Is it possible to take nine brand new R1200GS riders that have never been off-road and turn them into expert off-road riders in one weekend? The answer with the BMW Off-Road Academy is a resounding “YES”.
I had the opportunity to take nine of our clients to the BMW Off-Road Academy on Dec 4-7. On Saturday morning these nine riders had never been off-road on their R1200GS's. By Sunday evening they were ready to ride in extreme conditions such as these.
The training involves two days of intensive training beginning with the fundamentals of balance, muscle memory, and clutch and throttle control. By Sunday evening the trainees are accomplishing off-camber turns in both directions, high speed whoops, long hill ascents and descents, sand washes, and trails with logs, rocks and other obstacles. It is truly “wow” inspiring what these bikes can ride through with trained riders. Your GS has the ability to continually amaze you.
On Monday morning (you remember the Monday- the wet one, the one with the most rain we've had in one day in the last several years...yea, that Monday)...
...a group of us headed out from Castaic to Trona for a 400 mile GS dual-sport ride. After riding two hours in the rain on I-5, Hwy 138 and The Aqueduct Rd we made it to the Mojave Desert near Burro Schmidt's Tunnel for the best part of the day. Riding in the snow. We were slightly concerned about flash floods and riding in the snow, but we all made it safe and sound. And yes, coming down the snow is the only time we had our outriggers (feet) down. The rest of the time we were out of the saddle on the pegs as we learned in the class.
Everyone in the class had a great time and learned valuable riding skills they will have for the rest of their lives. The training and curriculum is coupled with world class trainers and coaches. These guys, under the leadership Jim Hyde, pour their heart and soul into developing novice riders into well prepared and trained GS Adventure riders.
And the food...let me tell you about the food- we ate like kings and queens. The menu included honey glazed salmon, garlic Parmesan chicken, caramel apple cheesecake bars with streusel topping, plus much more.
I've had the opportunity to attend the BMW Off-Road Academy at RawHyde Adventures twice- once in July when it was 115 degrees and this time when it ranged from 27-47 degrees. I'm determined to get up there one of these times when the temperature is realistic. But as we all agreed the temperature and conditions are part of the “Adventure”.
One more thing...just because you know how to sell BMW GS's, it doesn't necessarily mean you know how to ride them.
Uh...I was trying to climb the hill, not come down it.
Thanks to all the San Diego BMW Motorcycle customers that trusted me to take them on a great adventure. I can't wait to do it again.
Gary, Trevor, Brian, Darren, Peter outside Burro Schmidt's Tunnel
San Diego group (Pepe, Chantel, Siggi, Franz) plus others
Hey Everyone and welcome to another exciting update to the San Diego BMW Motorcycles blog. Today we welcome the newest addition to the team here at SDBMWMC. Just in time for the winter weather and the holiday rush. Obviously, the shop has been undergoing some changes as of recent (not to mention yours truly pulling a Bret Favre at the end of November) and one of the most notable of those changes is this newest member of our family. Obviously, there is a "probationary" period involved in which we evaluate performance and efficiency of the new additions but I'm fairly confident things will work out. I mean, the position only requires performing one real task any given day! So, ladies and gentlemen, without further adieu, I give you: The San Diego BMW Motorcycles Christmas Tree! Sorry about the poor photo, the freaking new guy got in the way.
Hey Everyone and welcome to another Thursday Trade In of the Week segment here on the San Diego BMW Motorcycles blog. I apologize, we haven't run this feature in a few weeks but frankly we haven't had any epic trade in's. UNTIL NOW! You're looking, staring, lusting after, a 100% original VERY FAIR CONDITION 1982 Suzuki GS1100. You're wondering: "Where did you guys find this beauty?" The answer: The guitarist from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, The tall guy from Miami Vice and the talking car from Knight Rider traded it to us for a SDBMWMC coffee mug straight across! Their loss = your gain!
But it does not end there. This gem comes loaded with chrome mufflers and shock springs, current registration, newer tires (burnout approved by Gary Orr in the parking lot last night) and swoopy (yes that's a word) handlebars. We're even throwing in the rattle can the previous trio of owners used to custom paint the old girl.
The first $1240.00 takes this "vintage" "rare" "collectible" and of course "RAD" motorcycle home! Call 858-560-2453 ext 1 and ask for MARK POHLSON if you have any questions on this bike or just want to take a test ride.
Whether you can handle the aesthetics of it or not "Hi-Viz" or "fluorescent" gear is the new black. BMW Motorrad introduced it's new Airshell hi-viz jacket earlier this year with phenomenal results. Safety, comfort and all season usefulness all contributed to overwhelming success of this US-market-only garment. The United States leads the world in left turn collisions involving motorcyclists. That is, MANY motorcycle-on-vehicle collisions involve a vehicle turning left in front of a motorcyclist or a motorcyclist making a left turn and being hit by another vehicle. An overwhelming majority of these accidents were attributed to motorists not seeing the motorcyclist. The reasoning behind the new hi-viz trend obviously...increased visibility. You'll recall headlight modulators, moto-lights, reflective sticker kits for your luggage, HID headlight conversions and Run-n-Light turn signal conversions ALL shared this same purpose and all were highly successful here in the United States...increased visibility of the motorcycle. Well now that same principal is being applied to the rider and wile I don't have hard numbers as to the effectiveness of the new flashy gear I think we can all agree on the "every little bit counts" philosophy when it comes to accident avoidance.
