 18

A letter from Sandy Sandbakken on his problems with his R 18 (BMW Owners News February 2021) just hit me wrong. Did he not have a test ride? I’ve been on bikes since 1959 when an uncle took me on a ride on his Shriner Harley-Davidson. I’ve had everything from a Briggs and Stratton minibike to many full-blown Harley-Davidson Dressers. I’ve also been teaching MSF for almost 30 years and for the HD Riding Academy since its inception.

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

I ride mostly HD and BMW and even have a Ural sidecar rig in the stable. One of my two BMWs is a R18. I actually rode it before I bought it. It’s quirky, big, heavy, and the most fun I’ve had on a bike in a long time. Every time I ride it, I come home giggling. The new R18 is the most unique ride I’ve ever had. It took a lot of guts to produce this bike, and I think they hit the mark. It’s well thought out and oozes personality. It’s not another run of the mill motorcycle. If that’s not what you want, you need to ride something else. There is nothing to complain about on this bike. Douglas Ray Ashworth #217698 Nashville, Tennessee

The Library Overflowing

Ron Davis, your thoughtful musings on your library got me thinking about my own eclectic collection. But first thanks for adding another to the pile. I had never considered The Perfect Vehicle by Melissa Holbrook Pierson before. When I recommend reading to motorcyclists, David Hough and Jim Ford are usually on the list (especially since Jim is local and his school is so accessible to most I talk to). I recently finished reading the thoroughly enjoyable and well written Sport Riding Techniques by Nick Ienatsch. He does a great job of putting into words, with great illustrations and photographs, the concepts necessary to master to become a good street rider. Of course, Neil Peart has some wonderful travel books that continue to resonate in my motorcycle life. For a change of pace, try Motorcycle Roadcraft - The Police Rider’s Handbook. It is available on Amazon and is the British Moto Officer Handbook. Lastly, this is the first time I recommended it to someone, but it was

recommended to me. Charlie Boorman has an interesting writing style that is enjoyable to read. He is side splittingly funny at times, too. He has a book Long Way Back about his recovery from a horrendous motorcycle accident. It is also interesting for the looks it takes back into his childhood. Enjoy the reading but don’t neglect your riding. James Carlisle #196730 Fairfax Station, Virginia

Thank you Ken Frick

Having lived in the San Francisco Bay area for 20 years and New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia the rest of the time, it takes a lot to impress me. Ohio doesn’t, but the writing of Ken Frick did (Last Ride of the Season, February 2021 BMW Owners News.) Thank you, Ken, for taking the time to assemble and massage your thoughts and words into a wonderful story. I appreciate your choices in describing your experience while simultaneously being envious that I cannot do as well. I can ride out in the morning and be through the Sierras while the snow still stands many feet high on the sides of the road in time for second coffee. By lunchtime I can be in a small spot in the desert soaking up the silence and sun and be home again for late dinner. There are times when I treat the mountains like a racetrack, but like you, I also appreciate the peace provided by long stretches of straight highway. What I can’t do is write as well as you do. Again, thank you for your contribution, Eric Kullmann #211235 Clayton, California

Salton Sea Rendezvous

Best article (February 2021 BMW Owners News), I have read in a long time, superb. Thanks Don Barletti. Marvin Hill #50896 Nottingham, New Hampshire

Thank you!

I moved to South Carolina from Minnesota 15 years ago. In the move, I brought my six motorcycles with me, but over time my wife convinced me that I did not need that many. So, I kept the BMW R 1100 RT which got replaced by a BMW R 1200 RT. About four months ago, I decided it was time to expand the stable again, so I started looking for a BMW R 100 RS. After searching for a few months, I found a1983 R 100 RS in Connecticut on Facebook Marketplace. The owner traveled frequently to Florida in his motorhome and agreed to use his trailer to deliver the bike on one of his trips. We arranged to meet along the way where I met him, paid for the bike, and loaded the bike onto my trailer. Upon getting it home, I started going over everything. As expected, there were issues to resolve. The main ones were oil leaks and electrical issues. I have been reading Matt Parkhouse’s articles each month, remembering back in the day when I owned a 1975 BMW R 90 S. I really enjoyed that motorcycle, but it is not as suitable for me at this stage in my life as an R 100 RS. The larger fairing and

luggage, and plain and simple, the visual appeal of the R 100 RS won me over. In the November 2020 issue of BMW Owner News, Matt outlined his manuals and electrical diagrams, along with other interesting items. Thanks to that article, I started digging. I contacted Ted Porter regarding the Emerald Island Voltage regulator that had been installed on the bike, and Ted graciously provided me with a BMW tech document on how to test the charging system. I contacted Tom Cutter who ordered the KATDASH 8195 unit for the gauge assembly. Tom also provided me with the parts to repair the oil leaks—at least most of them. I also watched the videos from Brook Reams on the teardown and reassembly of his 1983 BMW R 100 RS, converting it to an RT. All three people were very helpful when I contacted them, which I appreciate very much. I rebuilt the front and rear master cylinders and calipers, replaced the brake pads and brake lines, found the short in the headlight assembly that caused the head light relay wire to look like a piece of swiss cheese, found the electrical issue in the brush assembly of the alternator and fixed the lamps in the gauges with the KATDASH 8195 component. The BMW community has provided a great deal of assistance to me when things went wrong. My R 1200 RT is still the best bike I have ever owned, but I have had to replace the final drive and the transmission, so it has not been entirely trouble-free. I will replace it with

a newer RT at some point, but at least now I have the RS as a fun to ride backup. Thanks to all who answered my posts in the MOA Forums, and especially to Ted, Tom and Brook who took time out to answer my questions. Roy Bohnen #178186 Inman, South Carolina

Learning to Settle

I liked Jim Stettler’s article (February 2021 BMW Owners News). I can relate on many levels. His article brought to mind my thinking lately about replacing my 2009 RT I’ve owned since buying it new in November of 2010 and becoming an MOA member. You see, I want to retire in three and half years and not carry much debt into it. The new RTs are almost 50 percent more out the door than I paid for mine, and that’s because it’s either take the premium package or order it stripped. I don’t need sat/nav or a stereo, so should I settle? My bike is paid for, and there’s really no incentive to replace it other than it’s nice to have something new and shiny. Even if I did get something new, I’d keep the old RT anyway, as it’s not worth a lot in a trade. So, am I settling? I guess so. Maybe I’ll meet Jim some day, and we can discuss it over a beer. Thanks for the article. Jim Lagnese #162849 Fountain Hills, Arizona

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Each month, the Rider to Rider pages of BMW Owners News detail the successes, failures, wishes and frustrations we all face as riders, BMW motorcycle owners, customers and individuals. As a BMW MOA member, these are your pages and we want to know what’s on your mind. Got something to get off your chest? Tell us about it. Know a business that deserves to be recognized? Tell us about it. Got a riding or tech tip that we could all benefit from? Tell us about it. Got a suggestion for BMW Motorrad? You know the drill––Tell us about it! There’s only one rule and that’s to stick to the subject that brings us all here––motorcycling, so save political rants for Facebook! Send your thoughts to editor@bmwmoa.org and lets all work to build a better community.

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

NEWS

BMW issues more Fuel Pump Recalls Expanding on a similar recall issued last fall, BMW of North America is recalling an additional 20,963 models, including certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/ RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The reason for the recall is that the fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation offering the potential for a fuel leak which could result in a fire. BMW Models affected by the recall include: 2013-2014 HP4 2011-2014 K 1300 S 2011-2014 K 1600 GT 2011-2014 K 1600 GTL 2011-2014 R 1200 GS 2011-2014 R 1200 GS Adventure 2011-2014 R 1200 R 2011-2014 R 1200 RT 2014 R nineT 2014 S 1000 R 2014 S 1000 RR 2011-2013 S 1000 RR BMW will notify owners of the affected models and dealers will replace the fuel pump free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 2, 2021. Owners may call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit the NHTSA website at www.safercar.gov.

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

Smooth out the ride with Touratech The BMW F 850 GS and GSA are excellent mid-sized adventure bikes with a nice blend of on-road and off-road capabilities. As with many models, the suspension can be improved with aftermarket upgrades like the Fork Cartridge Conversion Kit from Touratech. The kit transforms the bike’s handling characteristics by replacing the stock fork internals with a fully adjustable, “drop-in” closed cartridge system. The Touratech Fork Cartridge Conversion Kit gives riders the ability to tune performance with rebound, compression and preload adjustments which are conveniently made on top of the fork caps. The cartridge comes pre-sprung, filled with oil and charged with nitrogen and includes everything you need for installation. The directdamping technology ensures the fork will have smooth and consistent performance even in punishing environments and features hydraulic bottoming prevention which acts like a pillow at the end of the stroke to smooth out the ride in demanding terrain. “My favorite feature of this upgrade is that the damping oil is in a closed cartridge, which ensures consistent damping even if the fork leg leaks some lubrication oil. The damping oil is also bladder-separated from the nitrogen which prevents foaming which results in unmatched damping consistency for that planted feeling which inspires confidence and makes the ride more fun,” said Paul Guillien of Touratech-USA. For more information, visit Touratech-usa.com.

Carry more with the Fandango Tank Bag Giant Loop’s redesigned Fandango Tank Bag helps keep your gear organized and dry even in the most extreme conditions. Giant Loop built the Fandango Tank Bag using waterproof, welded construction and included a waterproof map, a phone pocket and a fully welded Tank Bag Dry Pod™. With eight liters of capacity, the Fandango Tank Bag offers riders the ability to carry and access larger items such as a DSLR camera, rain gear or first-aid items while on or off the motorcycle for a day of riding or a long-haul journey. The Fandango Tank Bag also provides quick, easy access to the fuel cap without removing the bag when fueling up as the bag can be partially unzipped from the harness to access the fuel cap or completely removed and carried by the handle to keep belongings safe while off the bike. The tank bag’s unique trim shape stays out of the way when you are seated or when standing on the footpegs riding off-road, so you can focus on riding fast and far. The Fandango fits virtually any dirt bike, snow bike, enduro, dual sport, adventure, or street motorcycle because of its universal harness mounting system that straps to the frame. Available in black or gray, the Fandango Tank Bag carries an MSRP of $260. For more information, visit giantloopmoto.com

Have You Registered for the Rally Yet? If you've already registered great! We look forward to seeing you in Great Falls. If you haven't registered yet what are you waiting for? Visit bmwmoa.org and click on the Rally tab to register today!

Aerostich TLTec Soft Shell Fleece Jackets More than typical fleece jackets, Aerostich TLTec Soft Shell Fleece Jackets are both tailored and engineered for riding. Each Aerostich fleece jacket is made right alongside the Roadcrafters and Dariens and is designed to work perfectly within all of your riding gear. It’s a warm, draft-blocking, comfortable, lightweight layer of insulation perfect for three- and four-season rides and can be worn off-the-bike as well. The jackets are built using genuine Polarfleece and YKK zippers and feature tapered collars for more comfort with a helmet strap and with the diameters of the sleeves trimmed down for less bulk under your riding gear. Sleeves are also more forward rotated with their long underarm ventilation zippers matching the venting of Roadcrafter suits. Additionally, the torso of the jacket is also a bit shorter in front and longer in back for a better fit, and the sleeves are a bit longer than typical fleece jackets. Zippered inside and outside chest pockets secure valuables, and zippered side pockets are placed slightly forward for easier access. A quick-draw inner chest pocket is ideal for sunglasses or a bandanna. Available in sizes from S–XXL, for more information visit aerostich.com.

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

NEWS

SUPERSTAKES FUNDRAISER SET TO GIVE AWAY 20 NEW BMW MOTORCYCLES The world’s largest BMW motorcycle giveaway is back for 2021! The BMW MOA Foundation’s popular fundraiser, the Superstakes, returns this year, and BMW MOA members have a chance to win 20 new BMW motorcycles, including two grand prizes: a 2021 K 1600 B and a 2021 R 1250 GS Adventure 40th Anniversary edition.

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

The winning begins on Thursday, June 24, at the Saddle Up & Ride National Rally in Great Falls, Montana, when the Foundation will draw six winning numbers in the first flight of giveaways all about the Rs. Prize motorcycles on the first day of winning include an S 1000 RR, S 1000 R, S 1000 XR, F 900 R, F 900 XR and a G 310 R. Day two of winning features a little something for the more traditional BMW motorcycle enthusiast. The Foundation will draw another six winning numbers on Friday, June 25, awarding a 2021 R 18, R 1250 RT, R 1250 RS, R 1250 GS, R 1250 R and a 2021 R nine T Pure. The winning continues Saturday, June 26, when we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the GS and give away six 40th Anniversary edition GSes, including an R 1250 GS, F 850 GS Adventure, F 850 GS, F 750 GS, R nine T Urban GS and a G 310 GS. Later in the evening, two grand prizes will be awarded on the entertainment stage. Two winners will ride home on either a new K 1600 B or a 40th Anniversary R 1250 GS Adventure. Could this year be the first for a repeat winner in the Superstakes? Possibly, since every ticket is included in all 20 drawings and you do not have to be present in Great Falls to win a new BMW motorcycle! Superstakes tickets are on sale through May 30, 2021, for $100 each and can be purchased online at bmwmoaf.org, by mail or by calling the BMW MOA membership office at (864) 438-0962. There is no limit to the number of tickets that can be purchased, and the odds of winning depend on the final number of entries. Complete contest rules are available at bmwmoaf.org. Proceeds from the sale of Superstakes tickets support the Foundation’s mission of advancing rider safety, education and training. For more information about the BMW MOA Foundation and its work to support rider safety, visit bmwmaof.org.

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

NEWS

BMW MOA 2021 Election Candidates

Adam Chandler #207579

Paul Di Marchi #83295

Ian Feinberg #206734

H. John Murakami #171195

Louise C. Powers #212117

Phil Stalboerger #196597

SOME CALL IT “THE SILLY SEASON”—THAT TIME WHEN WE

think about elected officials and who we choose to steer our future. I like to think of it as my way to participate and have a voice in the future of things I care about, including the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America. I am pleased that six worthy MOA members have offered to serve the MOA membership by donating their time and energy to the BMW MOA Board of Directors. Each candidate has submitted the proper application along with a short biography and position statement found in this issue of the BMW Owners News. Now it is up to us, the MOA membership, to vote for up to three candidates to represent our interests on the MOA Board of Directors. I am also excited to announce that the MOA will continue electronic voting for this year’s Board of Directors election. Every member will receive an email with a unique link to cast one ballot in our online voting system. If you are not an email user or prefer to vote with a traditional paper ballot, please contact the MOA membership office and a unique ballot will be sent to you by mail. I have high hopes that making the election process easier and more accessible to the membership will encourage MOA members to participate in the future of the organization by casting a vote for the candidates they believe will best represent

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

their interests in the organization. Please carefully read the position statements, ask questions of the candidates in the special Election Forum found online at bmwmoa.org and cast your vote between April 1 and April 30. All votes must be cast online by April 30, and any paper ballots must be received by May 10 to be counted. The election committee will certify the election by May 15 and report the results in the July issue of the BMW Owners News. Elected candidates will be seated on the board as MOA Directors during the executive board meeting on Wednesday, June 23, at the BMW MOA International Rally in Great Falls, Montana. The MOA Board of Directors would like to thank our Election Committee volunteers who have worked diligently to bring forth qualified and motivated members to the board, ensuring the healthy future of this great organization. Thank you, Don Hamblin, Muriel Farrington and John Gamel. Your service to the organization, like so many of our volunteers, is exemplary. Finally, my sincere thanks to all BMW MOA members who research the candidates, study the information and vote their conscience. It is a humbling honor to be elected and to be your representative. Although you may never know how much your vote means to a candidate, I assure you, it is with great pride that any individual serves this organization. Sincerely, Wes Fitzer, President

Wes Fitzer

Adam Chandler #207579

Paul DiMarchi #83295

To my fellow BMW MOA members, my name is Adam Chandler and I want to serve our club and community of riders on the board of directors. I have ridden many thousands of miles atop my BMW motorcycles over the years, and at 34, I’m in a rare position in my youth but am not squandering a moment of it in the work I do at my day job as a project manager at TomTom and real estate agent in New Hampshire where I manage six condo associations. I spend all of my free time volunteering in the Vermont BMW club as a board member, acting as an MOA Regional Coordinator in New Hampshire, and of course, traversing the USA and Canada on my R 1200 GS. Half of my miles are off road, and I am a supporter of legal and respectful motorcycle use on our backcountry roads across New England and spend time representing our sport at the local ATV and OHRV clubs. I have signed up dozens of people to join the MOA who are new to riding and helped to support them and provide guidance on the Paul B. Scholarship which they’ve used to get their motorcycle licenses. Many members of my family are now riders, with me being the first to ride a motorcycle legally in our family history. My sisters, girlfriend, dad and cousins are all riders now, even some co-workers. I’ve also committed the last 15 years of my life to making YouTube videos, and I am a published author, photographer and regular contributor to technology and travel publications. I love writing and capturing moments on digital film and sharing it with others. It’s a passion of mine that makes little money but brings me joy. My first published piece in a Macintosh trade publication was in 2003 when I was only 16 years old, and I’ve had an active blog since 1999 back when blogs were called weblogs. If you elect me to the MOA’s national board of directors, I promise to dutifully serve all of you with a focus on rider safety, training, youth outreach and off-road adventure riding. I will be a voice for riders who take their GSes and other bikes off the beaten path and hopefully will be a change agent for our aging demographics in the industry and membership. While some may think all hope is lost for millennials, I’ll do what I can to help counteract that notion and continue introducing new riders to our sport. I can’t do it alone, so those who have ideas, my inbox and phone are always on. I love BMW motorcycles and off-road backcountry riding, but more importantly, I love this community of MOA members and want to give-back with a position on the national board. I won’t let you down if you’ll give me a chance. Thank you all.

I was born in New York City and raised in New Jersey; I graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1971 and have resided in Colorado since 1982. After almost 37 years on the Front Range (Denver/Boulder) and after raising one son and one daughter, I moved with my wife to a rural area outside of Grand Junction, Colorado (Near some of the best twisties in the state, by the way!). I have business experience that includes professional services, multi-unit retail and real estate development, and I have operated an executive search firm, DiMarchi Partners, for almost 40 years. From 2002 to 2008 I owned Northern Colorado BMW/Ducati in Loveland, Colorado, and have years of successful experience dealing with BMWNA as well as hundreds of BMW riders and customers. On the side, I partnered with a fellow rider and helped create MotoMarathon, an entity that organizes annual multi-day endurance rides for participants from across the country. Over the years I have served on nonprofit boards, including… • Action Pistol Group, Grand Junction, Colorado •E XPAND BEYOND (handicapped water-skier programs), Boulder Colorado Youth Program, Denver • Boulder County Aids Project • Colorado Special Olympics, Denver • Boulder County Mental Health. • Boulder Rifle Club • Rockies Venture Club, Denver • Social Venture Partners of Boulder • Boulder Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Commission • Boulder’s Highland City Club. I served on boards while working full time, all because I wanted to contribute to a common good and become more involved in my community; I am now semi-retired and spend free time doing things I am passionate about: riding my R 1250 GS with fellow riders and being with my family, our friends and our equines. My riding experience is extensive. I first started riding a BSA in college, then Harleys for many years, crossing the United States, Canada and Mexico/Central America many times. I have participated in several Edelweiss Adventure tours in the Alps in the early 2000s. I was first introduced to BMW in the late ‘90s, joining BMW MOA at that time. I owned many R models before buying the dealership in 2002 and have ridden just about every model produced between 1999 and 2008. I love to ride and usually do several week-long rides with close friends several times a year. Riding has been the one passion that has not diminished in all these years, and at 70+ I plan on riding for many more years! My interest in serving on the BMW MOA board is very straightforward: I would like to help this very worthwhile organization in whatever way I can, be it helping to set strategic direction, assisting in any internal initiatives, building outreach and marketing programs, or just offering an informed and enthusiastic opinion when one is needed. Your consideration of my candidacy is greatly appreciated!