So weather it's BMW's Airshell four season jacket, Scorpions Commander 3/4 length dual sport style jacket, an EXO900 modular hi-viz helmet, ICON Mil-Spec backpack or vest be sure to come on by the shop and check out your options.
Sorry about the blurry picture. The "click" of the camera startled Alan from his dream-like state. Today's update is the Top Ten Things Sales Guys Do When It's Raining Outside:
#10 Walk in, say your "good mornings" and try to reach the end of the internet. #9 Try for the 224th time to convince Sean that Martha Stewart could beat up Hillary Clinton. #8 Build a post-it house on your desk and simulate rain using a Camel Bak(tm). #8 Harass the parts department employees who actually have something to do when it's raining. #7 Two words: Spider Solitaire. #6 Find 'The one that got away' on Facebook and send a creepy message. #5 Yes Alan I got my wisdom teeth pulled last month. No Alan, I don't have any more vicodin. #4 Tell Sean about the Texas Holdem app you downloaded for your iphone and what a great poker face you have when people cannot actually see you. #3 Pick up random part and ask Sean what it is and what bike it fits. Get offended when Sean tells you it's a "put it the hell down." #2 Revisit the 1980's in the form of "Your Mama jokes" And the number one thing Sales guys do when it's raining outside.... #1 Shop poll: Who's hotter, Derek Jeter or Tony Romo?
Hey Everyone and welcome to another very exciting update to the San Diego BMW Motorcycles Blog. Today's post comes in the form of an update on the go-fast bike that Rob Danner and Dan Soltero are in the process of dialing in for a Bonneville speed run. Since we last checked in on our dynamic duo a few mods have been made primarily to the frame:
-The overall length of the bike has been increased 18 inches. Most of this achieved by cutting off the headtube and welding in intermediate tubes from the lower and upper main frame members. These new extensions also allow for a longer rake of the front forks. This increased rake should result in increased stability at speed....Ironic because Harley Davidson motorcycles tend to have big rake numbers but at speed are about as stable as Whitney Houston after a Las Vegas coke bender.
-The fuel tank has been removed and replaced with a flat fuel cell mounted between the parallel upper frame tubes. The cell had to be manufactured completely from hand which by my tally puts the man hours invested at 44 JUST for this piece. Also regarding the fuel cell Dan and Rob realized that the fueling problems experienced on the base run were NOT due to the filter getting clogged by Rob's ebay tank but rather, the petcocks were far too small for the amount of fuel required to keep the mildly built 1000cc opposed twin running at peak RPM. That said, the taps have been replaced with 6mm bore units. 6mm taps are similar to paying 2 gremlins to stand on each cylinder while pouring half gallon jugs of fuel directly into the carbs. When it comes to the land speed bike San Diego BMW Motorcycles is NOT going green this year.
-The OEM /7 seat (a term I'm using VERY loosely here) has been replaced with a slighty less comfortable 4" X 5" piece of rolled aluminum. Not to worry, they've de-burred the edges that way the "pucker factor" doesn't result in any ill placed lacerations. TMI anyone?
-Lastly, though I'm sure I'm probably missing a few mods, Rob and Dan have completely removed the SOSPACS (Sense Of Self Preservation And Common Sense) system from the motorcycle. This modification in and of itself should be worth 6-7mph through the traps.
Hey Everyone and welcome to another exciting update to The San Diego BMW Motorcycles blog. Today's update is my personal account of an AMA sanctioned dual sport ride we took part in over the weekend: The "LA to B to V" or Los Angeles to Barstow to Vegas.
I joined local HP2 hero Gary Kepple and his family for Thanksgiving dinner Thursday afternoon. After stuffing ourselves thoroughly make fun of also present Rich Amiton to not participating in the ride we loaded our bikes and headed north...destination Lancaster for the official Friday morning start. On the way up the turnsignal shorted out on my G650X Challenge and took the fuse for the instrument cluster with it. I typically use my GPS as a speedo on the 650 so I didn't realize the lack of display until about 100 miles into the journey the bike sputtered and quit running. As I was frantically trying to pull to the shoulder I noticed that the gas light was not illuminated. Once stopped a quick glance at the gauge cluster informed me that I had lost the fuse, therefore had no idiot light for low fuel, therefore I had run out of gas. Luckily Kepple is good about checking his mirrors and realizing that I had dropped off pulled off the highway, got around the guardrail and back to me. This next part we're getting really good at: We were only the length of the offramp and about 1 mile down the road from a gas station. Without a word Kepple maneuvered his bike behind and to the left of mine, put his right foot against my bike's muffler, a little gas and a little clutch work, smooth shift into second gear and we were off. Down the ramp, a right turn and the aforementioned mile down the road to the gas station. Gassed up, put on the rest of our cold weather gear for the trip up Cajon pass and we were on our way again. The rest of the trip to the starting line was uneventful. Our friend Tudor met up with us at the Holiday Inn later that evening after dropping his truck off in Victorville.
Friday morning 0600 hours. We tech out bikes, load our roll charts, load our GPS's with the provided tracks and hit the trail. Day one was 250 miles for the hard route and took us out of Lancaster via some jeep trails. We rode this two track for roughly 30 miles before getting dropped into a bit of a sand wash and a graded road the took us all the way to first fuel at 80 miles. The sand wash portion was probably more work for the 5 guys on HP2's than it was for Tudor Thomas and myself on our G650's. Loamy, dry, sediment sand rather than the traditional white stuff. The wash gave way to a graded road that ran along the old water culvert. High speed for the most part with the occasional panic brake due to random wash-outs, chicanes and a set of poorly marked railroad tracks.
After fueling we were back on the trail east bound. Whoops. Lots and lots of sand whoops. Again, Tudor and I were thankful to be on the skinny bikes while Gary Kepple, Gary Orr, Mike O'keefe, Del Christianson and Roger Eggers had to gut it out on the big HP2 Enduro's. Funny thing is all five of those guys got in front of and gapped us through most of this section. Upon arriving in Ridgecrest for lunch Kepple spotted an Albertsons with a sandwich deli. Kepple, Tudor and myself quickly parked our bikes, stripped off our gear and ran for the ordering counter. Despite a bit of heartbreak over Kepple NOT being able to order a Subway "Veggie Delight" from the grocer's deli we were all very satisfied with the grub. Sitting out front of the store swapping stories about the previous 4 hours with our mouth's half full of tri tip sandwich's. "Another crummy day on motorcycles with friends." as Kepple always puts it. Then Gary Orr and Mike O'keefe pulled up. Gary's bike looking pretty thrashed. Apparently he had gotten off at pretty good speed about an hour earlier. The headlight on his HP2 was bent down, some rash on the cylinder protectors and the game ender: no front brake reservoir left to speak of. Gary's LA-B-to-V was over.
And then there were six. Another unknown rider confirmed that Del and Roger were still on the trail so Mike, Kepple, Tudor and I mounted back up for the final half of Day one's ride. The only real news from the rest of day one was a cool rocky climb with a dry creek bad and more sediment sand involved. Also noteworthy Roger had a fancy aftermarket for cartridge on his HP2 snap and lost all fluid dampening in his front end. This ended his day and he headed back to the truck where his CRF450X was waiting to take him through day two. Tudor, Kepple, O'keefe and I arrived in Barstow just before dark. Mission accomplished as none of us wanted to be on the trail after the sun was gone.
Day two 0600 hours. Gary Orr called to inform us the Mike O'keefe was in no shape to ride the second day. Roger had not planned to ride day two after a wad up on his Husaberg a couple weeks earlier. So then there were four. Tudor and I were late to the starting point as always and Kepple and Del had already taken off. No worries we checked out and hit the trail at about 0630 cold and a bit sore from the previous day's riding. Day two was 290 miles on the hard routes and we knew we'd have to keep moving to reach Red Rock Canyon in the daylight. Neither Tudor or I had ever ridden through the famed canyon that completes day two's mileage but we'd been told enough times that we did NOT want to be navigating it after dark.
This second day was more of the same. Sand / sediment mix, lots of whoops and a bit of graded road. Just before Sandy Valley we ran into some light hail and rain but nothing to get worked up about. Tudor and I came to an intersection with pavement and decided to take the asphalt to Sandy Valley Elemantary rather than continue along the graded (we were feeling tires and a bit Nancy-esque). Quick fuel splash and lunch at the elementary school and we were back on the trail toward Red Rock Canyon. From Sandy Valley to Red Rock was LOTS of actual sand...the white slightly moist kind....THE BEST KIND. I absolutely LOVE riding in smooth whooped out sand where the emphasis is on smooth-is-fast and quick-is-slow. Tudor was having a blast as well despite having a bit of a yard sale at about halfway through the wash. Finally after about an hour we hit the asphalt again. About 15 miles of road riding (yes this is a TRUE dual sport ride) to the mouth of Red Rock. We were one section of navigating away from the finish line.
I took the lead and quickly checked out on Tudor who was taking time to setup his helmet camera and let the dust settle. Along the way I passed a few guys on DRZ's that had stopped to take pictures of the scenic red rocks and the setting son. Red Rock Canyon is mostly a mildly technical jeep trail with a few creek wash outs thrown in for good measure. A few miles later I happened on a guy who's KTM was all but upside down venting fuel at a rather alarming rate. I side-stand the G650 and helped him right his horse before continuing on. Once I had crested the highest point, the trail wound back down the mountain in a series of off camber 180 degree turns. Saw a few hikers and mountain bikers who's evenings were seemed to be ruining with our traffic and dust but I didn't care. Lastly, just as my GPS clipped off mile 281 of that second day, I exited the trail into the parking area at the bottom and waited for Tudor. He was only a few minutes behind and seemed to have enjoyed himself.
In closing...the LA-B to V is still the premier dual sport ride in the west. Though not as technical as years last the added distance certainly made up for any exhaustion we were missing. Hope to see more of you out there next year and as always: Thanks for reading.
It's funny how the motorcycling world fits together. In December 2005 Kit and I were touring Tazmania, the island below Australia, with our friends Lin and Prue when we encountered this gal on her way back over to mainland Australia to sell the R100RT she was riding. Her name was Margaret Peart a.k.a. Beemerbird and she told us she was planning a trip to the states and I said look us up when you pass through. Sure enough Margaret has stayed with us 4 times how on her travels in the Americas.
Her website is Riding to Extremes http://www.ridingtoextremes.com/ and there are some upcoming updates on her travels the length of North and South America. Most recently she was a finisher in the storied Iron Butt, the big one, the real deal. Kit and I so enjoy Margaret's company. Any woman who not only rides by herself, but from the extemes of the world, has an interesting outlook. She makes us not only want to explore the world more ourselves, but just as importantly guests on the road really make you appreciate the home cooked meals and normally mundane household routines, like going to Costco or tending the garden.