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

NEWS

Ian Feinberg #206734

H. John Murakami #171195

My goal in pursuing the BMW MOA director position is to leverage my 40 years of television production and senior leadership experience to help set a clear direction for recruiting new members and boosting volunteerism. Encouraging collaboration among members would generate more involvement and enthusiasm in organization events. In addition to the association’s promotional efforts, I believe we can take advantage of social media including blogs and podcasts to involve current members and attract new enthusiasts to our community. As our membership reaches an older median age it is incumbent on us to develop a younger base and leadership. Like many of us, I reconnected with serious riding later in life following many years of family and career responsibilities. I joined the BMW Motorcycle Club of Georgia in 2015 and found camaraderie and support. I was recruited to their Board where I have served as Vice President for the last three years and as Program Chair for one of the largest regional rallies in the country, our famous Georgia Mountain Rally. Additionally, my experience as a television producer and photographer has allowed me to contribute to the Georgia club, expanding our presence on social media and documenting our activities much more fully than ever before. To sharpen my riding skills, I have taken a good bit of training including the MSF Dual Sport course, the ProRider course, and Rawhyde’s Adventure Rider Level 1 course and subsequent “Best of the West” tour from Colorado to California. The latter was a life-changing experience, particularly traversing Shafer’s Switchbacks outside of Moab. I have also done solo rides through Arizona, Utah and California which offered a fascinating counterpoint to the mountains of north Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas that I know and love. I was lucky enough to join some of my friends from the Georgia club on a tour of the European Alps in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. For a bit of distance, I made the long and lonely ride to Key West, Florida, and now I wish I’d done it as an Iron Butt. I currently serve as Executive Director of Film Initiatives with the Technical College System of Georgia and have held a leadership role with the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences SE chapter for 17 years. I am the winner of 12 Emmy awards in addition to the Governors’ Award (past winners include Ted Turner and Ambassador Andrew Young). I have volunteered for good causes all my life including Habitat for humanity, Rally for the Cure Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Atlanta Food Bank, and Toco Hills Community Alliance to name a few. I have been happily married to Betty Ann for 36 years and am the proud father of two grown children. As I near retirement from a challenging and satisfying career, I have the time, energy and good health to devote to a new endeavor, and I believe I could be an effective and enthusiastic member of the BMW MOA Board.

After a prolonged break from riding, I got back into riding in 2011 with a renewed passion. Spending 29 years in the Hawaii Air National Guard as an Air Traffic Controller and retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant, I knew the importance of training and proficiency. I decided that the smart thing to do was take an MSF Basic Rider Course to get the rust off. Since then, I’ve attended Raw Hyde’s Intro to Adventure off-road and West 38 Moto’s Level 2 off-road training, where I am currently working part-time as an assistant coach, a job that really isn’t a job. I thoroughly enjoy coaching, mentoring and introducing people to the world of adventure riding. Currently, I serve as the ride coordinator for the BMW Motorcycle Club of Colorado, a position I’ve held for the last five years. As ride coordinator, I enlist our members’ help to lead rides then compile a list of rides for the upcoming season. With that information, I compose ride synopses and format them for the annual ride book that we publish and distribute to our members with our ride book editor. The Air National Guard and my full-time job as a flight attendant have given me many opportunities to travel the world, experience the culture and meet some wonderful people. Riding adds a different dimension and brings not only joy and happiness, but with it comes camaraderie and lasting friendships. The first of my goals is to promote this joy of riding and truly embrace riders of all brands. Many riders are under the impression that you have to ride a BMW to join our outstanding club. We all have friends that ride brands other than BMWs. This a great opportunity to introduce them to the MOA and the many benefits that the club has to offer. By welcoming and recruiting riders of all brands, we can increase our membership while promoting the BMW brand. For the past five years, members of the BMWMCC have gone to the International Motorcycle Convention of Mexico. There, we’ve met some of the nicest and most wonderful people of Mexico and have become good friends. Some of us, including myself, were lucky enough to become honorary members of the Motorcycle Club of Chihuahua. Through this friendship, our club will be formalizing a plan to become a sister club to the Motorcycle Club of Chihuahua. My second goal is to promote this idea of having sister clubs spread throughout the BMW MOA, not just within the United States but also across borders into Mexico and Canada. Quoting BMW Owners News contributor, Brian Dutcher, “Riding, friendship, goodwill and camaraderie do not stop at the border.” Because of my return to riding and thanks to the BMW MOA and BMWMCC, I’ve met some of the nicest people and have made many ever-lasting friendships. I think Honda got it right when they said, “You meet the nicest people on a Honda.” Not just riding a Honda but simply, riding, period.

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

Louise C. Powers #212117

Phil Stalboerger #196597

Have you ever felt it—the anticipation, the excitement, the fear, the fun and success that is coming if you can just get it started? This was me ten years ago as I threw a leg over a vintage Honda 200 and decided I was going to learn to ride a motorcycle. Oh wait, this was also me ten days ago as I threw my hat in the ring and decided I would run for the BMW MOA Board of Directors. When I began this incredible part of my life ten years ago, the motorcycling community welcomed me and had a huge impact. I have found that members of the MOA are a direct reflection of those riders I first came into contact with. As our sport grows and continues to bring in new riders of all ages, it is essential that we as a group with such a vast, potential reach do the same. We need to step up and welcome the new riders, show them who we are, and grow with them. As an off-road instructor for the past few years, I have watched riders grow in skill, confidence and friendships as they complete classes, attend rallies or finish up a week with the Motorcycle Relief Project. I have enjoyed attending sessions at the MOA National Rally and learning from other riders, as well as leading my own. I admire the work the MOA Foundation does, and it cannot continue to exist and support riders without a strong MOA membership. These two goals—membership growth and continued education—go hand in hand, and I want to lend my hands to make them happen. The first 25 years of my career were spent working for companies overseen by boards. I have seen the positive impact a group of dedicated board members can have, particularly when it is filled by people with diverse voices and a willingness to listen. My career has been spent behind the scenes, and I have volunteered for different organizations over the years; this seems like a perfect opportunity for me to continue working towards continued education, outreach and growth. I plan to participate in the MOA Forum thread, and I urge you to ask me anything you would like to know about my moto-adventuring life, why I am running for this seat on the MOA Board of Directors, or anything else for that matter. You will find I am passionate about our sport, and I am passionate about growing this community. Just to get you started and get your wheels spinning wondering if you have met me—I attended my first National Rally in Salt Lake City in 2017. I missed the next Rally as I was just returning from my almost year-long ride to the end of South America and back. However, I attended the 2019 Rally in Tennessee, and I will definitely see you in Great Falls!

Certainly, 2020 will go down in history as a year to remember or want to forget. Winston Churchill once said, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” Many of us probably have a difficult time trying to find something good that came out of 2020. I personally took the opportunity to be more involved in the BMW motorcycle community at a local and national level. After purchasing a pre-owned R 1200 RT in 2020, inspired by the life and death of Neil Peart, it became clearer to me that I wanted to do more and build on a few passions of mine. When the GM of the local BMW dealership (John Stoddart) shared how the COVID virus was affecting his dealership, I offered to help in any way I could. I have always felt that BMW dealerships are the lifeblood to the MOA. He took me up on my offer and asked if I would volunteer to help, show up whenever I had free time, and ultimately help improve customer experience. If anyone has ever volunteered to help a small business, you know that it is all hands on deck all the time. Maybe like other dealerships, BMW Motorcycles of Richfield (Minnesota) enjoyed record sales in July and August. As a board member of the BMW Motorcycle Owners Club of Minnesota, I was proud to be a part of it, but I still wanted to do more. I became an MOA Regional Coordinator for the Midwest in an effort to bring more attention to the MOA, as well as local dealerships. Since I was already attending events and promoting the BMW brand and the Minnesota Club Chapter, I intended to use my expertise and time to build the MOA and increase membership. I want to continue finding new ways to reach new and diverse members in the Midwest and around the country. My experience can help show that if we all work together and pitch in, we can accomplish our goals and improve the conditions we are driving towards. Customer experiences can drive change in either direction. Helping customers have a positive experience is hard work. So is increasing MOA membership numbers. Finding new ways to accomplish both of those goals is change in of itself. I have professional experience in leadership roles within the health care industry, which has required a lot of passion, vision and strategy necessary to build successful relationships and outcomes. Next year, the BMW MOA will be 50 years old, and those same qualities will be needed to drive the MOA for another fifty years. I don’t think any of us knew how we would get through 2020, much less how it would impact us going into 2021. One of my favorite Neil Peart lyrics is, “If you chose not to decide, you still have made a choice.” I choose to get involved, and I hope to see you in Great Falls, Montana, at future MOA regional events and rallies, or at a local dealership.

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

NEWS

BDR announces Wyoming route THE ORGANIZATION’S ELEVENTH

adventure motorcycle route, the Wyoming BDR will cross the state on primitive dirt roads and explore one of the most remote frontiers in the lower 48 states. “This route will traverse five different mountain ranges, giving riders an opportunity to experience expansive views from the summit of three different 11,000-foot mountains. The rugged tracks explore vast high-desert regions, cross two major ‘rims,’ descend several gorges and pass through many other remote and seldom visited areas,” said Bryce Stevens, BDR Co-Founder. BDR has partnered with the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and the tourism stakeholders of eight counties along the proposed route to ensure enhanced awareness of Wyoming’s unique qualities and increased visibility of Wyoming as a destination for motorcycle tourism. The route will also produce significant positive economic impact on communities and businesses along the WYBDR. “We are thrilled that Wyoming will soon have its own Backcountry Discovery Route!

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

Our beautiful state is full of unique and spectacular scenery to explore, not to mention thousands of years of history and culture. Along the way and just off the route there are friendly communities with ample amenities and necessities for the journey. As a rider myself, I know that adventurers are going to love what we have to offer,” wrote Chris Floyd, Manager, Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation. Adding to the popular motorcycle adventure film series, a feature-length documentary of the first expedition on the WYBDR will be filmed by Noren Films and produced and distributed by the BDR organization. A high-quality waterproof map of the route will be developed in partnership with Butler Motorcycle Maps as a planning resource for riders. GPS tracks and comprehensive travel resources will be available to the ADV community on the BDR website free-of-charge. The WYBDR film will be screened at motorcycle dealerships, rallies and clubs across the U.S. in 2022, attracting tens of thousands of enthusiasts. Backcountry Discovery Routes® is a 501c (3) non-profit organization that creates

off-highway routes for adventure and dual-sport motorcycle travel. The organization’s work includes promoting rider education and safety campaigns, driving economic relief to rural communities, and encouraging responsible motorcycle travel in the backcountry. Through the careful investment of funds and working with land managers and other public beneﬁt organizations, BDR seeks to keep remote roads and public trails open for motorcycling for generations to come. BDR delivers turn-key trip planning resources to the riding community, including GPS tracks, digital maps, travel information, route condition updates, YouTube videos, Q&As, and other information, all available 24/7 on www. RideBDR.com. The organization relies on the generosity of donors and a team of volunteers and ambassadors who contribute thousands of hours each year to help carry out this mission. Since 2010, BDR has created routes in Washington, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, the MidAtlantic region, Southern California, and the North-East region.

Things to do around great falls DID YOU KNOW, MERMAIDS HAVE

been known to ride BMWs to enjoy the diverse landscapes surrounding Great Falls? We’ve seen them; however, take it from the locals: your best bet is to catch them in the natural habitat, swimming at the world-famous Sip ‘n Dip Lounge. This 70’s Tiki Lounge is on everyone’s bucket list, having had notable guests like Darryl Hannah and Toby Keith, and it has been the backdrop for videos from The Black Lillies and Old Dominion. The rides you’ll experience from your basecamp will be epic, that can be guaranteed; however, you’d really be missing out if you didn’t make time for Great Falls’ other noteworthy experiences. Let’s start with food! Montana’s Best Irish Pub, The Celtic Cowboy, is nestled into Great Falls’ historic downtown district. The menu is heavily Irish influenced (obviously) and has indoor and outdoor seating. Eat the greatest burger in Montana at the Roadhouse Diner. Co-owner Tara competed on Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games—and won. The menu has some staples, and featured burgers change out weekly. The meat, buns and potatoes are all locally sourced. Yep! Local Montana Beef! More local food is available at Montana’s Best Coffee Shop, Crooked Tree. Beyond the coffee with hand-crafted syrups, the bakery case is full of items

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

made with our local flour. Speaking of coffee, Al Banco has some great roasts. Your taste buds will also be delighted with the greatest local microbrews EVER! The barley that makes the beer at Mighty Mo Brew Co. and Jeremiah Johnson Brewing is grown within 25 miles of Great Falls, malted right in town, and brewed with pure water. It truly is the localist beer you can get anywhere in the world! Mighty Mo also has pizza for snacking, and all of Jeremiah Johnson’s brews can be enjoyed (and growled) at MT Pints, which also serves burgers with local beef. Great Falls is more than great local food; it’s home to the world’s largest natural spring, Giant Springs. The spring flows at 156 million gallons of water a day and is a constant 54 degrees. It’s a State Park, so expect to pay the $6 entrance fee for the experience. It is next to North America’s Longest River, the Missouri, and the world’s shortest river, the Roe. It’s quite the trifecta in one location. There are five falls on the Missouri River, four that can be seen today, three you can drive to, and one that is accessible from the River’s Edge Trail, a 53-mile system that sits on the banks of the Mighty Missouri. North America’s Largest Buffalo Jump, First People’s, is located a half-hour south of Great Falls and shares the history of the Native Americans. The archaeological

finds from the first inhabitants are on display at the visitor center. Along one of our amazing rides, you’ll see a bit of the mining history from our area. Sluice Boxes State Park, once home to cabins and a railroad, has a great overlook from Kings Hill Scenic Byway; it’s also an amazing area to hike, just in case you’re looking to stretch your legs a bit and give your bum a break. Another great break along the way is Memorial Falls. From the same scenic byway, it’s a short easy hike along Belt Creek to a 15-foot waterfall. You’ll feel just like Lewis & Clark in your adventures! Need to learn more about the Corps of Discovery? Great Falls, Montana, is home to North America’s most extensive collection of artifacts, art and exhibits from the Lewis and Clark Expedition at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. The Corps spent 32 days here working to navigate the five falls that were impeding their journey. It was the longest stay in one location, outside of winter camp. Another adventurer that called Great Falls home was Charlie Russell. The famed cowboy artist painted the landscapes of the west as it transitioned from the frontier to what is modern Great Falls, and his work lives on in the complex that bears his name, the C.M. Russell Museum Complex. This is where you will find not only his

work but pieces of art from others inspired by the west, Charlie and his wife Nancy’s home, Charlie’s studio, and an impressive sculpture garden. Great Falls also has engaging environmental art (it’s a term we coined for the art that sits outside). The River’s Edge Trail has 27 works of art, from sculptures to murals and even a historic life-size bear that marks some Lewis and Clark history. Our downtown is bursting with murals, two of which are perfect for your self-portrait. Make your way to the LOVE mural and the Dragonfly Wings across from Enbar, which leads us to our next topic. The nightlife in Great Falls is remarkable. Enbar is Great Falls’ first craft cocktail lounge and features a variety of Montana distillers for their drinks. Elevation 3330 is a second-floor public house that provides cocktail options that billow smoke, and there is a balcony to enjoy the evening air and views of downtown. Elevation isn’t the only lounge that offers a smokin’ drink. KellerGeist’s old-fashioneds, aptly named “Ghost in the Cellar”, play with infused wood smoke and makes them a drink to drink while in Great Falls. KGT, as locals affectionately refer to it, could be the world’s smallest bar with the biggest personality. Fret none about getting a seat, there is always space outdoors for new and old friends. We’ve only just covered the surface of what you can experience in Montana’s “greatest dam town.” Check out “We’re No Dam Experts,” the #3 Podcast in Montana; it’s all about Great Falls! It’s sure to get you what you need to make the most of your time in Great Falls for the 2021 Rally. If the podcast doesn’t do it, you can always check out VisitGreatFallsMontana.org, email us at Information@VisitGreatFalls.org, or, the old-fashioned way, call us at 406-761-4436. Honestly, aren’t you just looking forward to experiencing something new and being around people again! We certainly are, and we’re looking forward to seeing you soon in Great Falls!

Left, First People's Buffalo Jump State Park. Above, Inside the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

Getting ready to ride in Montana By Wes Fleming #87301

For more information on the 2021 BMW MOA International Rally in Great Falls, Montana, visit the rally website and check out the Rally FAQ at rally.bmwmoa.org/faq/. The rally takes place at the Montana ExpoPark in Great Falls, from June 24-27, 2021. WE’RE ALL MORE OR LESS FOUNTS OF

knowledge when it comes to riding in our own states. I can tell you all about where to ride in Virginia and when for the best experience and the best pie, but I’ve never been to Montana. What’s more, I don’t know anybody who actually lives in Montana, so like many of you, I’m stuck either riding in ignorance and finding out when I get there or doing some research. Since I chose research, I figured it’s a

good idea to share the info with you so we can all benefit. Consider this your BMW Owners News version of “Let me Google that for you!” Great Falls’ population of about 59,000 people has remained steady in the recent past; the city’s median age is about 38 years old, so it’s a fairly young city. The top industries by workforce are healthcare, social assistance, retail and hospitality, which includes both hotels and

Montana Highway 89 through the Lewis and Clark National Forest southeast of Great Falls.

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

restaurants. Tourism is big business in Great Falls, with both summer and winter tourism having their own attractions. The MOA is coming to town at the beginning of the best summer weather, so make your reservations early rather than waiting until you get to town. For somebody living on the east coast, Montana might as well be in Canada. I always assumed it snows there year-round, but it turns out that while there is almost

always a small chance of snow in Montana’s higher elevations even in July, it’s downright pleasant most of the summer. Our rally is scheduled right at the beginning of Montana’s “hot season,” and according to WeatherSpark, the average temperature in Great Falls peaks at 86°F in late July. Around the time we’ll all be there, the average high is more like 76-78°F, with average lows of 51-54°F. Of course, these are averages, so there could be significant variations in both the high and low temperatures throughout the week, and elevation makes a big difference. Because I have to ride across some fairly hot regions of the U.S. on my way to Great Falls, I’ll primarily be dressed for summer riding. I’ll be bringing along the liner for my mesh jacket, as well as a sweatshirt or other insulating layer, base layers appropriate for hot weather, and my electric jacket liner. In a pinch, I know I can put on my rain gear for additional insulation—rain gear can keep you quite warm if you wear it under your other riding gear. I’ll be bringing both summer gloves and gloves suitable for colder weather and relying on my bike’s heated grips to pick up the slack. A couple pairs of warm socks will go in my duffel bag as well; between them and my typical waterproof boots, my feet should be fine. I’ll plan on either wearing my layers or bringing another light jacket—and at least one pair of pants as well—for when I’m off the bike. Having a pair of shoes or sandals so you’re not stuck walking around in your motorcycle boots for three or four days is also a good idea. Great Falls enjoys low relative humidity. This sounds great, but I know from personal experience cool and dry conditions can mask signs of dehydration, so I’ll be toting along a reusable water bottle in addition to my motorcycle gear. A Camelbak-style bladder might be a good option for some folks. Nobody wants to end up in the emergency room with an IV drip while they’re on vacation! It may seem like a small thing, but I’ll also add Great Falls to the saved places in my favorite weather app on my smartphone. Along with the MOA Anonymous

app, that should carry me through most of my time in Montana. I’ll add Big Sky Motorsports—the only BMW Motorrad dealership in Montana—to the saved places on my GPS unit and in Google Maps on my phone. You can visit them in person at 2315 South Avenue West in Missoula, or online at bigskymotorsports. com; Missoula is about 165 miles west of Great Falls. There are five other dealers within 500 miles of Great Falls, including one in Canada. One thing I thought I knew about Montana was their statewide 80 mph speed limit. Turns out I was only mostly correct on that; the law applies to interstate highways (such as I-15, which runs north-south past Great Falls) outside urban centers of 50,000 people or more— so Great Falls qualifies. The interstate highway speed limit in urban centers of that size drops to 65 mph within city limits. On all other public highways in Montana, the speed limit is 70 mph during the day and 65 mph at night. These speed limits are, of course, subject to suitable conditions, so use your best judgment if conditions are less than ideal. Reckless driving in Montana is defined by state law as “[operating] a vehicle in willful… disregard for the safety of persons or property,” so it may not be terribly difficult to get a ticket for reckless driving if you are in excess of posted speed limits. When it comes to crashes and collisions, Montana is an at-fault state, which means the person determined by authorities to be at fault has to pay for everything—damage, injuries, all of it. Montana might not

require you to have insurance, but common sense says it’s a good idea. Because the nearest BMW dealership is over 100 miles from Great Falls, it’s a good idea to make sure your bike is prepped for a long ride. While you can certainly get a new set of tires put on your bike at the rally, if you’re getting close on those tired tires, you can put a new set on before you leave. Service your bike’s basics; change the engine, transmission and final drive oils and the engine oil and air filters at a minimum. Give your bike a thorough once-over and test ride any new accessories or luggage you’ve added for your rally ride. Because many of the roads leading to Great Falls are long, straight and high speed, it’s a good idea to check slightly more in-depth things like brake pads, wheel bearings, steering head bearings and fuel filters. With a little preparation, your rides to, at and home from the rally in Great Falls can be comfortable and trouble-free.