Margaret and her mighty Iron Butt R1200GS are on thier way back to Australia next week to prepare for her next extreme adventure, the top of Norway to the tip of South Africa. And coincidentally we might get hooked up next year in Europe as Kit and I plan on a late June early July European trip agian with our Australian friends Lin and Prue finishing up at the BMW Rally in Garmisch.
All packed and ready for transport home to Australia her GS has quite a load, in fact it has a mailbox so it may even have it's own ZIP code. As John Hermann says, 'till we meet again in the Alps.
Hey everyone and welcome to another exciting San Diego BMW Motorcycles blog update. Today's post is a recap of an event that Rob Danner and I took part in over the weekend. Saturday morning to be exact. A friend of a friend had put together a benefit for Toys For Tots. The objective: Run two miles as fast as you can. Eat one dozen Krispy Kreme glaze donuts. Then run another two miles to the finish line. The following is this participants account of that mornings activities:
-7:15am. Rob and I are stretching in preparation for the start. Carefully eyeing the competition, making mental notes of waist lines. A taller gentleman to my left looks like he might be a problem. He's wearing a $200 pair of Puma running shoes and looks hungry...real hungry. We're gonna need to get out to a big lead early in the run because I can tell by the look in this mans eyes he can crush the 12 donuts NO problem.
-7:30 am. The starter says "Go" and the run is on. I start out at a pretty good clip which settles me comfortably in 7th place. Rob is a few runners back. I'm running faster than my marathon pace and feeling more winded because of it. It's been 4 loooong years since Sergeant DeAngelis was running 3 mile PFT's for time and score....It shows. Last night's 3 Dewers on the rocks and that cigar are flashing through my mind. Nonetheless I clip off 6th and 5th place runners by the close of the first mile. The first 3 participants are long gone....ultra runners: can't beat em, can't join em (that means you Bill Siebold).
-7:14am. I cross the halfway line and make my way over to the "Consumption Station" (huge table stacked with Krispy Kreme donut boxes). I recall Tedd and Rob, while talking me into this idiotic event, explaining how light and airy KK's donuts are and that "One Krispy Kreme donut is like eating glazed air." As I'm handed my box with a big number "8" markered on the lid I realize that no....this box of 12 donuts feels every bit as heavy as any other box of 12 donuts I've ever carried. As I slip open the lid I'm confronted with 12 average sized donuts COVERED in glaze. I have NEVER seen this much glaze on donuts. These little suckers must be 400 calories a piece! Hey, it's for charity right? Aggravated, I sit down on the ground with 2 cups of water, remove the first donut from my box and begin.
The first bite is poison. The preceding two mile sprint has dropped my blood sugar level. Now, as though giving my metabolism the adventure salute, I'm taking a bite of this hellish pastry. My face contorts into that familiar "I just did a double shot of grocery store tequila" shape and I frantically reach for the water. The H2O chaser helps slightly. Hey, it's for charity right? About this time Rob sits down next to me with his box of Mc Yucky, opens it and:
Rob: "Dude....that's a lot of glazing" Me: "Yeah, I see that. Light n airy. Jerk" Rob: "No really, I worked at a Krispy Kreme back in high school...we didn't make em like this" Me: "Really? Probably a health issue. You're still a jerk." Rob: "How many have you eaten?" Me: "THIS, my friend" holding up the remaining half donut "is my first one. You actually think you can eat 12 of these crap cakes?" Rob: "Gotta bro...or get DQ'd"
Rob picks up one of his Mc Yuckys and jams the entire thing in his mouth. The other hand reaches for the water and in one smooth motion he chases the donut with a water shooter. He lets out a grunt, clears his throat and goes in for a second donut. His wife, Melanie makes her way over with another cup of water. I'm calling him an idiot between dry-heaves, still eyeing what remains of my first donut.
Another minute passes and now the runners are coming in rapid like. Each one grabbing his or her box of Krappy Kreme and going to work. I'm staring down number 3 with contempt. Suddenly a cheer erupts from the crowd and I see the lead guy (Tracy) dash off. HE'S FINISHED! Tracy runs 100 mile ultra marathons in the mountains, is probably 45 years old and SOMEHOW just powered down 12 of these god awful things. And NOW, as if that all wasn't enough, he's in a dead sprint down the course.
Rob lets out another grunt and to my horror as I turn back his direction I see that he only has 3 of his hell-bagels left. My temper flares. I reach down, grab my water, shove the remainder of my 2nd donut in my face, chew, swallow, chase.
Rob: "There you go Sean. Give em hell." Me: "I'm about to hit you. These are the nastiest things I've ever eaten." Rob: "They're not that bad. Just don't focus on the taste." Me: "Rob, we've know each other a long time..but really, I'm gonna hit you if you say another word about these donuts." Rob: "Does 'This is my last one' count as talking about the donuts?"
AHHH! I stand up, grab my box of fried, glazed yuck and head for the trash can toss it in and walk straight over to the scoring table. I let the man with the clipboard know that I'm disqualified fall in pace next to Rob as he sets off on the second 2 mile loop.
Rob: "Dude. I feel bad....like...really bad." Me: "Really, that's surprising, it was only 12 light and airy, delicious, heavily glazed Krispy Kreme donuts. Rob: "DON'T talk about them." he burps "Oh god...they're fighting me." Me: "Easy Rob...go easy man."