BMW Motorrad Dealers less than 650 miles from Great Falls Big Sky Motorsports, Missoula, Montana (165 miles) BMW Motorcycles of Spokane, Spokane, Washington (200 miles) Mac’s Cycle, Clarkston, Washington (220 miles) BMW Motorcycles Prosser, Prosser, Washington (365 miles) Blackfoot Motorrad, Calgary, Alberta (440 miles) BMW Motorcycles of Boise, Boise, Idaho (480 miles) Argyll Motorrad, Edmonton, Alberta (590 miles) Sturgis Motorsports, Sturgis, South Dakota (635 miles)

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

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NEWS

Welcome our newest MOA members "When I met my husband over 40 years ago, he was quite impressed that I knew how to ride his Can Am 175 by saying “Is that 1 down and 4 up?” I did have brothers after all. Leap ahead 30 years: Not wanting to be left out of the excitement to ride alongside my 16-year-old son, I ventured into the local BMW Motorrad Dealer (Hansen’s) and threw my leg over a 2009 BMW F 650 GS and I was hooked! My current bike is a 2017 BMW F 700 GS I've riden 18,000-plus miles despite having to battle and conquer breast cancer. I have toured 10 western states on three different bikes and am now planning our next adventure: Touring the country with our two BMW GSes loaded in our toy hauler RV. Yes, I talked that spouse of mine in to purchasing his 2019 BMW R 1250 GS and he thanks me every ride! It is with pride that I share my story to encourage women riders as there is no finer way to 'see the world' than with handlebars in your hands!

Caroline O'Boyle #223484 Medford, OR

Nicole Friel Estes Park, CO Jeremy Landry Baton Rouge, LA Craig Hollern Johnstown, PA Bob Shields Lakeland, FL Michael McAfee Little Rock, AR Ron Taylor Neptune, NJ Michael Foley Sarasota, FL Jason Grotte Cazadero, CA Reginaldo Cosio Wickenburg, AZ Britton Bowman Middletown, VA David Diamond Westborough, MA Rick Blakely-Smith Centennial, CO Asif Ikram Mississauga, Ontario Darl Miller Glastonbury, CT Matthew Bright Brookville, OH Jeff Arywitz Penfield, NY Larry Taylor Las Vegas, NV Duane Dempster Berowra Heights, AUS Douglas Musselwhite Mississauga, ON Dakota Schafer Adair, IA Paul Jones Vacaville, CA William Zeller Lemont, IL Scott Normandin Sellersburg, IN Paul McGill Port Townsend, WA Matthew Angell Ashland, NH Roman Strijac Cupertino, CA

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

Tim Flaherty Guayabitos, Nayarit Guy Lariviere Palm Springs, CA Phoebe Bennett Arlington, VA Joel Hicks Austin, TX Marc Delpech Fountain Hills, AZ Caroline O’Boyle Medford, OR Mahesh Mantena Rochester Hills, MI Curtis White Clifton, CO Bruce McGregor Tampa, FL John Pepper Toronto, ON Jeff Mehal Crown Point, IN Len Szul Palos Heights, IL Miles Federspiel Vancouver, BC E Nelson Niwot, CO Jon Prince Sisters, OR Alex Meyer Signal Mountain, TN Joseph Hagerty Sun Valley, ID Drew Collins Sanford, MI John Hilgendorf Salmon, ID Terry Grimm Oklahoma City, OK Gregory Oplatek Erlanger, KY Paul Carlson St Louis, MO Andres Hernandez Raleigh, NC Rich Bender Morral, OH Neil Waxman Pepper Pike, OH Richard Travers New Rochelle, NY

Randy Walker Covington, LA John Reese The Woodlands, TX Gus Bustamante Miami, Florida Kenneth Haar Fairfax Station, VA Paul Koenig New Braunfels, TX Frank Chen Chino Hills, CA Todd Harris Rocklin, CA John Martin Kennewick, WA Dariusz Siusta Glendale, NY James Trachta Daytona Beach, FL Alan McLane Fresno, CA Joseph Karol Wall Township, NJ Keith Hunt Delhi, LA Kathryn Mason Fairmont, WV Jason Miller Chelan, WA Jim McCarthy Kansas City, MO Robert Sharpe Leeds, AL Mack Thomas Knoxville, TN Manny Tejada Stafford, VA Tom Hynes Ho Ho Kus, NJ Gene Katzorke Phoenix, AZ Tim Stone Los Ranchos de Albuqerque, NM Biking with Butterfly Houston, TX William Branston Oyster Bay, NY David Marrier Wilton, NH Steven Fonseca Warren, NJ

"I started riding 30 years ago in my native Denmark and have since seen much of the US, but I just now graduated to a GS. I first rode a BMW Motorrad press GS at an event in Colorado five years ago, and in the summer of 2019 rented a GSA for a week and rode around Lake Michigan. Now I finally have my own R 1250 GS. It had to be the HP and luckily my friend Johnny Scheff at Motoworks Chicago had one left so I had it shipped to Utah. I have plans for rides to see Yellowstone and other national parks then if all goes to plan, shipping the GS to Europe and riding to Nordkapp next summer. I look forward to meeting fellow BMW riders and sharing stories about our favorite rides." Chris Jensen #223356 Salt Lake City, UT

Arnold (Arnie) Pirsig Longville, MN Bob Lee Sarasota, FL Sean Williams Round Rock, TX Michael Burrow The Colony, TX Don Stegall Marshville, NC Leo Thibodeaux Lake Charles, LA Bruce Hubbard Hampden, MA Patrick Flynn Perth, Western Australia Charles Comer Highland Park, IL Lucine Rathwell Wayne, IL Myron Beachy Jacksonville, FL John Wine Lake Wales, FL David Steiner Green Cove Springs, FL Eddie Roberts Saint Johns, FL Taylor Paloscio Clearwater, FL Jerry Hudson Ligonier, PA Lynn Endress Boonsboro, MD Pam Schweizer-Betz Walkerton, IN Harry Grzebinski Courtice, ON Michael Kruse Anacortes, WA Paul Negus Redwood City, CA Michael Maxwell Canton, NC Larry Grzebinski Toronto, ON Stephen Fisher South Orange, NJ John Lacko Toms River, NJ Mitchell Charles Arvada, CO Brian Fike Florissant, CO Michael Myers Colorado Springs, CO John Beazley Englewood, CO Peter Wilson Lamar, CO Robert Will Littleton, CO Dave Brickner Morganton, NC Hannah Rotes Racine, WI John Thronson Redmond, OR

Greg Carleton Rock Hill, SC Stephen Reynolds Lethbridge, Alberta Tiffany Harrison Tulsa, OK Chris McCarthy Jenks, OK Anthony Kehoe Laveen, AZ Donald Clements Monongahela, PA Paul Walther Porum, OK John O’Boyle Medford, OR Craig Nyirfa Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Morris Jordan Mc Cormick, SC Steve Pritchett Mascoutah, IL James Bailey Atlanta, GA Jake Dehaan Colorado Springs, CO Greg Geonis Cumming, GA Kerri Miller Seattle, WA Troy Stainbrook Springhill, FL Duncan Walters Plymouth, MA Bruce Schulman Waitsfield, VT Shannon Lackey Blanco, TX Anthony DiBianca Warwick, NY Russ Hedrick Highlands Ranch, CO Klay Christianson Northfield, MN Andrew Allison Chicago, IL Massimiliano Russo Katy, TX Robert Stallones Houston, TX Todd Witzeling Casper, WY Jason Christopher Buffalo, MN Arturo Galang Aurora, Ontario Terrry Jones Austin, TX John Marcucci Wilmington, NC Gaylord Poe Lebanon, OH Jerry Kubik Lethbridge, AB Willy Sawvell Coleman, FL Jeffery Linkenmeyer Waterloo, IA

Henry Hortmon Ocean City, NJ Franz Ripsam Surprise, AZ Peter Ahrens New Canaan, CT Gary Bushnell Concord, CA Travis Shaw Richmond, VA Norm de Wit Victoria, British Columbia David Ivers Salt Lake City, UT Guy N Sacramento, CA Bryan Toro Hillside, NJ Steve Watson Fort Sam Houston, TX Michael Hardin Easley, SC Leigh Juranitch Chicago, IL Denise Lindo Simi Valley, CA Matt Williams Boise, ID Mario Strobl Aspen, CO Sohaj Singh Midlothian, VA Ron Saums Columbia, MO William Mccullough Coshocton, OH Kelly Graves Watertown, MA Bill Luce Colleyville, TX Karl Bley Roselle, IL Sy DeReauxchette Fort Lupton, CO Carl Grusnick Albuquerque, NM Scott Clarke Sand Springs, OK J Brooks Issaquah, WA Arthur Williams Perkasie, PA Steve Peasha Minneapolis, MN Brent Logan Boston, VA John Bostic Arroyo Grande, CA Philip Sandness Clayton, CA John Reese the Woodlands, TX Paul Ludwig Fishers, IN Drew Prince Deatsville, AL Robert Seymour Charleston, SC April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

EXPLORE NEW GETAWAY LOCATIONS! MOA Getaways continue to grow in popularity, and this year we’re offering more than ever before. Spread across North America in bucket list locations, each Getaway provides a unique opportunity to ride some of the best roads and spend time with fellow BMW riders. MOA Getaways — great rides and great friends. We look forward to seeing you at a Getaway this year!

May 14 - 16, 2021

Los Osos, California

It might be time to “SLO” down and enjoy the MOA Getaway at Los Osos! Situated on the Pacific Coast of San Luis Obispo (SLO) County near the southern end of the famous Morro Bay, this is the perfect place to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Sea Pines Resort 1945 Solano Street Los Osos, CA 93402

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BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

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5/21/2021 – 5/23/2021

MOA GETAWAY – DILLARD LOCATION: Dillard, Georgia

5/21/2021 – 5/23/2021

8/20/2021 – 8/22/2021

MOA GETAWAY – GUELPH LOCATION: Guelph, Ontario

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9/3/2021 – 9/5/2021

MOA GETAWAY – SUN PEAKS

LOCATION: Sun Peaks, British Columbia

9/10/2021 – 9/12/2021

MOA GETAWAY – PINE MOUNTAIN LOCATION: Pineville, Kentucky

9/10/2021 – 9/12/2021

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LOCATION: Santa Fe, New Mexico

LOCATION: Cedar City, Utah

JULY

MOA GETAWAY – SUGARBUSH

7/30/2021 – 8/1/2021

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AUGUST

9/17/2021 – 9/19/2021

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EXPLORE YOUR NEXT MOA GETAWAY May 21 - 23, 2021

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Explore the deep rich history of Santa Fe through its museums. Discover its art through the more than 250 art galleries. Delight in the innovative local cuisine and various entertainers. Wander the winding streets of the historic center and uncover handmade and one-of-a-kind treasures at numerous independent boutiques. Visit a traditional Native American Pueblo. The Drury Plaza Hotel 828 Paseo de Peralta Santa Fe, NM 87501 (800) 325-0720 – Mention BMW MOA Getaway www.druryhotels.com Room Rate: $155 per night depending on room type. Event Fee:

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BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

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ContiSportAttack 4 A premium sport-touring tire By Steven M. Green #198919 TO FULLY TEST A MOTORCYCLE TIRE, YOU NEED A TEST

track, Moto GP instrumentation and telemetry, and a rider with World Superbike racing credentials. Despite my wildest Walter Mitty dreams, that is not me. Having seen tire press introductions where mountains of tech info is downloaded onto journalists, I can attest that the major tire manufacturers all seek the holy tire grail of superb traction, high mileage and the preservation of the “feel” of the tire well into its tread life. This review is not about how many miles the tires will accrue; frankly, the same tire on the same bike with two different riders can have as much as 50% variation in mileage simply due to how the person rides. Some tires are biased toward high mileage while others, such as track tires, are biased to traction. Sport-touring tires, such as the Continental SportAttack 4 offer a compromise with the goal of dry traction, wet weather grip, a stable feel and decent mileage. The engineers at Continental, based at their headquarters and

production facility in Germany, have taken a different approach to the current trend of having different compounds on the tread of the tires. Some major manufacturers have elected to put a softer, grippy compound on the sides of the treads with a harder compound in the center for better mileage. Continental uses a unique heat-treating method of curing the rubber compound to achieve the same result; they heat the center of the tire to a higher temperature which makes it harder. According to folks that ride at a level close to the edge, the transition from hard compound to soft compound going into a corner can be felt on other brands, but not on the Continental, since there is no discrete shift in material. Another advantage of the tire is what they call their Black Chili compound––a rubber chemistry which has allowed a 5% increase in tread life and a 10% increase in traction over the predecessor SportAttack 3 tire. This compound provides very fast warmups, giving you full traction much sooner. Also, a part of Continental’s unique engineering is the finish of the new tire. Most tires require

The extreme lean angles with complete confidence are testimony to the adhesion and smooth handling of the Continental SportAttack 4 tires. (Track photos by Etech Photo)

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

about 100 miles of use before the tire is relieved of its smooth surface and mold release compound. The Continentals come with a “ready to ride” matte finish. Continental also makes other levels of tires. No one tire fits all types of motorcycles and riders. The Conti SportAttack 4 is designed for spirited street riding while being sticky enough for an occasional track day. With that goal in mind, I mounted a set on my S 1000 XR and headed out to Willow Springs Raceway. The confidence exuded by these tires is striking. They grip! Unknown to me until after my excursion at the track, the engineers designed in an “edge feel” that transmits a difference in handling when approaching the limit. I felt that difference when pushing hard, but my speed was also tempered by the electronics on the BMW by (thankfully) keeping me from powersliding while coming out of the “bowl” at the track. I left the track with a huge smile and subsequently have put a few thousand street miles on the bike with a full dose of confidence on the typical streets laden with sandy debris and moisture. The confidence I felt on the track extends to riding on the street, especially if you need to make a quick evasive maneuver to avoid an inattentive driver. Pricing of the tires is competitive with other leading manufacturers with the street price for a pair on a BMW S bike being around $340-$350.

If your riding leans more toward the spirited end of the spectrum, I believe you will enjoy the Continental experience, even if you’re not Walter Mitty! For more information on Continental motorcycle tires, visit continentaltires.com or your local dealer.

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April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

PRODUCT

REVIEWS

DECI-BULL Sound Generator By April Ersten #200401 WHETHER YOU’RE A FAN OR NOT, ELECTRONIC MOTORCYAnd that’s just one group of ten. Under “Animals,” choose “Charging Rogue Elephant,” “Screaming Eagle,” “Yeti Shriek,” or cles are here to stay and will probably snatch a bigger and bigger “Timber Wolf Howl.” Other groups include selections like “Fingerrole in the market in the future. Even BMW, legendary bastion of nails on Blackboard,” “Grinding Teeth,” “That Theme From Jaws,” the nearly 100-year-old boxer engine, is hinting about an all-elecand “Psycho Shower Scene.” tric bike in the next five years. Faster charging rates, longer ranges Pre-recorded messages are also included in the DECI-BULL and lower prices are sure to be future developments, but so far, all options, ranging from a “G” electrics share one problem: rating for general audiences to they’re way too quiet. Sure, “X” (Yeah, pretty sure you there’s the sizzle of the could get arrested for some of chain, some tire hiss and those.) Owners can also maybe a gentle hum, but record their own sound effects my endorphins, accusand messages to play with just tomed to taking their cues a tap of button, such as “Hey from a Harley’s straight loser, how about trying the pipes, an Akrapovic hung right lane!” on a Ducati or a pair of pea RadNoise’s DECI-BULL shooter silencers on a speakers attach practically Triumph, well, they just roll anywhere, but ideally clamp over and take a nap when to crash bars. Their forwardI’m on an electric moto. But facing horns, however, do have no fear, DECI-BULL is tend to offer some wind here! resistance and seem to collect Introduced recently by a few pounds of insects with RadNoise, DECI-BULL each trip. The unit does accessorizes your DC-powrequire three extra heavy-duty ered two-wheeler to provide 12-volt car batteries, but for a an infinite number of few dollars more, RadNoise simulated sounds broadcast offers a convenient extended at an astonishing 250 top box or a small trailer. decibels. Besides providing RadNoise founder Sylvio more safety by making your Primero de Abril, said, bike loud enough to startle “There’s nothing else like it on even the most oblivious, the accessory market for ear-budded pedestrian, the electric motorcycles. We took unit offers an unlimited this to Shark Tank, but range of sound choices to Fitted to this prototype electric GS (the cylinders remain for buoyance on water unbelievably they weren’t make everyone, um, look crossings), the DECI-BULL sound system by RadNoise offers an unlimited number of interested—no imagination— at you. sound effects for the practically silent bike. so we gave them a big dose Take for instance the of our ‘Fraternity Party Toilet’ “Transportation” menu. track on the way out! The producer of Shark Tank did not offer From the TFT screen you can scroll through “Semi Tractor a response." Trailer,” “M1 Abrams Tank,” “1891 Locomotive Steam Engine (w/ The complete DECI-BULL Sound Generator has a MSRP of whistle),” “German Polizei Siren,” and many more. Feeling a bit $3,999, but a contest for the most offensive sound or insult is now more adventurous? How about the roar of an F-35 Lightning running on the RadNoise website, with a first prize of one-half off Fighter (w/sonic boom), a Saturn 5 rocket (first stage), or the shipping. For more information, visit radnoise.com. Millennium Falcon?

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

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April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

PRODUCT

REVIEWS

Rival Components skid plate and crash bars for the F 850/750 GS By Bill Shaw #70903 WHEN DAY TRIPS BECAME MY NORM, I

sold my R 1200 RT I had set up for long-distance touring and the Iron Butt challenges that consumed my life for the previous 20 years. I knew its replacement would be a decidedly different type of motorcycle and would be something lighter and nimbler than the LTs, RTs and R 1200 GSs I had been riding, while still being able to pound out miles if needed. It didn’t take long for me to settle on BMW’s F 850 GS as it not only met these requirements, but also had the latest security, comfort and electronic conveniences I wanted. After a protracted search, I finally found exactly what I was looking for at Hermey’s BMW. I started my farkling efforts by first looking at engine protection, which included crash bars and a skid plate. For a bike that’s been out for three years, finding those items proved to be considerably more difficult than I imagined. Apparently, BMW made some subtle but significant changes to the 2021 F 850 GS to meet Euro 5 emission standards. The front muffler (which resides under the rear suspension) was larger than earlier models, and at least one of the 02 sensors was moved. Because of those changes, some crash bars and skid plates manufactured for earlier F 850 GSs won’t fit a 2021 model year bike. When I began my search in January, I reached out to five wellrespected BMW aftermarket businesses and was told they had not yet produced anything for the latest F 850 GS. Fortunately, I found Rival Components, a company that not only makes these components, but exceeds my high standards of quality.

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

Rival Components is a small company based in Corona, California, that produces off-road accessories for 2019-2021 F 850 GSs and F 750 GSs, as well as other manufacturers including Yamaha, Husqvarna and KTM. All their products are engineered, tested and manufactured in-house. While Rival Components makes both upper and lower crash bars for my F 850 GS, I opted for just the lower crash bars. These bars are made from mandrel, bent from sturdy, one inch, high-tensile 1018 steel and powder coated a rich, glossy black; they are bolted to the engine at four points. A stout cross member made from the same material connects the left and right side crash bars, thereby adding additional structural rigidity. Although installation was straightforward, the instructions did not include torque specs for the fasteners. A call to Rival Components quickly rectified this oversight when Joji Donald, one of the company’s partners, was apologetic and responsive saying it was an oversight that would immediately be corrected. Protection provided by the crash bars for the engine cases is excellent, and because the Rival Components’ crash bars follow the bike’s contour, they could even be considered functionally elegant. Selling for $260.99, they are an exceptional value, especially when compared to the cost of crash bars made by the competition. The Rival Components skid plate is made from 3/16 inch, 5052 aluminum and powder coated. It offers a significant improvement over the stock BMW part while offering excellent protection to the exhaust header and engine. The design provides a smooth bottom that does not

affect ground clearance and as you would expect, integrates perfectly with the crash bars to offer maximum protection. There are also are a number of strategically placed ventilation holes that allow cool air to flow to the exhaust headers and engine. Mounting the skid plate was also straightforward, and these instructions did list torque specs for all fasteners. Three brackets support the skid plate, so it will not move backwards and damage the exhaust if contact is made with a large rock or tree stump. Rival Component’s skid plate is even robust enough to support the weight of the bike if it needs to be jacked off the ground. Removal for maintenance is a matter of simply removing six bolts, which takes a couple of minutes at most. Costing $369.99, it is also priced competitively with similar offerings by other manufactures. Frankly, Rival Components’ skid plate and crash bars were everything I was looking for: simple and rugged, while offering excellent protection. The engineering behind both products is first-rate, and I’m confident they will protect the engine from almost any on- or off-road mishap. Even if I weren’t limited in my options when I made this purchase, I would have chosen Rival Components anyway. The fact that I am supporting a small U.S. company that offers high quality products at great prices is just icing on the cake. Potential buyers in the market for superior protection to safeguard the critical parts on their 2019-2021 F 850 GS and F 750 GS should consider giving Rival Components a serious look. For more information, visit rivalcomponents.com.