I feel like I'm talking down a hostage situation now. Me versus Rob's gigantic stomach. I look back and can see other runners departing the consumption station. They look like hungover high schoolers doing the panic exodus from some unsuspecting parents home the morning after a kegger. Somehow, Rob is managing a pretty good pace despite the gluttony. We continue the remainder of the run and upon finishing Rob is declared 7th place.
In retrospect, all the toys we collected (the entry fee was one new, unwrapped toy and $7 to cover the dirty dozen) went to Toys for Tots San Diego chapter so I can't be completely bummed. But in the future I'm gonna recommend Keith substitute taco's or egg nog or hard boiled eggs or ANYTHING but those double original glazed Krispy Kreme roundies.
Congratulations to Henri Warren Sr. on his 300,000 miles plaque and badge from BMW Motorrad USA. I was feelin' pretty good about 100,000 miles myself, but I'll have to up my annual pace to catch Henri. Couldn't happen to a nicer fella', a real gentleman. Catch up to Henri on his 75th birthday present to himself, an R1200R.
Hey Everyone and welcome to this weeks "Trade In of the Week" segment here on the SDBMWMC blog. Today's bike is a 2003 Moto Guzzi V11 Sport. If you've never heard one of these engines run it's worth the trip down here just to turn the key and wrap the throttle open a few times. Sort of a cross between that 340 Cuda your neighbor had growing up and a dry clutch desmo. Whatever the description of the operational audio the visual is all Italian Hooligan at it's absolute finest.
Guzzi annodized all the aluminum frame members on these bikes which adds a nice touch to the otherwise raw rigid members. The paint is a maroon that I can assure you has NEVER graced the fairings to another motorcycle. There is a carbon fiber front clip which I'm not typically a fan of but in this RARE instance it was done correctly. Just enough of the gray-n-black weave to set off the cafe style headlight (round, chrome...the way it should be). The clip-ons are swept back also in keeping with the cafe ergo's but not so much as to give you that Triumph feel.
Come on by the shop this weekend (swap meet Saturday!) and have a look, listen or even ride this beauty. Thanks for reading as always. -Sean DeAngelis
Race bike. Race bike. Race bike. Gary's race bike looks a whole lot cooler as of this morning. Combine the new aesthetics with a few....um....penny mods he had done to engine and we've got a serious contender here. The pictures really don't do the bike justice so you probably should just come on down here and see it in person. Coffee is fresh and there are still a few donuts left! Unfortunately I'm told the manikin is the only one allowed to sit on it. Well....the actual verbiage was "SEAN! You, you specifically, are not allowed to sit on it."
Hey Everyone and welcome to another San Diego BMW Motorcycles blog update. Today's post comes in the form of a HUGE congratulations to our sales manager Mike Lynch for getting his 100,000 mile award from BMW Motorrad. Mike put 92,000 of those miles on old Zelda The Green Hornet (R1100RT), the remainder of them on his 2008 R1200RT. Here is Mike accepting his accolade from the bossman: It would appear the while 100,000 miles might make you a rather savvy motorcycle rider it does NOT guarantee a savvy sense of dress. Hey Mike, the 1980's are on the phone and want that shirt back.
So when you stop by the shop this weekend (You are stopping by the shop this weekend...Aren't you?) be sure to congratulate big Mike in his technicolor dreamcoat for hitting the "ton" mark.
Hey Everyone and welcome to another Thursday edition of Thursday's Trade In of the Week. This weeks ripper is a mint condition 2003 Ducati ST4S. The ST4S is Ducati's distance friendly version their popular and stunningly beautiful 4 valve per cylinder 996. The bike marked a new level of performance to be expected out of a day to day sport-tourer and commuter. It's 996cc V Twin, liquid cooled powerplant produces 117 horsepower and 72 foot pounds of torque. Motorcyclist online raves: "This ferocious, quick-revving motor is an adrenaline factory on fast, open roads, pulling with authority well into double-digit revs." Our trade comes loaded with:
10,365 Original Miles
Outstanding Condition
Ohlins Suspension
Factory Cases
All Available Carbon Fiber Trim Pieces
Italian Style and Thunder
For $7505.00 you can have one of the best all around sport and touring machines Ducati has ever produced. And while we can't say this bike is as much fun as say......a K1300GT...it's sure to put a smile on your face mile after mile for a few less dollars.
Rob and Dan set out earlier this year on an interesting senior thesis to complete their BA degrees in mechanical engineering. Take a bone stock R100RT and set a land speed record. You read that correctly. After much toil and essentially stripping every possible non-necessity piece off the old 2 valve boxer they set off last weekend for El Mirage dry lake bed for the base run. Essentially what they're trying to do is get raw data from the stripped bike, stretch the frame, built a streamliner body, heavily modify the engine and do another run. As it pertains to the thesis they'll need to document what modifications resulted in what gains / losses and why.
Save for spending a few nights over the last 6 months drinking beer in the garage while Rob and Dan worked I've done nothing in support of the operation. So it comes as no surprise that I had to be present for the fruits of the labor. Sunday morning after an interesting (to say the least) night of camping we packed up and headed for the lake bed. Rob and Dan already had the bike staged in the rookie lane and were first in line to run. Then the wind started. A steady 40mph crosswind that seemed to pick up every available grit of sand and lodge it comfortable between our incisors, eyelids, inner ear and um...
Finally, after 90 minutes delay the promoters deemed conditions fit for fast. The wind didn't seem to have died down in the least but the massive dust clouds we no longer sweeping across the track. Probably because there was no more loose sediment lest to be picked up and hurled into any available crack or crevice. In any case Rob suited up and began giving the bike the once over. It is at this point in the blog post that I'm going to illustrate a few important facts:
1. If you've got dreams of grandeur that Rob and Dan have built the next "Worlds Fastest Indian" you should probably close your browser window and go back to Law and Order. The R100 in question is about as mechanically sound as one of those Ralph Nader edition Corvairs. The "tech inspection" the bike was put through consisted of a salty looking 60 year old man in an "I'm with ugly" T-shirt asking Rob if he was "bored and rich" or "poor and stupid?" The "insider scoop" was one of the veterans (I assume he was a veteran because he didn't look a day under 80) asking me for a cigarette and mention something about not hitting any birds. Deadman kill switch: yarn tied from the zipper of Rob's leathers to the ignition coil wire.
2. The chase vehicle. 1977 Dodge Tradesman van with optional CB radio, 312,000 miles (didn't look a day over 400,000) and creepy 70's curtains on the side windows. All the character this classic holds doesn't stop Donny from dropping the hammer when the starter says "go" and blitzing a whoops section that runs parallel to the marked course with a trailer in tow. As soon as the 340lb sliding side door on this baby opens Steely Dan's Aja album starts playing from somewhere in the heavens.
The way the SCCA runs the event, every participating vehicle must have a chase vehicle, typically a pickup truck, that drives to the end of the speed trap and retrieves the bikes and cars that are actually participating in the races. In our case Donny Angel of Sonny Angel Motorcycle fame volunteered his van, time and experience at El Mirage. Rob fired up the bike, 6 of us piled in the van, Rob stabbed the R100 into gear, dropped the hammer, Donny did the same in the van and we were off.
First gear seemed relatively uneventful. The bike has almost no muffler to speak of so we were easily able to hear the missed shift into second. On his second try Rob got found the gear and grabbed a wristfull of throttle. His roost cloud started hitting the van windshield so Donny pointed the van off to the left. About the time Rob got 3rd gear he was quickly gapping the chase wagon off our starboard bow. As Rob shrank into the distance we could hear the boxer raising hell. A con-trail of dust rising from behind as bike and rider began to resemble a Bavarian asteroid streaking across the horizon. Seconds later, as Rob reached the 1.3 miles mark of the 2.6 mile course he disappeared from view. Donny continued along the parallel access road toward the catch area at the end of the lake. Not a word was spoken as we all listened intently to the CB for a speed announcement from the control tower. No announcement came and as we approached the end of the lake with no word on the run over the citizens band and no sign of Rob a nervous atmosphere formed among the Mopar's disco interior. Then, just as another chase vehicle pulled off the course and out of our view, there was Rob. Sitting atop the R100, a grin on his face, helmet resting on the gas tank, time ticket in his hand.
"Well? How fast?" the 6 of us inquired in unison. Rob's smile took on more of a wince. "68 miles an hour. The bike started breaking up REAL bad as I was entering the trap. By the time I got to the far end it was barley running." Everyone jumps to action and gets the bike on the trailer. We had set up a secondary camp at about the 1/2 way mark and had Donny drop Tedd and I off there to retrieve tools, another car and the timing light. Tedd began running through a list of possible causes as I drove back to the starting line. "It's gotta be fuel." he said. "I fired the bike up this morning on the trailer and the timing was good. It revved to the moon on the trailer without a problem. It's gotta be fuel." I slid the car to a stop in the parking area and we too off on foot for the starting line. Donny had Rob and Dan pulling air tubes and checking for blockage or a collapsed air filter. Todd set up the timing light, popped the plug and fired the bike. "Timing's spot on bro. Pull the fuel lines." Rob chimed in "Air filters fine and we can't run in this dust without a filter." Donny confirmed we'd need the air filter and checked that the fuel cap was venting. "Cap's fine kids." Dan pulled the fuel line off the carb on the right side and not a drop came out. Nada. Todd puled the left inline filter and open it. Upon finding it completely blocked he said: "Rob. Where did you get this tank? This filter is packed with sediment." The action stops and all eyes are on Rob... Rob lowers his head and mutters one word "Ebay."
All is still for a few seconds until the announcer chimes in "First call all bikes. This will be your final run as the winds are picking up again. First call all bikes." Another mad scramble ensues. Tedd tosses the screens from the fuel filter housings in the tool box and reassembles fuel lines. Rob and Josh are jamming the air tubes back into the airbox and carbs. Donny is hooking the ramp back on the trailer and pulling off the tie downs. Dan shoehorning himself into the leathers. Me, I found Rob's cooler and was pulling nervously at a Tecate.
Once the bike was off the trailer and Dan was suited up in the leathers Todd and I headed back to out mid-course secondary camp. We arrived to find the wives and girlfriends tuned into the CB waiting for Dan's number to be called. Todd filled the girls in on the repairs and how poorly the bike worked on Rob's run but that Dan was about to make a second and final run. Minutes later Dan's number was called and everyone turned toward the starting line. From where we were now standing we should see Dan pass by about 300 feet before the start of the speed trap. If the bike was going to start breaking up we'd definitely be able to hear it.