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April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

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BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

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Clutch Work and Ready for Mexico! By Matt Parkhouse #13272 WE RECENTLY SOLD

my friend Marlo’s R 60/6 and I’m glad it went to a new-to-BMW rider, a young local fellow in his early 30s. Along with the bike, I gave him a few copies of BMW Owners News and the Airheads’ Airmail to begin his education. I’ll also help him with the first couple of services it will need. The Mexico Bike and I are ready to ride south of the border. Unfortunately, the Fiesta de San Juan de Dios in Tultepec, Mexico, has been called off again for this year. Losing that date frees me up a bit as far as timing goes, but I really did want to see their annual fireworks celebration. Guess I’ll hang on to the old Slash Five and plan on traveling there next year. A couple of my high school classmates are planning to gather at Joshua Tree National Park once again. There will be fewer of us this time, as several are bowing out since they haven’t received their COVID-19 vaccine yet. I got my first shot a few days ago and am scheduled for the second in early March. The local Community Health Center folks assured me I could delay the appointment a week or two to allow some time in Mexico. With Tultepec off the itinerary, I probably will not plan a long ride to the south. Susanna is definite as to “No Mexico this year!” so it would be a solo run. Perhaps a ride to Mazatlan to visit with my old hotline friends Harry and Stefanie, who live there during cold season in the north. If they aren’t up for housing company during this time of pandemic, I could always stay at an inexpensive nearby hotel I’ve stayed at a couple of times prior to Harry moving down there. I also have friends in southwest I haven’t seen in a while. I realized the Mexico Bike’s clutch had not been checked or lubed in at least three runs, so I decided to pull the clutch to

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

look it over and possibly replace it. The necessary work took me about three hours, moving slowly on the back patio on a sunny but cool day. The steps involved are identical for any Airhead from 1970-80 and similar for the remaining twin-shock bikes. Pulling the transmission and lubricating the input splines is a service that ought to be done around the 20,00030,000 mile mark. BMW began using nickel-plated splines in the mid-1980s, allowing the service interval to be extended to 40,000 miles. Any good grease is better than none at all, but some are better than others. For years, I made my own from a brew of highimpact grease and Honda Moly 60. Honda quit making the moly product a few years ago, so I switched to something called Guard Dog Spline Lube, which worked very well and stayed in place a good long

time. Then, the Guard Dog guy quit making the stuff, and Ted Porter at the Beemer Shop commissioned the Guard Dog folks to mix up something similar. I have to say, TS-60 is about the best spline lube I’ve run across. It’s easy to apply and lasts a long time on both the gearbox input and the wheel drive splines. To begin the work, I started by removing the tank and taking out the tool tray. I loosened and removed the carbs and air tubes. Next were the air cleaner clam shells and filter. With those out of the way, I removed the battery. That gave me a good shot at the driveshaft attachment to the gearbox output, and I removed the large hose clamp and pulled back the rubber boot. I then applied the rear brake to lock up the driveline and broke loose the four bolts attaching the driveshaft. I always have one of my magnet-on-a-stick tools

Despite the long winter shadows, it was a pleasant mid-day's work to tear into the bike's clutch. It had seen at least three trips south and perhaps 15,000 miles, so I figured it was time to check it over and reapply spline lube to the gearbox input splines.

handy in case one of the bolts starts to migrate down the swingarm housing. However, the four bolts easily unscrewed using my fingers, telling me they had not stretched and could be reused. Next was pulling the pivot point of the rear brake. I always separate the pedal and the brake rod to clean and lube the point of connection. That’s one of those points that is not obvious and could have gone without ANY service since the bike left the factory in Germany back when Nixon was president. With the foot brake stuff out of the way, I pulled back on the rear wheel. If the bike has bag mounts, they interfere with pulling back the assembly. With my Slash Five, there was JUST enough clearance to pull back and lift out the transmission. I’d done this routine enough that all my Slash Fives have a cut in the wire to the neutral switch with a quick-disconnect connector installed. With Slash Sixes and beyond, you need to pause at this point and unplug the two wires for the neutral lamp circuit. Now, I can see the clutch, along with my previously marked note “5.55mm.” I knew I’d be at the clutch when I was in there last time, allowing me to see how worn it was. New discs are 6mm thick. You are supposed to renew them when they hit 4.5mm. I’ve seen them work well down to around 4mm. Then they start slipping. I removed every other of the six bolts and installed my compressing tools. I then unscrewed the other three bolts and loosened the tools. Other than a bit of dust, all looked well. I cleaned up the various things I had taken out, along with the inside area of the engine. No signs of any oil leaking from behind the flywheel, which would have been a sign of a leaking rear main seal and/or a loose oil pump cover. As it was nice and dry, I left the flywheel in place. With the parts cleaned up, I replaced the clutch assembly, using a pilot tool to

The clutch assembly as I found it. The markings are mine from the last time I serviced things. After pulling out the parts and cleaning things up, I measured the clutch plate with my micrometer-5.20mm. If this was someone else's bike, I'd call it right on the borderline as far as replacing the clutch plate. Since it's the Mexico Bike, the plate went back in. New clutch plates are 6.0mm thick; you're supposed to replace them when they wear down to 4.5mm. They usually work OK to around 4.0mm and then start slipping.

center the clutch plate until I tightened up the bolts. The plate now reads “5.2mm,” as it had worn a bit in the least three journeys south, totaling around 15,000 miles or so. I reused the six clutch bolts as they, too, unscrewed nicely with my fingers, once broken loose. I retorqued them to 17 ft-lbs; the 1970-80 bikes used heavy bolts. Starting in 1981, the redesigned clutch carrier system used much lighter bolts, and I keep a bag of those post-‘81 bolts handy for clutch work on those bikes. I had cleaned up the gearbox, so I lubed the input splines and lifted the gearbox back in, pausing to replug the neutral lamp wires. As I had recently changed the bike’s fluids, I didn’t drain the tranny, I just took care to keep it upright so it wouldn’t leak out the tach drive point. I then replaced the foot brake assembly. With the magnet nearby, I threaded in the four driveshaft bolts. They ran in easily, with a drop of medium-strength threadlock on

them. Once in place, I tightened them with a “good grunt” using my seven-inch Snap-On wrench and the foot brake to lock things up. With the driveline back together, I replaced the battery and remounted the carburetors and air cleaner. With the tank replaced and the tool tray back in place, the job was done. Moving slowly and cleaning parts as I went, the job took around three hours. The next day, I serviced the rear wheel bearing just to be sure. The bearings were still in adjustment and had plenty of (dirty) grease. I cleaned everything up and added some Amsoil synthetic grease. I use that for wheel bearings, steering bearings, swingarm bearings and the hand controls, along with a few other points (like the rear brake assembly from yesterday). The bike is definitely ready to go, and hopefully, in ten days or so, it and I will be heading south on a rather chilly Interstate 25.

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

TORQUE

THE

MATTER

Hell with it! I’m buying a Harley! By Wes Fleming #87301 WITH MY 2005 R 1200

GS rapidly approaching the end of its life, I desperately want another adventure motorcycle. All my friends keep pushing me towards the ponderous, massive and expensive GS models, but I am harboring a dark secret. Doctors have given me 28 years to live, and I want to see more than soybean fields, manure piles and the parking spaces in front of the local Starbucks. I want to explore the rings of Saturn, and [checks watch] I need to get there before noon. When I announced my doubts about buying another GS on a Zoom meeting of my local BMW chartered club, a GS rider named Ian showed his disapproval by

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

ruffling his skirt. He then picked up his bagpipes and filibustered the meeting for 16 hours, treating us to his interpretation of Led Zeppelin’s first four albums, over and over. Though I dropped off after the second run-through, really only needing to hear “Misty Mountain Hop” twice in six hours to be happy, I hear the Airhead and other GS riders in the club stuck it out for the whole session. Sure, I could rely on my tough, sleek and freshly re-clutched (15,000 miles ago) 1998 K 1200 RS as my only BMW, but the 300 pounds of sidecar hanging off near my right foot make it impractical for everyday use. It does hold a lot of beer though, so I’m keeping it as a possibility. A friend offered to sell me a K 1200 GT; all I had to do to claim it was to prove the carpet matches the drapes, slap Elon Musk at a

public event and pay him the equivalent of one one-hundredth of a bitcoin in GameStop stock before picking up the bike from the bottom of an abandoned gold mine near Grand Junction, Colorado, in February. Since I insist on flying maskless and Delta refuses to sell me a center seat, I had to pass on that blistering opportunity. I’ll tell you one thing for sure: I’m not buying another bike with whizzy brakes or a dry clutch. Those days are over! No more ABS whining or juddering and rattling at long stoplight waits. I might even go water-cooled—it is the 21st century, after

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all. Since my first bike was a Honda CB750, maybe I’ll go back to an inline four. I’m too old for an S 1000 R and too creaky and arthritic for the RR version. I could see myself on a pretty XR with the motorsport colors, or even an F 900 XR, with its impressively torquey parallel twin engine. At 6’3” I feel like I need a tall, upright bike, if only to spare my poor, aching arthritic knee from a daily barrage of Advil. The thing is this though: I’m thoroughly attached to my GS. It’s a toxic relationship, because the damn thing emotionally abuses me every chance it gets. I fix one thing, then some other thing goes bad. I fix that thing and another thing gives out. The only person making any money off my bike is the parts manager at my BMW dealership, and the world laughs at me every time I post another video about my bike on YouTube (bmwclub.org/YouTube). I tried to threaten my GS and get it to toe the line by buying an identical—same color and month of construction—2005 R 1200

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April 2016

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GS and literally tearing it apart in front of my GS. I know it failed, because the day I rode my GS home after finishing the dismantling of the other GS, my ABS light started blinking ominously. I can’t afford a shiny new, tricked-out R 1250 GS thanks to my midlife crisis decision to buy an Indian FTR 1200 S in 2019, so what choices do I have? I could get a KTM, but their dealer network is more sparse than even BMW’s. Maybe a Royal Enfield Himalayan—they look fantastic, have a great reputation and even Peter Egan loves them. I’m sure its 400cc single cylinder engine will have no problem hauling my fat ass and all my gear (a tent and sleeping bag I’ll never use, two tripods, a bottle of tequila and my “diet pills”) up the front side of the Rocky Mountains. Oooh! How about one of those redesigned KLR650s! Hey—stop laughing! What I really want is a tall, thoroughly ugly bike with refrigerators for panniers so

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

I can look cool and travel wherever I want, so I’ve decided—I’m buying a Harley. I’ll get the new Pan America, the base model. No chrome, tall suspension, cavernous and stylishly aluminum panniers, ugly as the day is long and over 700 dealers across the USA for support should I need it. I hear they have dealers in Canada, too, but it’s hard to understand those people with their weird accents, state-sponsored medicine and wide open spaces. I’m sure all the HD dealerships will be fully trained up on the company’s first adventure bike by the time I need any help. I’ll just use some JB Weld to stick a BMW roundel on either side of the tank and tell people it’s a prototype BMW sent me to road test in the states. It hits all my buttons. First-year model—check! Tall—check! No respect from adventure bike riders because of the brand—check! No respect from hardcore Harley riders because it’s not a cruiser— check! Uglier than a GS—double check!!

It’s water cooled and has a chain, meaning lots of roadside maintenance, but at least I’ll get to use my tools. The only downside to the Pan America is they’re not available on the used market yet, so I can’t lowball anybody with an insulting offer and impugn their ancestry to get a better deal. The way things look from my bank account’s point of view though, I’ll probably end up making the trip to the rally on this wrecked 2004 R 1150 GS rust bucket basket case I bought. It doesn’t have a title or key, but it has whizzy brakes and a dry clutch. Such is my life. Thanks to Jack Riepe for assistance with this column. In return for assisting an MOA member who owns non-BMW motorcycles, Riepe has agreed to wear a T-shirt reading “MUMBLES IN R BIKE” at the rally in Montana.

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Which BMW? By Eric Bell #110164 50

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

These days, more than ever, I’m looking for online photography and narratives that will inspire me for my next mind-clearing, butt-aching motorcycle trip across this great land. I’m forever swiping an iPad, looking for a temporary escape from the many tragedies of current times. The other day, my Library of Congress-sized links folder brought me to a saved launch photo of the blue R nineT Pure, based on the Slash 5 from the 1970s. A couple of months of house-arrest has made me more than a little loopy, and I wondered if this could be the trade I was not-looking for? The machine looked pretty in Lupine Blue with pin stripes. Who doesn’t like pin stripes? I was familiar with the motor—I’m an ex-camhead owner—and because it’s an R nineT Pure, the price was basement by BMW standards. Imbibed nostalgia coursed through my varicose veins. My main hesitations were the bike’s tubed tires and a dry clutch. My opinion is skewed against these two “pure” technologies, and I’m admittedly scarred for life. My old camhead had a rear seal repaired, which cost an arm and a leg to ﬁx, and caused my local independent mechanic to proclaim he’d “never work on one of these again!” (thankfully for me, the bike was under an

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

extended warranty); and I’ve had enough ﬂat tires in my life that I regard tubed tires unnecessary for any road-going motorcycle. But that R nineT Pure in the photos was very appealing, especially in that urban environment where nobody in their right mind would park that particular bike. I had to see more than just online beauty shots. The closest example of the R nineT Pure was a three-hour freeway ride away. It was June, affectionally known in the Paciﬁc Northwest as Juneuary, but I didn’t view the elements as an obstacle. I have the weather protection of a 2016 R 1200 RT with an ancient and often Nikwax’d GS Dry Suit to see me through. There was no logic in my decision to ride in stormy weather and take a look at a bike that’s 165 miles away, other than I just wanted to see it close up and just m-a-y-b-e trade in my RT. I downloaded a 50-mile route into my Nav V for the day, which included a visit to the R nineT Pure’s dealership. As a side note, the dealer was open seven days a week, which I found handy. I’ve often wondered why Sundays and Mondays for most dealerships are still verboten in 2020, but that’s another conversation. I loaded up the RT’s luggage with the toolkit I’d probably never

need, spare jacket, snacks, water, a real camera and selﬁe stick in case an Instagram opportunity presented itself. I set the RT’s ride mode to Dynamic and suspension Wonder-Wheeled to the Luggage setting. Push button suspension. I remembered to turn on the Cardo headset before depressing the bike’s push-button power-up, doing so successfully pairs the headset to the bike, then tuning-in to SiriusXM’s Classic Vinyl channel. I was off to check out the R nineT Pure. If it was as nice as it looked in the pictures, then maybe a trade would be made. Satellite radio.

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

The Juneuary rain started about an hour away from the R nineT Pure’s location and was producing spray that swallowed all but the largest of semis and hid the ubiquitous grey cars we have on our roads these days. It was under these difficult riding conditions that the knowledge of having ABS and traction control moved from the back to the front of my consciousness. I turned on the heated grips and heated seat, then adjusted the windshield. At a touch of a button, I raised the shield to a point where I could peek over it, making most of the deluge sail over my helmet. My visor was still cracked open in commuter mode, and I kept up a brisk pace. Inclement weather countermeasures. I glanced at the GPS, about 60 miles to go. Back to the Wonder Wheel on the left handgrip, flipping the reading from “tire pressure” to “range.” Plenty of fuel, but I already knew that, and the tire pressures looked good, too. Getting closer to the dealership, the GPS guided me through a spaghetti bowl of on- and off-ramps, right to the door. Planned GPS directions. Did I really want to trade-in my RT? Not particularly, but curiosity had to be satisfied, and my day trip was only part way through. Arriving at the dealership, I spotted the R nineT Pure in the dealership’s front window. I was soon greeted by, but had to wait to talk with, the salesman. I really don’t mind having to wait in a

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

room full of motorcycles, and this extended delay did give me time to evaluate the various period-costumed camheads. Other than the pinstriped tank with a fancy 50-year anniversary badge, the R nineT Pure was deﬁnitely “pure.” Nice looking with only one dial, a speedometer, and no adjustable suspension. I already knew about the single gauge, but there had to be a few idiot lights? Necessary for this idiot that’s thinking of trading his RT. The R nineT Pure was sitting next to a shiny (and dusty) fancier R nineT with attractive gold front forks, two gauges, adjustable rear suspension, quixotic luggage, and other Motorrad-produced doo-dads that brought up the cost to $5,000 more than its Cyclops-gauged cousin. Even with the upgrades, there was still a dry clutch behind the engine block, and those golden forks sported tubed wheels. My initial thought after seeing R nineT Pure close-up was that it was very easy on the eyes and looked like a platform for the custom-ambitious. I like to do my own service, but all upgrades I make are usually bolt-on, plug-in, or attach to the battery. Other than the tank and seat, quite a few of the acceptable OEM components would no doubt be replaced by the Owner To Be Named Later. The trade-in conversation didn’t go all that well; it was sort of like the old car dealership model, where the mysterious sales

manager would sit in the back ofﬁce and send out the green peas. In this case, two young chaps, with one admittedly knowing nothing about BMWs. I didn’t expect much and wasn’t disappointed. But no harm was done, as my mind had been made up; perhaps the transcendental sales manager already knew my lack of intent. But they didn’t even try, which meant an easy retreat for me. During my brief exchange with the two young lads, avoiding asking technical questions, I still couldn’t get a straight answer about what idiot lights were on the speedo and kept to myself a suspicion that the oil cooler may need to be removed to access the alternator belt. My local dealer would’ve been able to answer those pressing inquiries. Needless to say, I had a re-awakening as to what kind of BMW I like to ride, and the reason why I departed from that R nineT Pure on my RT. After about what seemed longer than half an hour, I set the Nav V for home, the long way, through Oregon’s Columbia River valley with wind howling and stormy skies, keeping an eye on all the feedback the RT offers. North at Biggs Junction and heading towards Toppenish, there’s a sign that says no gas for 50 miles. The RT’s readout for “range” showed adequate supply. Then into the desert, through the wide open spaces of the Yakima ﬁring

range, and coincidentally “Hotel California” enters my helmet courtesy of satellite radio. Roughly 50 miles from Seattle brought me to Snoqualmie Pass. More heavy rain and clouds interspersed with mountain scenery, stormy and fantastic, this is actually one of my favorite times of the year to be in the Pacific Northwest. The bike’s Dynamic Mode works just as well in the rain. If I had the garage space and disposable income, I would’ve purchased that R nineT Pure. It’s an enchanting machine, and it is what it is. A bike with nothing more than what’s necessary. However, my motorcycling interests have changed more than once over the years, and my fickle enthusiasm is reflected in what’s parked in my garage. These days my road bike of choice is a 21st Century machine, but I may have a different point of view if posed with the same question tomorrow. Maybe in 2023, Motorrad will build an R 90 S tribute bike on a wethead 1200 platform, with tubeless spokes, wet clutch and luggage that addresses both form and function. I’d ride another 500 miles to see that.

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

THE PURGATORY OF FEBRUARY 56

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

By Ken Frick #199204 IT IS A MISERABLE EXCUSE FOR A DAY. THE SUN MAY HAVE BEEN OUT SOME-

where, but nowhere near me. It will be hiding for pretty much all of the Midwest, out of view until at least the end of the week. It’s been windy, frost on the ground, but thankfully, not like the time a few years back when it was weeks with the temperature failing to reach anywhere close to freezing. Even so, this is depressing. This is February in Ohio. Look out any window, and what I see are shades of gray, everything dormant, dismal, a monotone rendition of my normally beautiful city, the skeletons of oaks and maples once shivering, now frozen in the cold, their leaves, once numbering in the hundreds of thousands, long gone. Everything in sight, at least from here to some imaginary line well to the south, somewhere maybe in Tennessee or Georgia, looks something like where I live, maybe worse. South of that line is warmth of some sort, someplace where windbreakers are being worn, what they have inching its way north to us, still weeks and weeks away. Today there’s no snow evident anywhere in my downtown neighborhood, but it’s in the forecast. I can’t begin to imagine what it’s like even further north and for those riders who live in Canada. I wonder, at this time of the year do they measure the snow in any of those locations in inches or by the foot, or I guess I should say centimeters or by meters? I don’t know, I don’t want to know, I don’t want to find out. Other than the inevitable, that being the marching along of the calendar and the green light on my trickle charger, there’s little around here to cheer me up. With the exception of my now decade-old Road Atlas which I gaze into at this time of the year, dreaming, there’s little of anything to make tomorrow or next week put a smile on my face, at least when it comes to getting my RT back on the road. But what did I spot yesterday, buzzing up Mound Street? Hope, or maybe it was simply some element of craziness, a rider on a motorcycle. Inside the Michelin man-like riding get-up there was no telling if it was a man or a woman, only someone who had lost their patience, who simply couldn’t wait any longer. Most who saw the bike would have thought the rider a nut-job, maybe me a little, too. I gave him/her a salute of sorts and wished the rider well. We make our choices. Mine tend to be a bit more warm-weathered. I parked my Beemer last year, just before Thanksgiving, eons ago, so today I’m somewhere beyond halfway to happiness, the day when I can get my bike back on the road. It seems that’s been on my mind a lot lately. What I’m suffering through is the same as it has been for decades, the long wait.