With a cloud of dust from the starting line we could see Dan make his launch. The Dodge in hot pursuit confirmed it was our guy. Poof. Another cloud marked a much cleaner shift into second than the previous run. Now the van was headed off the course in our direction toward the parallel road. A break in the wind gave an opportunity for us to hear the firsts sounds of the 1000cc boxer winding and churning it's way toward another shift. The third dust little dust cloud confirmed 3rd gear and now the con-trail was forming nicely. The engine spooling up was becoming more audible as the bike drew nearer to our point on the track. RPM's climbing, climbing, climbing.... Each millisecond creating more anticipation for the money shift into 4th gear. The gear that would carry Rob and Dan's Motorrad Rocket through the timed trap. Dan is almost directly in front of us right now and the engine is at it's full and terrifying roar. The Dyna ignition, fuel feed and slightly modified intake working together perfectly. Nay a spudder, only the smooth and precise audibles of the now pristine running boxer. As smooth as if it were electronically assisted and just as he passes in front of us Dan pops the transmission into 4th. The RPM's drop back into the meat of the powerband and in a final grunt toward the speed traps. Dan is folded up tighter than a Marine Barracks bed linen, his helmet nearly resting on the fuel tank. The dust rises furiously with every inch he streaks along forming a wedge into the sky with the R100 on the bleeding tip. Now as he slips into the speed trap the cloud begins to obscure him from view. Less than a second later the only sign that the bike is still powering along is the scream from the engine emitting from the megaphone exhaust.
Donny and Josh blaze past in the chase van.
5 minutes go by and no sign of our guys. 10 minutes still nothing. I find another Tecate. Finally after 15 minutes the van appears in the blowing dust, a smiling Donny seen through the windshield. Before they're even stopped the sliding door is open and Dan announces "96.77 miles an hour! Not a bad starting point considering the wind." "Well" Donny follows up "You didn't break the ton mark but I'd say it was a pretty respectable first time."
Stay tuned to the blog for updates on this little endeavor and as always thanks for reading. -Sean DeAngelis
Many of you are familiar with Zelda the Green Hornet, my previous 1999 R1100RT in Boston Green. I put 90,000 miles on her, most with Kit on the back, and in many way she's responsible for me getting the job here at San Diego BMW as riding experience is definitely a consideration here. Well Zelda sold to a mechanic at BMW of San Diego, the car place, because I had the gone through the check list of mechanical ills that afflict RT's, gearbox and clutch, ABS pump, service history and she was in pretty nice cosmetic shape for 90k even if I do say so myself. Here she is after her last big trip to Guadalajara.
Well Zelda II was traded in last week built 155 bikes after mine, same year, same bike but with only 22,007 miles and in outstanding condition, fresh major 24k/annual service, unmolested, that is bone stock. And it's not going for four times the price either with only 1/4 of the miles.
So come on over and snap her up and you too may be lucky enough to land the best job in the world after 6 or 7 years and 70,000 miles as I'm not gonna' be around forever, not that I'm not gonna' try and be around forever, it's just too much fun here.
"We got rear ended in a small town (loreto) right when you think your riding smart, trying to turn off to find a room beautiful spot on the Cortez side a day ride away from la Paz and the ferry to the mainland. And then things changed. Unbelievable!!! We're both ok, 18 hours of Mexican healthcare. 2 broken ribs, some stifffff necks, some road rash and a BRUISE to write home about. Oh and 700$ dollars.... Going to try to get the bike running after a day of rest. To be continued...."
Hey Everyone and welcome to a spontaneous addition to the SDBMWMC blog. This is Stan Lundeen failing in a big way. How NOT to operate a forklift. You see, a 7500lb forklift, with smooth urethane tires, doesn't exactly have a lot of off-road prowess. Matter or fact, it would appear that if so much as one wheel slips off the paved surface you get stuck, in Gary's flowers.
So now, as I type this, we've got 200 feet of tow straps and tie-downs wraped around every conceivable place on the forklift and at the other end, our pickup that has needed a new transmission for ....oh.....2 years. I think what Stan is going for here is 2 fails in one morning. High center forklift in Gary's beloved flowers - check. Grenade tranny in Gary's beloved shop truck - check. Or perhaps a "TRIFECTA of FAIL" if he's able to spring the forklift loose only to clean out the 3 demo bikes parked just off to the left in the last picture!
Hello Everyone and welcome to another exciting edition of our "Trade In of the Week" segment here on the SDBMWMC blog. Today's feature comes a day early because, quite frankly, this bike will probably be sold before the sun rises tomorrow morning. What you're seeing here is a MINT condition 2006 Harley V-Rod VRSCSE2 Screamin' Eagle!
Lets pretend for a moment the you were tired of turning heads wherever you ride. You have the polar opposite of "Look at me" syndrome. You crave stealth, a low profile, less-is-more. You want to depict that strong, silent type of motorcycle rider. Well then THIS is the flaming chicken for you! From the subtle "surface of the sun" yellow to orange paint scheme to the ninja-quiet 472lbs of chrome....whatever, this bike was designed to walk softly and carry a big tow strap. But it does not stop there. Owning a Harley Davidson means you own the very LATEST in 1970's technology, handling, ergonomics and design. That's right, look out Bultaco...there's a new king of motorcycle innovation and design prowess...and it's called the VRSCSE2.1-Alpha;YT2X(charlie) dot-dot-dash sierra victor!