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

In December I don’t fret much about the weather. My memories of the just past riding season are still fresh in my mind, plus there’s the holiday season. After all, in the new year there’s always the January thaw, but it’s early February when my state of mind suffers. There are times when I wonder what it’s like for a rider stationed at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, or for the riders suffering from their self-imposed abstinence in upstate New York with their lake-effect snow, where on occasion it’s measured by the yard, or for motorcycle lovers anywhere in Alaska. And I think I have it bad.

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

It seems it’s been forever since I saw my cycle in all its bright red glory. I walk past it daily, a covered form only, a mystery to those uninformed. It was me who hid it from sight, covering it, removing any temptation to slip in the key, hit the starter button, click it into gear, then join my fellow rider on Mound Street. In this weather I’m not that brave of a rider (dare I say “stupid?” That wouldn’t be fair). Years ago, I gave it a try and found the cold not to my liking. Believe me, nothing has changed. Motorcycling for most of us is meant for warmer times. So here I sit, writing this story, the closest I can get to being back on the road. I hate February! But there is this, and I admit it’s a stretch. The best I’ve managed when it comes to any reference to riding are the revving noises I make when I entertain our year-old grandson, Charlie, revving up my internal motor, verbally running through the gears, watching his little eyes light up by the time I’m in second gear. Mine, too! You do what you need to do. I know Kevin, Charlie’s dad, does it too.

Four decades ago (40 years—that’s hard to believe) times were different, back when my old Honda wintered in my living room. That went on until Cindy came into my life; come to think of it, that’s when much of my old life came to an end. In the following years the Honda slept through the winter months in our garage, the Kawasaki I next owned in a shed, custom built for a place to park it along with our trash cans. Today my RT is parked on what in our building is called P1, Parking Level 1, a heated garage of all things, perfect for a motorcycle. How lucky I am! There’s fresh oil in the crankcase, ready at the first opportunity, my clean beauty ready to roll. All I need to do is check the tire pressure and I’ll be off. My Beemer has been waiting, just like me. The question is when? I’ve long thought the mid-winter point, the day equidistant from when I park my bike to when it will

again be on the road, to be Groundhog Day. If you think like I do, it’s the Sunday of the Daytona 500, or when pitchers and catchers report for spring training, when I can start to see the warm light at the end of the tunnel. Right now, there are tiny buds taking shape on some of the trees, and the crocuses are beginning to pop up, just a bit of them visible. Maybe spring will come early this year. We can only pray. What I need, what all of us who live where winter is a part of our lives need, is to have this end, to be finally free from our months of misery. Please let it be March, then April, quickly, beyond the point of no return, when our world will be green and welcoming. In five or six weeks, or maybe only four, it will be time to pull off their covers and let our beauties again see the light of day. I will imagine the look on my face will be much like that on little Charlie’s as I run through the gears. I can’t wait.

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

How It All Started By Doug McBride #6642 This bit of historical fiction is the product of a mind which has obviously been severely affected by pandemic boredom... let us hope for a more normal future.

Scene 1. A Friday afternoon in May 1916, at a hofbrau in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. A table is occupied by two men in their early 30s, Franz Popp and Max Friz, both employees at Austro-Daimler, a local automotive manufacturer. Franz Popp: Thank you for inviting me to join you after work Herr Friz, I have only been here a short time and have yet to make many acquaintances. And I wanted to congratulate you on your design concept contributing to the Mercedes engine that won the French Grand Prix a few years ago. Max Friz: Please call me Max. Yes, that was enjoyable work. With the war dragging on it almost seems like such “fun” projects will never happen again. I can tell you that we in the engineering department have been looking forward to your arrival. Herr Daimler is reluctant to explore new engine design ideas. The word “fuddy-duddy” comes to mind.

Franz: Excellent! If I can help, let me know. Perhaps speak with “fuddy-duddy?” Max (smiling): Do you have any idea of where you might find a new manufacturing facility in Germany? Franz: I do, but it is going to need some “guidance,” shall we say. It is called Rapp Motor Works and is in Munich. I have met Karl Rapp before, and although a likable fellow with a very good facility, his organizational skills need honing. He is also a bit of a loose cannon. Last time I spoke with him he was talking about moving to California and starting an astronomical observatory. Franz: If I am successful at moving manufacturing to Munich I may be in the market for a chief engineer. In theory, are you interested? Max: Very much so. After an enjoyable evening of dinner and drinks it was obvious to both men that they had a lot in common, both vocationally and philosophically. . .

Franz: And please call me Franz. Unfortunately, I will not initially be spending much time at the design table, but more in administration. As a representative of our Austro-Hungarian Air Force this summer I will be travelling to Germany to try to find an appropriate site for manufacture of our engines needed for the war effort. But I am still an engineer and will be with you in spirit. Waiter, another beer for each of us.

Max: On a different topic, do you enjoy hiking? There is a beautiful area not too far from here called Myra Falls. Would you like to come? We can hike the “Myra Cascades” trail that is a spectacular waterfall gorge with many bridges, then go to the top of the Hausstein where the views are absolutely magnificent. I am going to go there on Sunday. My wife is in Stuttgart for the week. We can take my car.

Max: Thank you. They have excellent schnitzel here—what have you planned for supper?

Franz: Wonderful! I love to hike! Alas, I do not have a car or a wife, but I have a fuel ration card from the air force. Maybe more difficult to get?

Franz: Having little else to do I was going to go back to work and eat later, but let us stay and chat. What new engine idea are you exploring? Max: What we need is an aeroplane engine that will operate at high altitudes without stalling. This will give our planes a tactical advantage. I have been working on a new carburettor design to achieve this.

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

Max: You are probably correct. It is heartbreaking, there are so many war widows.

Scene 2. July 1917. Meeting in the Boardroom of Rapp Motor Works in Munich, Germany. In attendance are Franz Popp, Max Friz, Karl Rapp, Julius Auspitzer and Camillo Castiglioni. Karl Rapp is the operations manager, and Julius Auspitzer is the major shareholder. Castiglioni is an Italian financier.

Another Section Head: How about automobile engines? Franz: Unfortunately for the time being autos are not allowed either. But I do have some good news. We have secured a contract to manufacture railway brakes. And some farm equipment.

Franz Popp: Gentlemen it appears that Rapp Motor Works newfound success is due primarily to the contracts for Herr Friz’s high altitude aeroplane engine. I think we have come to a consensus that to ensure continued success we should remarket the company; a different name and different management is needed.

Franz: Max, what is wrong? You did not say a word.

Karl Rapp: Well, is this what it has come down to, Franz? I realize that you have been the de facto manager over the last few years. But it is still my company. Julius Auspitzer: Karl, it is over. I have already been working with Herr Castiglioni regarding the financial changes necessary. We have decided that Herr Popp will be designated “General Director.” Herr Friz will be chief engineer. The new company will be named Bavarian Motor Works. We have papers for you to sign. Karl: Fine. It looks like I am finally going to get to go to California and watch the stars.

Scene 3. February 1919, BMW’s Munich Headquarters, Franz Popp’s office. A meeting among section heads of BMW including Max Friz. Franz: Gentlemen, as a result of the treaty there is a government post-war directive that we can no longer manufacture aircraft engines. Section Head: Does that mean we are closing our operations? Franz: We will do everything we can to stay afloat.

Another Section Head (laughing): How about some pot and pans too? Just joking… Franz: As a matter of fact…Afterward.

Max (visibly distraught): I’m sorry Franz. I almost did not come to the meeting, but knew you wanted me there. I got word this morning that my mother has died from that horrible Spanish flu. (Note: It is estimated that 287,000 people died in Germany from the Spanish flu in 1918-1920. In contrast approx. 70,000 Germans have died from COVID-19.)

Scene 4. J une 1919. Parking lot outside BMW’s Munich plant. Max Friz and practical engineer/ foreman Martin Stolle arrive at the same time. Martin is riding his Douglas motorcycle. Max: Good morning Martin, chilly ride today? Martin: Not too bad; I managed to avoid a lot of traffic on the motorcycle. They are getting very popular as our post war situation and inflation rate is crippling the auto industry, as you know. Max: What do you think of this British machine? Martin: I have been riding this brand for a number of years. I even raced one for a while. I am impressed with its reliability. You know, I have been thinking, we could make an engine like this and sell it. Max: Why don’t you talk to Franz about it? Martin: Oh, I don’t want to bother Herr Popp with such ideas— he is very busy. Max: He isn’t too busy to hear new ideas. Trust me, talk to him.

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

Scene 5. July 1919. BMW design office. Present are Franz Popp, Max Friz and Martin Stolle. Surveying a workbench with Douglas flat twin motorcycle engine in parts, carefully labelled and arranged. Franz: What do you think of the engine Max? Max: I think the design is good, but the quality of machining could be better. Martin, do they leak oil? Martin (smiling): Of course, they are British machines. Max: Also there is some evidence of heat damage to the rear cylinder. Perhaps a better cooling design could be developed.

Works, I have a friend there. Also there is Bavarian Plane Works down the road who like us can’t make aeroplane engines and are looking for something to power the Helios motorcycle they are making. Franz: I would like us to try it. You know it might have the additional benefit of boosting the morale of the workers. Max? Max: I say try it. We should be taking care of our production staff. The German Workers Party has come into prominence. I hear they have changed their name to the Nazi party. With this Adolf Hitler guy. Franz: Exactly my point.

Franz: If we tool up to produce this type of engine, can we sell it?

Max: So Martin, this is your baby. I probably don’t have enough bugs in my teeth to be of much use in this project. Let me know if you need anything.

Martin: I think we can sell it, there is the manufacturer Victoria

Martin: I will definitely need your expertise.

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

Scene 6. J une 1921. BMW design office. Present are Franz Popp, Max Friz and Martin Stolle. Franz: Congratulations and thank you gentlemen, your engine design M2B15 is an official success. As you know, we have sold many units, and there are more orders coming in. I understand the Victoria KR1 motorcycle using our engine is very popular. And in the process we are acquiring Bavarian Plane Works and their facility. Our board is pleased. Max: Thanks Franz, Martin did a good job. Maybe too good. He tells me Victoria Works wants him as well as our engine. They have made him a lucrative offer. Franz: Congratulations, Martin. Tell them we were going to give you a raise, so you will need an even better offer from them. By the way, we now have the rights to the Helios motorcycle. Do you think it is worth beginning production? Martin: We should not waste our time. It does not have a good reputation. Max and I agree that a new motorcycle should be designed around the M2B15 engine and marketed as a BMW. My apologies gentlemen, but I must be excused as they are having a problem with a crankshaft tolerance on the assembly line.

Scene 7. O ctober 1922. BMW design office. Present are Franz Popp and Max Friz. Several drawings are spread around a table. Max: I think I finally have all the challenges dealt with in our new motorcycle design. At least on paper. As you can see, I have opted to mount the engine transversely which solves inadequate rear cylinder cooling. The only problem I can foresee is the initial torque when the engine revs will result in a sideways movement of the motorcycle. I can’t see it being a big problem, though. The engine placement also increases the width of the vehicle but certainly no wider than the handlebars while decreasing the wheelbase for better handling. Franz: You have a driveshaft rather than a belt or a chain? Max: A bit more expensive to produce but more reliable and much, much cleaner. In addition, the transversely mounted engine allows transmission of power to a rear shaft drive easily. Franz: I am impressed. It is a very handsome machine with clean lines. Let us build it! And perhaps have one ready for the Paris Motorcycle Salon next fall? We should designate a model number for it. How about R32?

Franz: Thanks again, Martin.

Max: OK. “R” for “wheel” (“Rad”), but why 32?

Max: Martin and I have talked about this extensively and I would like to give it a go. I have some design ideas that I think will make our new BMW motorcycle unique and hopefully a popular seller.

Franz: Because it is Helena’s 32nd birthday today. Look, this whole romance thing is basically your fault.

Franz: I trust your judgement and look forward to seeing some drawings.

Max (smiling): My fault? You have had a smile on your face for months now.

Max: To spur my creativity, Martin is even giving me some motorcycle riding lessons. Much to my wife’s worry, by the way. Speaking of Christina, she would like me to ask you if you would come to dinner this Sunday. Her sister is visiting us from Munich. Franz: Herr Friz, is Christina trying to set me up? Max: Probably. Helena is a very nice lady. Her husband was killed at Verdun. We can also celebrate our recently announced Nobel Prize in Physics winner from Germany, Albert Einstein.

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

Scene 8. April 1923. BMW production floor. All employees are standing around the first R 32. Franz: Congratulations, everyone. In particular Herr Friz for his striking design. I have entered our motorcycle in the Fahrt durch Bayerns Berge motorcycle trial next month. This will give us some pre-release exposure. The motorcycle is started and idles smoothly amidst the applause of the employees. Franz and Max are chatting quietly. Franz: We need someone to ride the R32 in the trial next month. Max: I would like to do it. It is not really a race, only a trial. Franz (smiling): Unless you fall behind. Will Christina be upset with me if I allow you to do this? Max: Probably.

Franz: Did you hear that Herr Hitler tried to overthrow the government at the meeting in the beer hall last week? Apparently, he has been arrested for treason. He will go to jail and that will be the end of him. Max: I hope so. Franz: Me too. Max: I am glad the Paris show went so well. Franz: Yes, it certainly did. We can expect more orders to start rolling in. By the way, I saw Martin Stolle there, and he wishes you well. Now, my friend, I have another important job for you. Max: I am always ready for a challenge. Franz: This will be one of the most important tasks I have ever asked you to do. I would like you to be my best man as I am marrying your sister-in-law in January.

Franz: By the way, I have tickets for Saturday to see Karl Valentin at the Wien-München cabaret. The “Charlie Chaplin of Germany” does a wonderful impression of the Kaiser trying to learn Dutch while in exile in Holland. He also does a great parody of Hitler. But we won’t sit too near the stage or will get wet with spit! In case you haven’t heard, you and Christina are joining me and Helena. Scene 9: October, 1923. Paris Motorcycle Salon. A crowd is standing around the BMW R32 display. Comments overheard in the crowd include: “What a beautiful, clean looking machine. No parts and pieces hanging out.” “If it were to fall over that engine could be damaged.” “Maybe they will install an engine guard.” “The shaft drive makes sense—no messy chain.” “I’ll bet it handles very well with such a low center of gravity.” “I hear it is underpowered.” “Underpowered or not, it went through the Fahrt durch Bayerns Berge trial without losing a point.” “It needs a front brake.” “Front brakes are dangerous, they have caused many a fall.” “Apparently lights, horn, speedometer and pillion seat are options.” “Look at the excellent fuel economy they claim.”

Final Scene: A Friday afternoon in November 1923. A hofbrau in Munich, Germany. Franz Popp and Max Friz are having a beer after work. Christina and Helena

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

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MOA

GARAGE

The Cost of Ownership By Wes Fleming #87301 DESPITE ITS PREMIUM LOOK, THE R 18 IS NOT—BY FAR—

BMW’s most expensive motorcycle. The base model is $18,190; adding the First Edition Package (which forces you to also add the Select Package) tacks $2,375 onto the cost. The Premium Package, which adds Hill Start Control, Headlight Pro/Adaptive Headlight Control, and Reverse Assist, costs $1,450. This brings the cost of the bike to $22,015 before taxes, tags, delivery fees, prep and anything else the dealer might tack on before you get out the door. While this is at the high end of the Heritage line, a fully kitted-out K 1600 GTL would cost over $32,000. The First Edition Package ($2,150) includes the FE badging, the pinstriping on the tank and rear fender and Design Option Chrome—yes, all that beautiful, shiny chrome on the bike. The Select Package adds an anti-theft alarm, lockable fuel filler cap and heated grips, which alone are worth the $225 package cost if you ask me. The R 18 BMW sent me has a passenger seat ($250), but lacks cruise control ($350).

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

As we all know, purchase price isn’t the only time you’ll be checking your wallet, and BMW is notorious for building bikes which are expensive to care for. The R 18 requires premium fuel (90 AKI or better), which where I live means 93 at pretty much every gas station, as 91 is near impossible to find. Premium E10 gasoline in the U.S. at the end of January 2021 averages about $3 per gallon, which means 150 miles on an R 18 is going to cost $12-15 on a good day. A 600-mile day in the saddle might cost $50 or more in gas. All things considered, that’s not too bad.

The break-in service, required between 300-750 miles, specifies an engine oil and filter change plus a change of the final drive oil. A BMW oil filter is $20; four quarts of the appropriate 15W50 motor oil is about $66. One 500 ml bottle of Hypoid Axle Oil G3 (70W80), of which you need a bit less than half of the bottle for the R 18’s final drive, is $62. Top off the break-in service with miscellaneous crush washers and O-rings (total probably $6) and at least two hours of labor, and the break-in service could cost $300 or more. I’m using an estimate of $100 per hour for labor here, and remember the break-in service includes more than just changing the oil. The tech will give the bike a thorough once-over to ensure it’s in top running condition. On my side of the world, that’s worth some labor time.

After the break-in service, the next time the bike needs maintenance is at 6,000 miles. For the 6K service, you’ll need to do another engine oil and filter change ($90 in parts and supplies, plus labor), swap out the air filter ($30 plus labor) and check the valve clearance. Checking the valves is all labor and, depending on the shop, could cost you anywhere from one to three hours of labor. The 12K service adds spark plugs (four at $24 each) and another final drive oil change to the 6K service. Things get even more costly at 24,000 miles, which is when BMW wants you to finally replace the oil in the transmission. The transmission holds 1.15 liters of the $62-for-500 ml gear oil, so if you don’t have any left over from the final drive, you’ll have to buy three bottles of the stuff.

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

MOA

GARAGE

Here’s where we are so far—and remember, these costs are my estimates and will absolutely vary by region and dealership. Consider them “at least” estimates instead of “not more than” statements. Break-in service: $300+ 6,000-mile service: $300+ 12,000-mile service: $500+ 18,000-mile service: $300+ (same as 6K) 24,000-mile service: $800+ Once you’re out of warranty, you could probably switch from the 70W80 gear oil BMW specifies for the R 18 (and R 1250 bikes as well) to a less expensive gear oil, such as BMW’s Final Drive Gear Oil C-SAF-XO (75W90) oil, which costs $25 for a full liter; you’d only need two bottles and would have well over half of the second bottle left over for future use. However, you could also just keep using the oil BMW specifies and know you’re doing what BMW says is best for your bike. Add to all the above a once-a-year brake system flush and fill, probably about another $100. No doubt by the time you hit 24,000 miles on your R 18, you’ll have replaced the tires at least once, if not twice. Mine came from the factory with Bridgestones on it; replacing them with a set of Battlecruise H50 tires would cost $129 for the front (120/70R19) and $199 for the rear (180/65B16), a total of $328 plus installation, which will vary widely and could push your tire cost right up to $500 for the set. One of the mufflers has to come off to replace the rear tire, so that will no doubt add a bit to the labor cost of tire replacement. If you ride your R 18 through one set of tires in one year—let’s call it 10,000 miles—you’re looking at $1,200 (or more) in maintenance costs in that year. A second year of the same mileage would cost a little more, at least $1,400, due to the higher cost of the 12K service. The third year would probably be about the same as the first year—no break-in service, but possibly an additional set of tires. Altogether, that first three years and 30,000 miles could run to over $4,000 for routine maintenance and tires—and no doubt a bit more, as by 30K you would no doubt need to replace the brake pads and possibly some other wear items, so let’s call it $4,500 to be safe. That divides out to about $125 a month for routine maintenance and tires.

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

When you consider 10,000 miles a year at 40 mpg is about 21 gallons of gas a month and 21 gallons of gas at $3/gallon is $63—and probably more, as we all know gas prices don’t usually go down—my math puts the basic cost of ownership at just under $200 a month plus whatever your monthly payment is (BMW’s website estimates an EasyRide™ payment of $282), you could easily plan on putting $500 a month into an R 18. If you ride more than 10,000 miles in a year, that cost would go up. It’s easy to put these kinds of calculations out of your head when you’re standing in the showroom looking at the shiny new motorcycle, but understanding fuel and basic maintenance costs as part of the overall cost of ownership will only help you keep your finances in order. If you try to stay ahead of the game like I do, setting aside a few dollars a month in a savings account for routine maintenance costs can help you avoid sticker shock when it’s time to take your bike to a mechanic. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to save money on routine maintenance: Learn to do these tasks yourself. Of course, this doesn’t help the dealer as much, but I’m also sure (if you’re anything like me) you will encounter tasks you’re unable or unwilling to undertake for one reason or another, and you’ll take your bike to the shop to have a pro work on it. Another monthly cost to keep in mind is insurance. A brandnew motorcycle costing over $20,000 and no doubt financed through a lending institution would require top-tier insurance, and maybe gap insurance on top of that to account for a worstcase scenario, especially during the first three years of ownership. I checked with State Farm and got an insurance quote for full coverage with a $500 deductible for $44 a month. This takes my driving record into account as well as other services I have with State Farm, so insuring an R 18 by itself or if you have multiple tickets or claims would likely raise that rate. I’m not even going to get into the cost of extras, like the tall seat ($454) or saddlebags ($356, including mounts), because those things are subjective and not every rider will be looking at add-ons in those areas. I don’t think most of us consider add-ons like these to be part of the typical cost of ownership—usually my upgrades and farkles come out of a different budget in my system.

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FROM

THE

FOUNDATION

SAVING LIVES BY THE NUMBERS I AM A NUMBERS GUY AND HAVE BEEN SINCE I STARTED MY SALES CAREER TOO

By Ted Moyer # 100360

many years ago. I am often conflicted by the desire to dream and then brought back to the reality of measuring numbers. I think that is why I love motorcycles. There is a precision to motorcycles that satisfies the numbers side of me, but riding has such an interesting transition from the mechanics of technology to the art of riding. It’s difficult for me to explain to nonriders, but I am betting you understand what I feel. Motorcycles are my refuge when I need to be scientific and my release when I need to get away from the numbers. Much like motorcycle riding, managing a charitable organization is a mixture of managing the numbers versus dreaming about what the future looks like if we are successful. The Foundation develops plans to reach certain dollar goals so we can save lives. Ultimately, our purpose is to provide training to every rider who wants to be trained. What does training every rider look like for a numbers guy? It looks like the 339 members who donate to the SafeMiles campaign, an aggressive effort to raise $1 million for the future of rider safety, education and training. In just under two years since launching the SafeMiles campaign, those 339 members have donated $110,379 toward our $1 million goal. Pledges from the same group will add another $200,000 over the next several years. Not a bad start to our dream state! Training every rider looks like the 400 people who purchased products through the Amazon Smile charitable giving program. Shopping at Amazon and designating the BMW MOA Foundation as your beneficiary has contributed $3,378 to the SafeMiles campaign. I see the red thermometer rising as we reach toward our goal. Training every rider looks like the 4,201 people who purchased raffle tickets last year. Although the Foundation typically uses raffle proceeds to fund current annual operations, $50,000 from raffle operations were designated for the SafeMiles program this year. Did I mention the Superstakes is back for 2021? Ticket buyers will have a shot at 20 new BMW motorcycles. That is a good number! Training every rider looks like the 744 MOA members who have opted to automatically renew their membership each year. For every automatic renewal, the MOA contributes $4 annually to the SafeMiles campaign. In 2020, the auto renewal option raised $2,004 for the long-term safety of MOA members. For 2021, the donation will exceed $3,000 in contributions from members who select the auto-renewal feature. This is the point where I get all geeky about the numbers. I dream about the 4,201 raffle ticket buyers selecting the auto renewal option on their membership this year. Doing so would donate $16,804 annually to the SafeMiles program or $168,040 over the next ten years. That is almost 20 percent of our goal, achieved simply by selecting to automatically renew your MOA membership each year. Selecting auto renewal is easy. Simply check the “Auto-renewal” box on your membership renewal form or choose the auto renewal membership online when you renew. The membership team can also help with a quick phone call. Auto renewal adds the convenience of never missing a renewal period, and the benefit levels are identical. Achieving 4,201 auto renewals is likely the measure of our success or failure because, as a numbers guy, it is a very definitive measurement. However, it is achieving the vision of the Foundation, training every rider who wants to be trained, that leads to saving lives and that matters the most. As always, I encourage you to ride safe!

Ted Moyer 70

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

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SKILLS

Basic motorcycle training fails (Part 1) By Jon DelVecchio #208163 IF I HAD A NICKEL FOR EVERY TIME I’VE HEARD SOMEONE

say to not use your brakes in a curve, I’d be rich. Honestly, I’ve said it countless times myself while coaching the basic motorcycling course. Plenty of experienced riders would tell you the same thing. But it’s simply untrue. Other questionable advice includes not covering the front brake lever and always rolling on the throttle at the beginning of a curve. These are just some of the things taught in basic motorcycle license waiver courses across the United States. I believe that when new riders leave the parking lot, tips and techniques like these can impede their future skill development or even lead to a mishap down the road. At this point I should probably explicitly state, on the record, that I value waiver course curricula and do not advocate changes. These brief learning experiences are exceptional at preparing unskilled people for a start in motorcycling. It should also be noted that fundamental skills can be effective for a lifetime of conservative riding. The waiver courses have quite a hefty task. Teaching the mental and physical skills required to safely operate something as sophisticated as a motorcycle on public roadways is an enormous responsibility. These programs are unmatched when it comes to cognitive strategies and traffic preparation. Where they lack longevity is in the cornering skills content. I’m not suggesting that waiver courses should teach more advanced cornering techniques. It’s vital that new riders initially grasp the basic “slow, look, press, roll” sequence. Beyond that, in a two-day course with seemingly infinite directions, it would be easy to get overwhelmed. In my experience teaching advanced training, many people naturally recite and perpetuate misconceptions learned in the waiver courses well into the future. There are advanced techniques not being discovered, which is potentially holding back riders once they leave basic training. I compared a popular license waiver course to what many teach in advanced courses. The evidence for my conclusions was pulled right from the waiver course curriculum and first-hand experience coaching riders in both stages. Keep in mind that the waiver course student handbook briefly mentions advanced concepts buried in the text. However, when students actually ride and develop their motor skill functions these advanced techniques are usually absent. This article highlights four primary variations between the two levels of training. My next article will focus on secondary variations.

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

Narrow Cornering Focus

Waiver course materials explicitly state that their goal is to teach fundamental skills, and participant safety is the top priority. They also assert that aggressive riding and challenging the roads are activities reserved only for the racetrack. While the cornering techniques provided are foundational skills, under scrutiny they are overly simplistic. To further prove this point, only 14 percent of the knowledge test questions are related to cornering. Cornering skills are complex and difficult to transmit to others. Imagine asking Marc Marquez to explain how to do what he does. The phrase “slow, look, press, roll” is the correct starting point, but it can take a lifetime of effort to fully comprehend those four simple words. It would be difficult to argue that a graduate of a basic course will be able to ride expertly after only two days of instruction. Since most riders are uninterested in subsequent training, they continue to apply entry level skills to expert level riding situations. The bottom line here is that all riders would benefit from expanding their skill set. Advanced instruction is readily available.

Brake/Throttle Hand Position

For better or worse, many waiver courses flat out prohibit covering the front brake lever. This action can be described as resting any number of fingers on the brake lever in anticipation of squeezing it. Doing this is expressly stated as an error that should be corrected. Having all fingers curled around the throttle is considered “good posture.” Who wouldn’t want that? Covering the front brake is a good idea in the real world. A throttle hand fully curled around the grip severely handicaps a rider beyond the initial novice stage. This is true in both traffic and curvy environments. Throttle hand placement commonly taught outside of waiver courses teaches resting the first two fingers on the brake lever and curling the last two fingers around the grip. This positioning allows for more precise brake/throttle transitions, which are essential for higher levels of control. Never corner with your right hand in a fist. Doing so delays reaction time and typically results in more abrupt speed and steering responses.

Entry Speed Definition

Because waiver courses are designed to be conducted in parking lots with minimal risk, they are constrained to a single corner entry speed: slow. A safe and good entry speed is defined in the waiver course as a speed that allows the rider to maintain or increase throttle through the entire curve. Riders are told to get all their slowing

completed by the entry point of the turn while upright. When people leave parking lot training, they approach corners at a higher rate of speed and without supervision. The definition of entry speed then merely becomes the speed a rider is traveling at the point they enter the curve. As many sport riders would agree, a faster pace in the twisties means slowing until somewhere near the apex. Transitioning to throttle at the entrance of the curve in this situation would be risky. The speed you enter a turn dictates how long you have to stay on the brakes. Some experienced riders take every corner so conservatively that they hardly need to lean the motorcycle. For them the waiver course definition of entry speed holds true: start rolling on at the moment leaning begins. For everyone else, it’s important to understand that adding throttle should only occur when the bike is at its lowest mph speed in the curve and it’s time to accelerate through the exit. The most controlled way to do this is by using the throttle hand placement discussed previously. Never corner with your hand in a fist.

lead to short term success at the expense of long-term skill development. New riders are only trained for corners where they are forced to enter slower than real world standards, requiring throttle from start to finish. This leaves them at a disadvantage under their own judgment at more realistic corner entry speeds. Covering the brake lever with the first two fingers is essential for getting the timing right for each and every corner. The transition from brake to throttle depends on entry speed, not a specific curve location. When competent riders wisely carry their brakes into a corner, this is braking in a curve. Braking while leaning in a waiver course is risky because fine motor skill function is not yet acquired. In the real world, closing the throttle or applying the brakes in a curve are appropriate methods for controlling direction. Bridging the gap between these conditions is somewhat challenging, but not impossible. No matter how you slice it, you’re not going to learn vital mid-corner braking techniques in a waiver course.

Braking in Curves

I’m not crazy enough to say that we need to teach these advanced skills in waiver courses. My intention is to openly discuss these omissions and variations so riders can acquire next level skills. There’s way more to learn than what’s presented in basic training.

Successfully passing a waiver course reinforces the idea to never slow or apply braking in a curve. Coaches are told that slowing in a curve is an error in judgment and should be corrected. This may

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April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

THE

RIDE

INSIDE

Can’t leave well enough alone By Mark Barnes, PhD #222400 OSTENSIBLY, THE AIM

of customizing our motorcycles is to improve their comfort, safety, appearance or performance, but something else compels us to spend inordinate amounts of time, effort and angst in this process. There’s no other way to justify the inefficiencies and disproportionate investments involved, since the gains made are often inconsequentially miniscule—not to mention our results are sometimes worse than what existed before. Of course, there are genuine successes. This accessory actually did make a world of difference, and didn’t even cost much! Some expensive mods are worth every penny, especially when amortized over years of enjoyment. However, I bet these outstanding values represent only a small minority of the tweaks we motorcyclists perform on our bikes. It’s hard to make a rational argument for most of the resources we lavish on our machinery. If the stated goals aren’t the true or total driving force behind our customizing efforts, then what else accounts for them? We must look not at our motorcycles, but at ourselves. There is a rational explanation, but not in the terms we use to rationalize our behavior. Emotional dynamics follow a logic of their own. Said

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

logic is legitimate and consistent, though it doesn’t conform to the same rules we apply in other domains. It starts with different premises based on our subjective concerns, needs and perceptions, instead of objective facts. Our inherent nature outweighs concrete realities. Human beings are a creative bunch. Whether or not we consider ourselves artists, we express ourselves constantly. What we choose to wear, how we arrange our environments, the words we use, all reveal things about us—our histories, priorities, worries and affiliations, among myriad other attributes. If we fully realized our transparency, we’d be paralyzed by self-consciousness. (Fortunately, we typically don’t have the mental room to ponder that!) Regardless of whether we have a Twitter account, we’re all “tweeting” all the time, just like the birds that inspired that app’s metaphor; they announce their identities continuously with their distinctive calls. Our motorcycles are extensions of our identities. This can be a matter of broadcasting an image, like that of a fearless, powerful competitor (sporting hardware, big motors), an unstoppable adventurer (ADV or touring rig, stickers from distant lands), or numerous other possibilities. Such communication can be authentic, aspirational or fraudulent. There’s another type of identity enhanced by our

motorcycles, too. They become extensions of our bodily selves, and reflect back qualities such as competence, versatility, reliability and grace—or lack thereof. In this way, they tweet about us to ourselves, no matter if anyone else is watching. A basic, universal tenet of human nature is our need to see ourselves in a positive light. Individuals define “positive” in widely varying ways, including polar opposites, but the abstract principle remains. Frequently, we try to compensate for what we consider weakness with displays of strength, inadequacies with displays of achievement, and neediness with displays of self-sufficiency. By convincing others, we hope to become believers ourselves, or maybe we’ll “fake it ‘til we make it,” and acquire the desired characteristics via repetitive imitation. When events or discoveries threaten to puncture our balloons of self-regard, we reflexively rally our defenses to avoid the resultant shame and despair. When deflation is unavoidable, we seek solace in whatever form is available, healthy or unhealthy, and restore a positive identity through realistic or unrealistic means as quickly as possible. Even while under no immediate threat of injury to our self-esteem, we routinely bolster it with habitual activities. This isn’t the only reason we do things, but it’s more of a driving force than most realize. We keep things tidy to maintain a sense of ourselves as righteous and in control or let entropy rule to prove

DMC Sidecars we’re above such concerns. We obey or defy social conventions to associate ourselves with the group we admire most. We take care of others to demonstrate our dependability or seek rescue to verify our worthiness. The list is long, so let’s cut to the chase: we perfect our motorcycles, at least in part, to perfect ourselves. Whether it’s to project an image outward or reflect an image inward, our motorcycles provide us with an irresistible canvas on which to paint our self-portraits. After selecting a bike because its attributes align with our needs, we still want to make it uniquely our own by imprinting it with our ideals, tailoring it to fit us just right, and using it to carve out a niche in the world where things are as we believe they should be. With so much at stake psychologically, it’s no mystery we make great sacrifices to eke out even tiny—or illusory—improvements in our beloved machines. Regardless of the outcome, it’s the involvement that’s so deeply gratifying. Polishing doesn’t make a body panel work better, but it does make the piece feel better to us (look at my reflection!), so the effort is worthwhile. The mere possibility of another success supplies ample motivation. When life leaves us feeling out of control, applying our skills with a wrench restores a sense of order and agency. Between crises, every completed project builds our identities as effective problem-solvers, bolstering our confidence in facing challenges elsewhere. Travelers say, “It’s the journey, not the destination.” For motorcyclists, this applies not only to the trip, but the vehicle itself. Intense involvement is the heart of enthusiasm. The investments made—not in terms of money, time, or effort, but of emotional energy—make customization deeply personal. Being an enthusiast means having a highly charged relationship with the objects of one’s enthusiasm. This invariably requires a finely tuned interface between human and gear, whether we’re talking about baseball player and glove, photographer and camera, or musician and instrument. It’s certainly no less true of motorcyclists and their bikes. The boundary between person and thing must dissolve for the two to become one, for the magic to happen. Whose life can’t use a little more magic? April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

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SHINY

SIDE

The perfect motorcycle By Ron Davis #111820 I THINK I’VE OWNED

almost 20 different bikes, usually just one at a time. There was nothing really wrong with any of those motorcycles that made me want to sell or trade them in for something different, but my inherited compulsion to try “the next thing” is just too strong, stronger than the hassles of advertising, haggling, paperwork, taxes, etc. On the other hand, none of those bikes was perfect. As I plod toward that time when I contemplate what may be my last motorcycle, I have to wonder, “What would be a perfect bike?” Well, first of all, the perfect bike would obviously have to be red. Not “Brandywine,” “Persian Rose” or Cranberry

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

Sunrise”—just plain old fire engine red. Red is passion, red is energy, red is danger, red is the color of fast. Also, red was the color of my very first motorcycle jacket. I know black has always been a pretty popular color for a bike, and though black is badass for sure, it gives a brooding, sinister look that’s just not me. Weight would then be a fundamental consideration for a perfect bike. It should be heavy enough to hold its own on the interstate and in fierce crosswinds, but like a Great Lakes freighter that sheds its ballast to take on more cargo, the perfect bike would have the capacity to drop a couple hundred pounds as it rolls into the garage. A card-carrying member of the BBOA (Bad Back Owners of America), I hate heaving a big bike around in the garage to make room for all the other ephemera I’ve

accumulated. I can’t count how many reviews I’ve read of two-wheeled behemoths that approach the weight of a Mini Cooper where the writer meekly says something like, “Once underway, the bike becomes very maneuverable.” Related to weight considerations, there’d be no worries over picking up the penultimate two-wheeler when it was shiny side down. I’m envisioning hydraulic arms that would extend from either side of a dumped bike to jack it up to vertical. The arms would then retract and disappear, preserving the rider’s image of rugged self-reliance. Height would be another consideration for a perfect bike. Enough clearance to clear baby-head rocks would be required, but the bike would stoop to Harley saddle heights for mounting/dismounting or stopping at lights. I suppose you could even wiggle the air suspension switch at stop lights just to see the wide-eyed expression of astonished cagers as you pogo up and down. The perfect motor bike would also be the pinnacle of safety. In addition to 360-degree air bag protection, the motorcycle would automatically deploy four small rockets from its undercarriage to leapfrog the bike over zombie drivers mindlessly turning left in front of me. This feature could also include a “Hover Mode,” handy when drivers coming from the left on roundabouts can’t seem to comprehend the meaning of “yield.” Hover mode would also deploy when sensors detected a danger of being rear-ended by a driver eating, texting, checking their GPS, talking on the phone, lighting a cigarette, etc.

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Deer and other varmints could be temporarily frozen at the roadside with a perfect bike’s SSR (Super Stun Ray). And dogs giving chase would be turned away with a blast of chaff consisting of smelly sausages, chicken bones and three-day-old walleye guts. Is your best “battered baby seal look” not garnering its usual allure from innocent bystanders? Totally frivolous, but still probably a popular option for a perfect motorcycle would be a facial cloaking device. With it, the riders could shed their usual humdrum visage and transform it to that of George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson or any other stunning Hollywood icon (selectable on the TFT display of course). Tires with unlimited mileage, bottomless gas tanks, spa-massage saddles, adaptive cruise control, indefinitely robust oil and brake fluid, and heads-up displays would all be options for the ideal road steed, but then again, one has to ask, is “perfect” really what we’re after? Isn’t accepting the exposure to the elements, the physical discomforts, the self-induced solitude, and the inexorable demand to “live in the moment” what separates us from those pitiable beings on four wheels? Couple that with the exclusive opportunities motorcycling offers for adventure, independence, camaraderie and a singular sensation akin to flying, and well, as 30 Rock’s Tina Fey once wrote, “Perfect is overrated.”

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You CAN take it with you! By Joe Billing #200404 RIDING IN A FOREIGN LAND IS LIKE

nothing else, especially on the bike you know and love. There are many motorcycle rental companies available when traveling, and most offer newer bikes which gives you an opportunity to try something different; however, when I rented a Husqvarna Terra 650 while in Ecuador, everything was fine right up until the clutch cable broke on the Amazonia Highway, miles from anywhere on a holiday weekend. Also, say you don’t want to ride in a loop where you would have to bring the rental back to where you got it. How does a true Point A to Point B ride sound? The cost of renting a newer bike or shipping your own bike breaks even at about two weeks. If you have a vacation shorter than that, I recommend that you rent. But if you can get away for three weeks, the money you’ll save will pay for a piece of your airfare.

com/cargo is where you go to look at the list of available destinations. The flight list will tell you the aircraft type, and you will need a 767, 777, 787, A330 or A340 to ship your bike as those are the jets with enough headroom in the belly to just strap your bike on a pallet and send it. If you don’t live near Canada, check flight schedules into a major city near you to see if Air Canada flies there with their large jets. The Air Canada cargo reps are full of information, and you’ll need to reserve a spot as early as you can. It is important that your bike is clean when shipping because an agriculture

The Process

First, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) all play by the same hazardous materials book. However, the Canadians are a little more relaxed and allow one quarter tank of gas. You will be required to disconnect the battery if you have an anti-theft system so the motion sensor doesn’t drain your battery. If you have a really tall windshield or other obstacles, I suggest unbolting them and wrapping them with bubble wrap and cardboard with your name prominently displayed in case they get separated. My F 800 GS Adventure windshield straddles the seat perfectly. Additionally, riders are allowed to place items including tools, riding gear, boots and spare parts in their panniers when shipping, just no personal stuff like clothing Living in Seattle, I use Air Canada because I can trailer my bike to the Vancouver Airport in just a few hours. Visiting Air Canada’s website at Canada.

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

Securing the bike for shipping.

inspector in your destination country can send your bike back to where it came from if it’s dirty. This is a bit comical as riding across borders, your bike can be filthy without any worries. If you want to ride in Europe, you can buy Green Card insurance online for the countries you want to ride in, and you’ll need proof of insurance before the shipper will accept the bike. Check also that your health insurance will cover you. Europe is a good place to start your international riding as English is commonly spoken and their infrastructure is plentiful with fuel and hotels available

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everywhere. Plus, the food and water won’t make you sick. So, you’ve made your reservation, and you’re heading to the airport cargo area. Take your passport, driver’s license (including your International Drivers License sold by AAA) along with your bike title, registration and insurance card for both your home and your destination. The cargo rep will fill out the Bill of Lading, HazMat paperwork, and Shipper’s Declaration and give you copies. Don’t lose them! Next, they’ll ask you to bring your bike in to be weighed and inspected, and a security guard will poke through the panniers, looking for illegal stuff. Once that is done, inspection stickers are stuck over your pannier lids, and with the ignition key zip-tied to the handlebars, you are almost done. I trust the Vancouver cargo guys to strap down my bike because a lot of them are riders. In Athens, Greece, I stayed with the crew doing the strapping until I was satisfied. Most cargo guys know this bike is your baby and will handle it well. That’s it! Now go home, grab your helmet in a helmet bag and a small duffle bag of clothes (remember all your bags

need to fit on the bike) and head for the airport to meet your bike in a far away, exotic place. Be sure to get the address of the cargo location where your bike will be delivered as there’s nothing more embarrassing than having to search for your ride when in a strange country. The flight home will follow almost the same procedure with the exception that you’ll need to supply your own HazMat paperwork which you can find online before leaving home. Take those documents, along with your personal information and the rough weight of your bike. Print at least three color copies of these documents and store them in a Ziplock freezer bag for safe keeping as you travel. It is really not difficult to ship your bike, and it’s really cool to have pictures of your bike in a foreign land. I have a blog on ADVrider that offers a little more detail about this entire process. I have now shipped my F 800 GS Adventure seven times to five continents. Every time I’ve done this it’s been just a little bit different, but the basics have always been the same. To read my blog, visit advrider.com/f/ threads/travels-with-goodenough.974271/.

www.alaskaleather.com April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

JACK

RIEPE

When technology sparks the evolution of social change at MOA Rallies By Jack Riepe #116117 THE FUTURE OF

motorcycle history was forever changed in a high Bavarian meadow outside the town of Steinwurst in the summer of 1869. A rural agrarian community committed to the elevation of swine as “Black Forest ham,” pigs were king in Steinwurst, and the guttural German language became a softer collection of cajoling chortles and squeals in the town square, as farmers addressed their favorite pigs in sonnets and snippets of song. The mist hung low in the field that day, muffling the sound of two gigantic, opposing pistons slamming away at each other with unbridled fury. The hog reeves, resplendent in their ceremonial uniforms, exchanged smiles at this familiar mechanical growl. The “Baron” was rolling through the countryside again, astride his gleaming two-wheeled Teutonic terror known as “Thor’s Double Chin of Destiny.” Nothing could have prepared them for the vision that boiled out of the fog, spewing sparks and erupting clouds of steam. Not two wheels, but three! Shaped like a huge artillery shell, an ancillary vehicle—with its own tire—was bolted to the frame of the throbbing, 6-ton,18-horsepower monster. In one fell swoop, Baron Otto Von Sidecar had introduced the first—and most significant—motorcycle accessory in history. The vehicle bears his name long after the man himself has passed into oblivion. The design similarity of the first sidecar to a huge artillery shell was no coincidence. A “Fat Fritz” shell casing, destined to surprise the people of Paris during the opening days of the Franco-Prussian War, rolled off a railway carriage as it jolted

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

through Steinwurst. The primitive aerodynamics of the shell casing impressed the Baron, who was obsessed with two things: a) increasing the payload of his “UbeR-Cycle and b) breaking the 18 mile per hour speed barrier, which would allow him to race canal boats. Baron Von Sidecar took careful measurements of the average-sized passenger he meant to carry, increased those dimensions by 30 percent, and cut an entry portal into the top of the casing. He equipped the inside with an elaborate upholstered bench seat and a complex system of speaking and listening tubes before lining the whole thing with tooled leather. The shell casing was then mounted on a three-point frame, supported by a single locomotive wheel. While the appearance of the first “sidecar” was astonishing enough, no less so was the vehicle’s first passenger, a 400-pound pig, sitting upright and wearing goggles and a silk scarf. This was Matilda, the Baron’s favored prize-winning sow, who he was loath to travel without. On the very day the sidecar was introduced, so was the world’s first moto support animal. Matilda accompanied the baron on hundreds of rides, sometimes wearing a wig and cheap perfume (in addition to the goggles and silk scarf), especially on trips that took them through Berlin and Munich. On one occasion, the Baron was observed applying lipstick to the pig, an expression that now signifies a futile gesture. The sidecar was an acquired taste from the beginning. It altered the turning geometry of the bike, caused riders to develop mighty right arms (from holding the machine in a straight line), and dramatically increased coal consumption.

Custom built and extremely expensive, sidecars were popular with German nobility who felt the need to travel in close proximity with prized livestock, and then conversely with the counter-nobility as industrialization took hold, providing cheap transportation for circus acts and small merchandise distribution outlets. Ice cream, hot dogs and bogus patent medicines are still widely sold at BMW rallies from vendors using sidecars. The sidecar became an instant hit on the silver screen. Mack Sennett’s Keystone Cops regularly fell out of one. The Three Stooges had one. Groucho Marx, as Rufus T. Firefly, attempted to ride in one piloted by brother Harpo. Franz Liepkind, the crazy Kraut in the cinema cult classic The Producers, arrives at the opening night for “Springtime for Hitler,” on a bike with a sidecar. One hundred and fifty-two years after the Baron’s invention, sidecar construction has become a specialty industry, representing $14 billion in annual sales. Clever hack builders appeal to the innermost desires of riders to design and construct sidecars that fall into four categories: a) retro b) utterly futuristic c) dystopian and d) racing. Retro sidecars faithfully combine the aerodynamic lines of 1930s zeppelins with artillery shell visuals or with the flying spaceship appeal of old amusement park rides. They usually sport a windscreen, plus a plush faux-leather seat with a compartment for luggage or additional gear. Some include a headlight and a megaphone (so the passenger’s screams can be heard by the rider). Futuristic sidecars are generally low slung, enclosed, air-conditioned or heated, and equipped with intercoms and sound systems, and they feature fully adjustable custom seats, interior lighting and

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champagne coolers or minibars. They often sport dynamic road lighting and a trunk for designer boots. The dystopian sidecar is made specially for BMW GS bikes, giving an austere impression it will last through the zombie apocalypse. Angular in appearance and sporting hardened mounting points for gas cans, water jugs, rockets, game skinning racks, flame throwers, specialty tools (come-alongs, pontoon bridges, and industrial-grade water purifiers), this type of sidecar is the bad boy of the hack community. Racing sidecars are barebones platforms equipped with grab rails, enabling the passenger (known as the “monkey”) to clamber around changing the unit’s center of gravity to match the terrain, the turns and the jumps of the racecourse. They have no creature comforts. Attempts to train real monkeys to ride these vehicles faded in the 1950s, as the best breed for the application—capuchin monkeys—would throw their excrement at passing vehicles, then at their own rider for letting the competition get ahead in the first place. I saw my first “retro” sidecar at the MOA’s International Rally in Burlington, Vermont, back in 2006. It was a detailed copy of a hack originally made by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. The sole occupant was a dog, named after a famous brand of Scots whisky: “Twhgqfbpdsrz.” This means “No Vowels” in Highland Gaelic, which like most everything else in Scotland was “borrowed from the Irish in the dead of midnight.” Sidecars at rallies have become a familiar sight once again. The most common tug for a “hack” rig these days is the venerable BMW R bike, as its basic design is built to withstand the anchor-like drag of conversation with the rider.

JACK

RIEPE

I got my first up close and personal inspection of a legendary R bike and matching sidecar rig at the Georgia Mountain Rally, when legendary rider Erika Medie let me straddle her fire-engine red Iron Maiden. Medie piloted the Iron Maiden the full length of the Haul Road, piercing the Arctic Circle. She did this in the company of her grandfather, who rode an R bike of his own, attached to yet another sidecar. This gentleman is known as Oompah, which means grandfather when spoken by a tuba. Oompah was fascinated by two classic German designs—the zeppelin and the U-boat—and he incorporated a little of both when building Medie’s sidecar. Medie has the world’s only sidecar incorporating lighter than air, yet fully submersible technology. She has no problem rocketing this thing around at 80 miles per hour. I was surprised at the massive size of this machine and the real estate it covers standing still. This was my first and only time straddling an R bike, and the feeling I experienced—like wearing a prom dress at deer camp (according to some published accounts)—was a little strange. Looking down at the engine room, I discovered that one cylinder (the jug) is slightly more advanced in its mounting than the other. “What the hell is that all about?” I asked Erika. “It has to be that way… They can’t be even to connect properly at the crankshaft,” she replied, rolling her eyes as if one of us was an idiot. “So let me get this straight,” I said. “Wherever you go, the right half of this engine arrives before the left…Is that correct?” Her eyes narrowed to slits and began to

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

glow red. This is never a good sign, and I backed off, content to have made my point. In addition to her Arctic Circle run, Erika Media dazzled the crowd at the MOA Rally in Lebanon, Tennessee, when her sidecar arrived three days earlier than she did on her smoldering R bike. The crowd cheered, but never more so than when she popped up the umbrella and started selling hot dogs right off the sidecar’s grill.

As the popularity of the sidecar has skyrocketed, so too has the reintroduction of support animals. Dogs were the natural choice at first, but many R bike riders routinely show up with sheep, llamas, ostriches and pygmy hippos. Many hack riders remember the grocery shortages initially caused by the ongoing covid ordeal and raise their own livestock in their sidecars. Ben Ertle, of Fallen Arches, Iowa, raises chickens for meat in his sidecar and has three pullets in his top case as a source of fresh eggs. He’s part of a growing sidecar cooperative that runs an outdoor market,

often trading organic moto-farm products for parts and services. Ertle recently traded a fresh fryer for the left half of a pair of electric socks. “This was a good deal for me,” said Ertle, laughing, “as my left foot is the one that always gets cold.” He can also use the sock as an incubator to wake up one or two of the eggs. One of the lesser known uses for a sidecar has developed among an elite corps of GS riders. Their hack rigs sustain pond habitats for the rare Spotted Homing Turtle. On the second night of a rally, a dozen of these riders assemble in the moonlight and release the turtles, which they then attempt to race home the next day. A whiff of scandal suggests that some of these riders have blindfolded their turtles to gain a slight advantage. I did encounter a rare combination of an all-powerful K bike mated to a low slung, futuristic sidecar that oozed sensuality. “What do you raise in your sidecar?” I asked. The rider, who looked like a human bullet encased in ballistic gear, was in the process of smiling at a passing woman, who was smiling back. “Body heat,” he replied. This column was made possible though the wisdom of the MOA and the generosity of my three sponsors: BestRest Products (CyclePump & EZAir Tire Gauge), Diamond Gusset Jeans™/Defender Jeans™, and The Kermit Chair Company®. These sponsors fund this column, my speaking presentations and the majority of my FaceBook posts. Buy from these folks with impunity. I have been using their products for years. See you at the next MOA rally in Montana. Feel free to contact Jack by email at jack.riepe@gmail.com regarding the content of this column or anything else.

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SARGENT

BIKER

Just slow down! By James Carlisle #196730

The story you are about to read is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. The events are retold to provide lessons we may all use to become more professional riders ourselves. WE HEAR IT ALL THE TIME, AND IT

seems so simple. But when asked what I could have done to prevent the accident, I replied, “Just slow down.” Well, that is not really how I said it. I was a bit more profane, but you get the idea. Tuesday, I got off work a little bit early, and I was heading home to surprise my wife. On Global Reach, there wasn’t much traffic except for two, slow-moving trucks in front of me in the left hand lane. The road is straight as an arrow and wide, so I shot around them in the right lane at about 70 miles per hour. Suddenly, I hit a bump that caused the suspension to bottom, and my bike immediately began to wobble violently as I high-sided and was thrown from the bike. Hitting the pavement, the first thing through my head was…well, I better not print that here as my proclivity for profanity may be problematic in telling my story. I rolled and slid and bounced and then rolled and slid some more. Looking back, I know I did a lot of things right. I was wearing real motorcycle gloves, a real motorcycle jacket, and actually had my helmet appropriately fastened. Yeah. I sometimes ride without securing it. I don’t know why, but I do. My gear took the brunt of the abuse with my jacket, helmet, and gloves all destroyed. I got some terrible road rash, but it would have been so much worse without the gear. When I get another bike, I promise myself I’ll get good protective gear and will wear it even in the summertime. I will also always fasten my

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

helmet. I wasn’t stunt riding. I save that for parking lots and controlled environments anyway. But I have seen guys pulling wheelies on roads like this. Had I been doing a wheelie when I hit that bump, the outcome may have been way different. Reexaming my crash, I know I did some stuff wrong, too. Like I said, I was going too fast and know that if I had been at or just slightly over the speed limit, I wouldn’t have even noticed that bump. A few miles per hour over that, and I would have noticed the bump, but I wouldn’t have used up all my suspension travel and caused the speed wobble. I just need to slow down. On top of those things, passing on the right is a big no-no, and in this case, it was even more significant because the bump I hit only exists in the right lane. Finally, I know I should not be passing on the right.

What else? I want to learn to ride better. I am a great rider (at least I think so, don’t we all), but everyone can be better. I will take one of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s advanced classes, like the Circuit Rider Rider Course, once I get my new bike. Or maybe I will attend the Rider’s Workshop and practice the art of riding smooth (www.RidersWorkshop.com) over in Floyd, Virginia. Have you heard about the Paul B. Scholarship? It awards grants of up to $250 for rider education and training? With that kind of support, I could take an advanced skills class every year. I want to get other riders to ride better, too. I will tell my story to others. I will comment on lousy riding. Maybe someone else will not have to learn the way I did. Slow down. Ride safe. See you out there.

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

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James Carlisle

in this issue

BMW MOA OFFICERS Wes Fitzer, President 918-773-7178; wes.fitzer@bmwmoa.org Reece Mullins, Vice President 334-470-7770; reece.mullins@bmwmoa.org Stan Herman, Treasurer (719) 250-4358; stan.herman@bmwmoa.org Sue Rihn, Secretary (262) 424-2617; sue.rihn@bmwmoa.org BMW MOA DIRECTORS Brian Dutcher (402) 289-7182; brian.dutcher@bmwmoa.org Jon Kurtz (859) 338-9801; jon.kurtz@bmwmoa.org Kelly Moore (859) 536-8638; kelly.moore@bmwmoa.org Doug Peters (478) 747-4718; doug.peters@bmwmoa.org Michiael “Roc” Shannon (812) 322-1378; roc.shannon@bmwmoa.org

FOUNDATION OUR MISSION The BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Foundation is dedicated to supporting motorcycling and its rich heritage for BMW MOA members and the motorcycling public by funding programs that advance rider safety, education and training. BMW MOA FOUNDATION HEADQUARTERS 2350 Hwy. 101 South Greer, SC 29651 (864) 438-0962 BMW MOA FOUNDATION OFFICERS Tom Gary, President tgary@bmwmoaf.org Randy Logan, Vice President rlogan@bmwmoaf.org

BMW MOA STAFF Ted Moyer, Executive Director tedm@bmwmoa.org Bill Wiegand, Managing Editor bill@bmwmoa.org Karin Halker, Art Director karin@bmwmoa.org Wes Fleming, Digital Media Editor wes@bmwmoa.org Ray Tubbs, Digital Marketing Manager ray@bmwmoa.org Tonya McMeans, Membership Services tonya@bmwmoa.org Tori Ricci, Membership Services tori@bmwmoa.org Lesa Howard, Membership Services lesa@bmwmoa.org

Pam Werstler, Secretary pwerstler@bmwmoaf.org Dan Finazzo, Treasurer dfinazzo@bmwmoaf.org BMW MOA FOUNDATION DIRECTORS David Dunn david.dunn@bmwmoaf.org Keith Foster kfoster@bmwmoaf.org Ken Hall khall@bmwmoaf.org Walton Rogers walton.rogers@bmwmoaf.org

CONTRIBUTORS Cover Courtesy BMW Motorrad Table of Contents Mark Hawkins #190235 Roy Shaw #198896 Big Picture Mark Janda #198513 Postcards from the Road Jari Honkanen #134726 Kathy Strain #223351 Mike LoGalbo #155063 John Grutsching #191187 Josef Woodall #216871 Steven A. Burr #222621 Eric Bell #110164 Member Tested Steven M. Green #198919 April Ersten #200401 Bill Shaw #70903 News Wes Fleming #87301 Tech Matthew Parkhouse #13272 Wes Fleming #87301 Features Eric Bell #110164 Ken Frick #199204 Doug McBride #6642 Skills Wes Fleming #87301 Ted Moyer #100360 Jon Del Vecchio #208163 Lifestyle Mark Barnes, PhD #222400 Ron Davis #111820 Joe Billing #200404 Jack Riepe #116117 James Carlisle #196730 Talelight David Hrenchir #121136

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

April Ersten

Doug McBride

IBMW MOA KEY VOLUNTEERS HIGH MILEAGE COORDINATORS Allison Gifford and Johnathan Gifford allison.gifford@bmwmoa.org johnathan.gifford@bmwmoa.org MILEAGE CONTEST COORDINATOR Jim Low (608)347-5910; lowjim09@gmail.com AMBASSADOR LIAISON Jason Olson bmwjiggs@gmail.com CONSUMER LIAISON John Gamel john.gamel@bmwmoa.org FORUM LIAISON Kurt Schrader Forum Administrator - Gary Nelson Forum Moderators - Steve Henson, Lee Fulton, Voni Glaves, Don Eilenberger 2021 BMW MOA RALLY CHAIRS Corey and Becky Smith rallychairs@bmwmoa.org

Jon Del Vecchio

REGIONAL COORDINATORS Charles L. Buchanan IV - Virginia (920) 574-0170; charles.buchanan@bmwmoa.org Joe Burns - Pennsylvania (814) 229-0896; joe.burns@bmwmoa.org Adam Chandler - New Hampshire (415) 894-0857; adam.chandler@bmwmoa.org Carlos Dao - Florida (561) 927-6730; carlos.dao@bmwmoa.org Joe Dawson - Arizona (480) 721-4412; joe.dawson@bmwmoa.org Ken Decroo - California (909) 961-7762; ken.decroo@bmwmoa.org Brian Dutcher - Arizona (402) 289-7182; brian.dutcher@bmwmoa.org Jean Excel - Colorado (719) 650-6215; jean.excel@bmwmoa.org Frank Florio - New York (518) 369-8339; frank.florio@bmwmoa.org Karolina Francis - British Columbia, Canada (604) 657-7351; karolina.francis@bmwmoa.org Johnathan Gifford - Oklahoma (484) 919-7277; jgifford@bmwmoa.org

Jean Excel

Don Loudermilk - Georgia (404) 787-2969; don.loudermilk@bmwmoa.org Ben Lower - Georgia (469) 831-1021; ben.lower@bmwmoa.org Bruce McKelvy - Pennsylvania (215) 872-4605; bruce.mckelvy@bmwmoa.org Pete Mikolaitis - Indiana (401) 924-2526; pete.mikolaitis@bmwmoa.org Thomas Moe - Montana (916) 919-6770; tom.moe@bmwmoa.org Gordy Olson - California (916) 642-2221; gordy.olson@bmwmoa.org Mike Secor - Texas (214) 557-4577; mike.secor@bmwmoa.org Gary Shuman - Massachusettes (617) 513-2053; gary.shuman@bmwmoa.org Phil Stalboerger - Minnesota (612) 616-2445; phil.stalboerger@bmwmoa.org Phil Stearns - Ohio (937) 470-1851; phil.stearns@bmwmoa.org Thomas Van Horn - Wisconsin (608) 695-6784; tomvanhorn@bmwmoa.org Bryan Whitehead - Illinois (312) 804-2293; bryan.whitehead@bmwmoa.org Steven M. Green

WHEN

AND

WHERE

UPCOMING EVENTS may 15 - 16, 2021

may 27 - 31, 2021

NEW SWEDEN 450

2021 BMW CLUB OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 49ER RALLY

LOCATION: Cherry Hills, NJ CONTACT: Ron Cesaretti rcesaretti@comcast.net

We are back for our seventh year! 450 miles of great back roads linked together in the tri-state area. The ride will take place over the course of 2 days, traversing some of the best roads in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. We provide doughnuts and coffee during registration, free camping, a great dinner on Saturday night, prizes, a 50/50 drawing, hearty breakfast on Sunday morning, and a finisher’s patch. Route sheets will be provided at the starting location, directions will clearly indicate mileage, turns, and gas/eating spots. *GPS uploads available (Donations accepted). This is not a group ride or a parade and participants can elect to ride in groups, with friends, or solo. You decide your own pace. The ride starts at Cycle-Gear in Cherry-Hill, NJ, and ends at PJ Whelihan’s. Sign-In between 8:30-10 am Saturday, May 15 at Cycle-Gear located at 2070 Rt. 70 (East) Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 and PJ Whelihan’s is located at 1854, Rt. 70 (East) Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 Register up to the day of the event for $65 (Credit cards accepted). More information and updates can be found at the New Sweden 450.

“Year after year the New Sweden 450 consistently whips up a magical elixir of good people, great destinations, camping, and outstanding routes. Just when I think I know all the roads they drop another piece of pavement that surprises and delights. The only bad thing is that it happens just once a year!”

— Brian Rathjen, Backroads Magazine

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

LOCATION: Mariposa, CA CONTACT: Greg Hutchinson ghutchin@pacbell.net

Do you ride a BMW or have a friend who does? Then consider having fun with around 500 of other riders this Memorial Day weekend by joining us at the 2021 BMW Club of Northern California 49er Rally in Mariposa, CA. This event has been going on for the 49 years with only 2 interruptions…and it just keeps getting better. Enjoy the gathering while you enroll in Men’s or Women’s GS Clinics, learn from multiple seminars, participate in both street and English Trials events, enjoy great food and beverages, watch the younger riders ride an obstacle course on 49cc minibikes, win prizes for multiple categories of riding, win money on the poker run, enjoy riding the Sierra passes and Yosemite, or just sit back and relax at Airhead Central or at the well-stocked Bier Garden. Be active, learn, and watch the fun. In 2019 we added a Woman’s Only GS Clinic to great reviews and it’s back again and the Men’s GS Clinic has moved up a couple notches - both taught by teams of certified professional trainers. A program full of speakers/ presentations this year will take you over the highest Himalayan pass in the world while another shows the thrill of adventure riding across Australia or what 3 weeks is like riding the European Alps, or learn about accident scene management. Learn the history of some of BMW’s models and how design decisions were made from Tom Cutter, one of the original BMW Service Training Instructors. RKA will present the latest in electronics for the bike. Seminars from the GS Clinic instructors from Black Swan and learn your legal options after an accident from Russ Brown. And learn how to cook a 4 star meal from what you have packed in your saddlebag. Saturday dinner this year was designed by a fantastic 4 star catering chef and the daily food options will give you great choices. Grab one of the Day Ride Maps and head over 3 or 4 8500’+ Sierras Passes, spend a day in Yosemite if you leave early before the other tourists arrive, or visit the great vineyards in the Sierra foothills. Bring your 49cc bikes and participate in some fun field events. Or just have fun riding. Enjoy the Poker Run through the scenic Sierra foothills with a chance for great prizes for the best hands.

The GS Giants is always a spectator favorite just like the English Trials while the Field Events test your slow speed skills. A variety of raffle prizes are drawn every 2 hours over the weekend and winning the 50/50 raffle just might pay for your entire trip Enjoy Airhead Central hosted with Tom Cutter, Saturday evening woman’s wine gathering, your favorite wine or beer at the Bier Garden, shop the multiple vendors, sell or buy stuff at the flea market, sample multiple food choices, enjoy the late night movies, and register for awards for solo and 2 up long distance, oldest and youngest male and female riders. For more information and registration go to WWW. BMWNORCAL.ORG around the first week of January when registration goes live.

“It would be difficult to find a better location for an MOA Rally than the 36 acre Mariposa County Fairgrounds. The race track (and infield) is the only flat area around. The treed, rolling hills above are where the barns and camping areas are situated. It’s not hard to find soft grass in which to pitch your tent. Those who fear the occasional rains are allowed to camp in the animal stalls. There are several 5000 sq. ft. buildings astride the fairground’s ‘Main Street” for presentations and dinners. Vendors are always present. The exciting ‘English’ Trials, a key attraction of the rally, takes place both on the infield and in the hills. The town of Mariposa is only a mile or 2 away, and features lots of hotels, restaurants, several pubs, 2 hardware stores, gas stations and all the usual amenities. The locals are friendly and welcoming. Then of course, there’s the history of the Gold Country, with it’s many well-preserved towns and historic sites, and the incredible Sierra Passes, the closest one being only 35 miles away in Yosemite Park. The roads in the area are motorcycling heaven, and not crowded during the Memorial Day Weekend. It’s actually harder to come up with reason’s not to attend the 49’r Rally than to attend, which is why I’ve been going since 1986.” — B. Jan #8355

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

WHEN

Email your event information to editor@bmwmoa.org

AND WHERE

April

MAY

1 4 /16/2021 – 4/17/2021 PREMIER TRAINING AT BMW PERFORMANCE CENTER

5 5 /1/2021 – 5/2/2021 RESCHEDULED 2 021 MOTORCYCLE FLEA MARKET AND MOTOEXPO

LOCATION: Greer, SC CONTACT: Ray

LOCATION: Pecatonica, IL CONTACT: Earve Brauer 815-962-8911 or

Tybbs (864) 438-0962 ray@bmwmoa. org

Steve Frank 815-761-0048

2 4 /23/2021 – 4/24/2021 RIDING INTO HISTORY

9 5 /14/2021 – 5/16/2021 2021 DOWNEAST RALLY LOCATION: Phippsburg, ME CONTACT: Cedric Harkins

207-415-5907 rally@bmwrsm.org

10 5 /14/2021 – 5/16/2021 NATURAL STATE CAMPOUT

LOCATION: Morrilton, AR CONTACT: Joe Barber 501-250-3170

6 5 /7/2021 – 5/9/2021 MOA GETAWAY AT COEUR D’ALENE

LOCATION: St. Augustine, FL CONTACT: Bill Peterson (904) 827-7379

jimmyjoe@windstream.net

LOCATION: Coeur d’Alene, ID CONTACT: BMW MOA (864) 438-0962

info@ridingintohistory.org

3 4 /23/2021 – 4/25/2021 MOA GETAWAY AT FONTANA

11 5 /15/2021 – 5/16/2021 NEW SWEDEN 450

LOCATION: Cherry Hills, NJ CONTACT: Ron Cesaretti

7 5 /14/2021 – 5/16/2021 MOA GETAWAY AT LOS OSOS

LOCATION: Fontana, NC CONTACT: BMW MOA (864) 438-0962

rcesaretti@comcast.net

LOCATION: Los Osos, CA CONTACT: BMW MOA (864) 438-0962

4 4 /29/2021 – 5/2/2021 BMW’S TAME THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON

8 5 /14/2021 – 5/16/2021 GREAT RIVER ROAD RALLY (GR3) LOCATION: Soldier’s Grove, WI CONTACT: Richard Olson

LOCATION: Robbinsville, NC CONTACT: Gary Culbertson

12 5 /21/2021 – 5/23/2021 MOA GETAWAY AT DILLARD

LOCATION: Dillard, GA CONTACT: BMW MOA (864) 438-0962

13 5 /21/2021 – 5/23/2021 MOA GETAWAY AT SANTA FE

bmwrichard2000@yahoo.com

garyculb18@gmail.com (803) 773-6361

LOCATION: Santa Fe, NM CONTACT: BMW MOA (864) 438-0962

30 21

6 19 9 26

35 8 42

28 5

20 36

27 25

39 43

32 18 22 37

1 15 23 29 34 44 46

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

24 40 11 17

Map courtesy of

RIDE ALL DAY

14 5 /27/2021 – 5/31/2021 2021 BMW CLUB OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 49ER RALLY

SMILE ALL THE WAY

LOCATION: Mariposa, CA CONTACT: Greg Hutchinson

ghutchin@pacbell.net

15 5 /28/2021 – 5/29/2021 PREMIER TRAINING AT BMW PERFORMANCE CENTER

LOCATION: Greer, SC CONTACT: Ray Tubbs (864) 438-0962

ray@bmwmoa.org

Best Motorcycle Seats

16 5 /28/2021 – 5/30/2021 CHARTER OAK RALLY

LOCATION: Eastford, CT CONTACT: Chris Jennings

BillMayer-Saddles.com 805-644-7216

www.motobins.co.uk

(203) 368-9281 nostnkncmptr@live.com

june

Introducing the WunderLINQ

17 6 /4/2021 – 6/6/2021 46TH SQUARE ROUTE RALLY

LOCATION: Sabillasville, MD CONTACT: Ed Pfister (301) 366-3866

vp@bmwbmw.org

18 6 /5/2021 GERMAN CARS, MOTORCYCLES AND COFFEE! LOCATION: Nashville, TN CONTACT: Bavarian Bierhaus

Handlebar control of your phone Motorcycle performance and fault data USB power port

blackboxembedded.com

19 6 /24/2021 – 6/27/2021 BMW MOA INTERNATIONAL RALLY LOCATION: Great Falls, MT CONTACT: Becky & Corey Smith

rallychairs@bmwmoa.org

juLY

20 7 /15/2021 – 7/18/2021 49th ANNUAL TOP 0’ THE ROCKIES RALLY LOCATION: Paonia, CO CONTACT: Ronnie Martinez

(303) 229-8229 ronniealfonzomartinez@ yahoo.com

21 7 /15/2021 – 7/18/2021 CASCADE COUNTRY RENDEZVOUS

LOCATION: Cashmere, WA CONTACT: Dan Muir

rallymaster@wsbmwr.org

www.beemershop.com

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

WHEN

AND

WHERE

22 7 /24/2021 GERMAN CARS, MOTORCYCLES AND COFFEE! LOCATION: Nashville, TN CONTACT: Bavarian Bierhaus

23 7 /30/2021 – 7/31/2021 PREMIER TRAINING AT BMW PERFORMANCE CENTER

LOCATION: Greer, SC CONTACT: Ray Tubbs (864) 438-0962

ray@bmwmoa.org

24 7 /30/2021 – 8/1/2021 MOA GETAWAY AT SKYTOP

LOCATION: Skytop, PA CONTACT: BMW MOA (864) 438-0962

august

25 8 /7/2021 21ST ANNUAL 100,000 FOOT RIDE LOCATION: Centennial CO CONTACT: Phillip Glynn (720) 550-2304

bmwk1200rs@live.com

26 8 /19/2021 – 08/21/2021 23RD ANNUAL BEARTOOTH BEEMERS RENDEZVOUS LOCATION: Red Lodge, MT CONTACT: Charlie Greear (208)

661-5639 registrar@beartoothbeemers.org

27 8 /20/2021 – 8/22/2021 MOA GETAWAY AT COPPER MOUNTAIN

LOCATION: Copper Mountain, CO CONTACT: BMW MOA (864) 438-0962

28 8 /20/2021 – 8/22/2021 MOA GETAWAY AT GUELPH

LOCATION: Guelph, Ontario CONTACT: BMW MOA (864) 438-0962

SEPTEMBER

29 9 /3/2021 – 9/4/2021 PREMIER TRAINING AT BMW PERFORMANCE CENTER

LOCATION: Greer, SC CONTACT: Ray Tubbs (864) 438-0962

ray@bmwmoa.org

30 9 /3/2021 – 9/5/2021 MOA GETAWAY AT SUN PEAKS

LOCATION: Sun Peaks, British Columbia CONTACT: BMW MOA (864) 438-0962

31 9 /8/2021 – 9/12/2021 8TH ANNUAL WAILIN WAYNE WEEKEND LOCATION: Nelsonville, OH CONTACT: Chad Warner

info@wailinwayneweekend.com

32 9 /10/2021 – 9/12/2021 MOA GETAWAY AT PINE MOUNTAIN LOCATION: Pineville, KY CONTACT: BMW MOA (864) 438-0962

33 9 /10/2021 – 9/12/2021 MOA GETAWAY AT CEDAR CITY

LOCATION: Cedar City, UT CONTACT: BMW MOA (864) 438-0962

34 9 /16/2021 – 9/17/2021 PREMIER TRAINING AT BMW PERFORMANCE CENTER

LOCATION: Greer, SC CONTACT: Ray Tubbs (864) 438-0962

ray@bmwmoa.org

35 9 /17/2021 – 9/19/2021 MOA GETAWAY AT SUGARBUSH

LOCATION: Warren, VT CONTACT: BMW MOA (864) 438-0962

36 9 /17/2021 – 9/19/2021 17TH THUNDER MOUNTAIN RENDEZVOUS

LOCATION: Hotchkiss, CO CONTACT: Bill Maurer 970-261-0356

aesurvey@aol.com

37 9 /18/2021 GERMAN CARS, MOTORCYCLES AND COFFEE! LOCATION: Nashville, TN CONTACT: Bavarian Bierhaus

38 9 /23/2021 – 9/26/2021 1ST ANNUAL LAUREL HIGHLANDS WEEKEND - SPONSORED BY THE BMW MOA LOCATION: Somerset, PA CONTACT: Jason Kaplitz gsjay@kaplitz.

com

39 9 /24/2021 – 9/26/2021 35TH ANNUAL HOOSIER BEEMER RALLY

LOCATION: North Vernon, IN CONTACT: Andy Fountain k12lts@gmail.

com

40 9 /24/2021 – 9/26/2021 39th ANNUAL LAST CHANCE RALLY

LOCATION: Buena, NJ CONTACT: Peter Lisko Jr. 856-589-7015

pjliskojr@gmail.com

41 9 /25/2021 ANNUAL HAMBURGER COOKOUT LOCATION: Cooper, TX CONTACT: Douglas Davis

dpdavis1@verizon.net

OCTOBER

42 1 0/1/2021 – 10/3/2021 MOA GETAWAY AT TOMAH

LOCATION: Tomah, WI CONTACT: BMW MOA (864) 438-0962

43 1 0/8/2021 – 10/10/2021 FALLING LEAF RALLY

LOCATION: Steelville, MO CONTACT: rally-coordinator@gateway-

riders.com

44 1 0/14/2021 – 10/15/2021 PREMIER TRAINING AT BMW PERFORMANCE CENTER

LOCATION: Greer, SC CONTACT: Ray Tubbs (864) 438-0962

ray@bmwmoa.org

45 1 0/22/2021 – 10/24/2021 MOA GETAWAY AT KERRVILLE

LOCATION: Kerrville, TX CONTACT: BMW MOA (864) 438-0962

NOVEMBER

46 1 1/12/2021 – 11/13/2021 PREMIER TRAINING AT BMW PERFORMANCE CENTER

LOCATION: Greer, SC CONTACT: Ray Tubbs (864) 438-0962

ray@bmwmoa.org

For complete details on any event listed, please visit bmwmoa.org and click on the Rallies & Events tab 92

BMW OWNERS NEWS | April 2021

2021 CHARTER OAK RALLY May 28 – 30, 2021

Sponsored by Connecticut River Valley BMW Riders, Inc.

750 REASONS TO JOIN THE MOA In the market for a new BMW motorcycle? BMW MOA members are now included in the BMW Motorrad Appreciation Program that gives members up to $750 off the purchase of a new BMW motorcycle. You must be a member for a year to qualify, so don’t wait any longer to join! Membership options start at just $39 per year and include a saddlebag full of benefits including the new motorcycle purchase discount.

Get started today by joining online at bmwmoa.org or call (864) 438-0962.

Whether it’s tech, industry or just for fun, Chasing the Horizon

digs into the topics that matter to all riders. chasingthehorizon.us

The 31st Charter Oak Rally will be held May 28 - 30, 2021 at Crystal Pond Park in Eastford CT. (Located on Crystal Pond off Weeks Rd). • The Camp has a nice dining hall, a large open field to camp or wooded area to pitch a tent. • Rally fee includes continuous coffee, Friday night chili (until gone) and Saturday night meal. • On Saturday and Sunday mornings there will be a continental style breakfast. • Door prizes are included.

For questions, e-mail rally@crvbmw.org or call Chris at 203-368-9281. Register online at www.crvbmw.org

46th Annual BMWBMW Square Route Rally June 4-6, 2021 YMCA Camp West-Mar, Sabillasville, MD 21780

Camping in grassy field or optional bunkhouses •

Chili Friday & BBQ dinner Sat • Lite Fare Sat & Sun Morning • Beer on-site • Game & Movie Room • Guided and Self-Guided Rides • Campfire • Endless Tall Tales • Tech Help (GS-911) • Door Prizes • Visit the Gettysburg & Antietam Battlefields • Catoctin Mountain • Covered Bridge Tour • Preregister to save money & reserve bunkhouse https://bwmbmw.org/srr

Brought to you by BMW Motorcycle Owners of America

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

Never ride alone With Platinum Roadside Assistance and Tire Protection added to your BMW MOA membership, you’ll never ride alone again. BMW MOA’s 24/7 Platinum Roadside Assistance gets you to a repair facility fast and will even replace a punctured tire for free! All that for only $109 a year, which includes the cost of your MOA membership. Join online at bmwmoa.org or convert your current BMW MOA membership by calling 864-438-0962. BMW MOA Platinum Roadside and Tire Protection, available exclusively for BMW MOA members.

ADVERTISING

BMW OWNERS NEWS STAFF Bill Wiegand, Managing Editor bill@bmwmoa.org Karin Halker, Art Director karin@bmwmoa.org Wes Fleming, Digital Media Editor wes@bmwmoa.org Ron Davis, Associate Editor ron.davis@bmwmoa.org Jose Abiles, Associate Editor iridertp@gmail.com Chris Hughes, Director of Advertising chris@bmwmoa.org 509-921-2713 (p) 509-921-2713 (f ) 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. 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.

JOINING AND RENEWING Membership in the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America is open to all riders, regardless of brand affiliation. Although we are united by the BMW marque, adventure-minded motorcyclists will find a home here.

INDEX

Admore Lighting....................................49 Adriatic Moto Tours...............................47 Adventure New Zealand Tours.........71 AeroFlow...................................................42 Aflac...............................................................5 Alaska Leather.........................................79 Backcountry Discovery Routes.........65 BeadRider..................................................39 Beemer Boneyard..................................75 BeemerShop............................................91 Best Rest Products/Cycle Pump.......49 Best Western Inn of the Ozarks.........35 Bill Mayer Saddles..................................91 Bing Agency.............................................69 Black Box Embedded............................91 Bobs BMW............................................... IBC Bohn Armor..............................................41 Boxer Works Service..............................69 Capital Cycle............................................42 Cardo Systems.........................................33 Charter Oak Rally...................................93 Colorado Tourbike Rentals.................69 Continental Tire......................................43 Corbin Pacific...........................................85 Cyclenutz...................................................79 DMC Sidecars...........................................75 Edelweiss Bike Travel............................73 EPM Hyper Pro.................................47, 81 Euro Moto Electrics...............................47 Gateway Adventure School...............35 Geza Gear..................................................69 Giant Loop................................................49 Helmet Sun Blocker...............................42 HEX ezCAN...............................................35

Ilium Works...............................................71 IMTBike Tours..........................................69 Kermit Chair Company.........................39 LD Comfort...............................................42 MachineartMoto....................................69 Michelin Tire................................................1 MOA Platinum Roadside Assist........94 Morton’s BMW.........................................85 Moto Bike Jack........................................75 Moto Bins..................................................91 Motonation..............................................BC Motorcycle Relief Project....................83 Mountain Master Truck Equip....39, 79 Overseas Speedometer.......................81 Parabellum...............................................35 Peter Lattman Real Estate...................77 Progressive Insurance..........................29 Redverz......................................................49 Re-Psycle BMW Parts............................47 Rider Magazine........................................81 Roadrunner Magazine..........................77 Ron Davis - Shiny Side Up...................81 Russel Cycle Products...........................71 Sargent Cycle Products........................39 Square Root Rally...................................93 Stop ‘n Go..................................................71 Touratech.................................................IFC Twisted Throttle......................................83 Visit Billings Montana...........................28 Visit Great Falls........................................23 Weiser Technik...........................................9 Wilbers USA.......................................41, 69 Ztechnik.....................................................37

Join today by visiting bmwmoa.org or call one of our friendly membership associates at 864-438-0962. Primary Annual memberships are available in one year, two year or monthly options. Additional membership options include Primary Membership with Basic 25/100 Roadside Assistance, Primary Membership with Platinum Roadside Assistance, Digital Membership with Basic 25/100 Roadside Assistance, Digital Membership with Platinum Roadside Assistance. We also offer Roadside Assistance without an MOA Membership. For a complete listing of membership options, please visit bmwmoa.org or call 864-438-0962. Change of address notification and membership inquiries should be made by calling the BMW MOA office or via email at: membership@bmwmoa.org. BMW MOA membership is $49/year and includes the BMW Owners News, which is not available separately. Canadian members add $16 for postal surcharge.

BMW ON (ISSN:1080-5729) (USPS: 735-590) (BMW Owners News) is published monthly by BMW Motorcycle Owners of America Inc., 2350 Hwy 101 South, Greer, SC 29651. 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. sBMW MOA does not perform independent research on submitted articles or advertising. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO BMW ON, 2350 Hwy 101 South, Greer, SC 29651 © 2020 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 51, Number 4

April 2021 | BMW OWNERS NEWS

TAILIGHT

My Beautiful GS In Plant City, Florida, even Marilyn can appreciate a thing of beauty. Photo by David Hrenchir #121136.

BMW OWNERS NEWS | March 2021

bobsbmw.com

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WAT E R P R O O F T E X T I L E J AC K E T

Phantom $129

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APRIL 2021

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BMW OWNERS NEWS – A PUBLICATION OF THE BMW MOTORCYCLE OWNERS OF AMERICA

Pursang $179

APRIL 2021 BMW OWNERS NEWS www.bmwmoa.org