This bike comes fully loaded with: -windscreen -a seat -4 turn signals -decorative rear shocks (Harley Davidson and it's affiliates make no claim the these shocks will dampen or in any way improve ride quality or control of the motorcycle. Hit bumps at your own risk. Always wear a helmet and approved safety gear.)
You all (or Y'all as Jenni and Gary say) better hurry down here and get a look for yourselves because like I stated earlier, I can't imagine this bike is gonna last long. The first $16,977 takes this chic magnet on down the road! .38 Special 8-track cassette not included with this sale.
Meet Igor "Mans Game" Brezovar. Charlie Boorman and Ewan McGregor look like choir boys commuting to grade school on Puch mopeds compared to this guy. The closest thing to a chase vehicle Igor has is his girlfriend riding pillion for the Alaska to San Diego portion of his journey. Igor is a native of the Czech Republic and he set out 3 years ago on a round the world trip on his 1999 BMW R1100GS. It had been a lifelong dream of his to travel earth on a motorcycle and now he's San Diego to the southern tip of Argentina away from completion. Hey Igor! Jed Clampett called, he'd like you to help him pack his rig next time.
As for the gory details of his travels I don't have a whole lot as my Czech isn't what it used to be. I was able to figure out that in 96,000 miles he has not had a single mechanical failure, Americans pay way to much for a pack of Marlboro Light's and that apparently, people in Oregon call the highway patrol when you urinate on the side of the freeway. Mans Game has been through a LOT of countries in his travels but unless you care to count the stickers we'll not know the exact number. Here's to you Igor! For sucking less and doing more.
Hey Everyone and welcome to another SDBMWMC blog update. Today's post is a simple ride report from yesterday.
1800 hours Saturday. A quick glance at the www.wunderground.com showed PERFECT conditions in the desert. Time to break out the G650X/C for the first of many Superstition Mountain visits. I quickly threw together the logistics. Get home, load gear and tent on bike, hit ATM machine, get to the desert before 2300 hours and prepare for a Sunday filled with rocks and sand.
1832 hours Saturday. Gear, tent and smaller belongings strewn about the living room floor. Amos, my 14 year old bassett hound has made himself a nice nap pad out of my iso-mat and sleeping bag. Ruggy, my 2 year old korgy-shepherd (no joke on that one, odd doesn't begin to describe what this mutt looks like) is making an effective chew toy out of my tent poles. Clearly, I'm rusty at getting it together last minute for these trips. In between wiping bassett hound drool off of my sleeping bag and locating an actual dog toy for Mr. Ruggy my phone rings.
"Hey Sean it's Cormac. Your cousin's best friend from college!" "Um...oh hey Cormac. Long time no see. What's up?" "I'm in San Diego for a Ear Nose and Throat Convention downtown. Figured I'd call and see if you want to hang out." -Quick notice here to all you doctors reading this: While the vast majority of the Medi-ignorant public typically leap at the chance to spend time with you and hammer away questions about our aches, pains, growth's and eligibility of medicinal marijuana prescription...LEAPING AT THAT CHANCE WILL NEVER HAPPEN ON THE FIRST DESERT WEEKEND OF THE SEASON. Refer to the aforementioned shameless link to my favorite weather site for that information. "Um...Yeah Cormac. What day were you wanting to get together?" I already know the answer to this one. He's a doctor, he deals with punctuality and appointments EVERY DAY, of course he wants an on the spot, unannounced consult with his best friends cousin. "TONIGHT BRO! I love this town! Wooooooooo!!!!!!!! We're already at the bar bro!"
1945 hours Saturday. I'm navigating my Madza 3 around downtown looking for parking. 2038 hours Saturday. Actually find a spot a mere 3.25 miles from where Cormac is staying.
0600 hours Sunday. At home throwing all my overnight gear back in the spare room and gathering the bare necessities for a same day desert trip. Hop on the bike hit the gas station and head east.
0900 hours Sunday. I meet up with Gary Kepple and we set off for the Tecate divide. Gary has been playing around with google earth and loaded some exploration tracks into his GPS. We're looking for a GS-able route from roughly the Boulevard area down to the desert floor without getting on the freeway. As we near Golden Acorn Casino we're greeted by a 40-50mph crosswind from the south. This tie of year this crosswind is expected and not really an issue for me. I normal slow down a bit and keep cruising. But, because Kepple is in front of me I'm able to actually see just how FAR out bikes are being blow off line and what kind of lean angles the wind is creating I start to worry.
1030 hours Sunday. We've been down a few trails and washes but the underlying theme of this gusting crosswind is ever prevalent. It's just NOT letting up. Each time we crest a rock formation or ridge we're struggling to keep the bikes upright while doing our best NOT to slip off the trail into a gorge or heaven forbid over the cliff. It's pucker factor 8 nearly the entire trip down toward the desert floor. At one point we're riding on the old highway through the mountains which takes us along a cliff overlooking the current freeway and the cars heading west back toward San Diego. Kepple is standing tall on the footpegs of his HP2 riding along and looking over the edge. My brain raises pucker factor 8 to 8.59 and makes ready at the kill switch. I on the ther hand am riding as far from the edge as I can get pretending to also be taking in the view to avoid the ridicule that accompanies a terror of heights, or rather falling from them. That old familiar panic is setting in as I watch the Kepple weave left to right along the drop. My brain initiates Lamaze breathing to control the heart rate and assist is preventing me from pooping myself.
1310 hours Sunday. We've ridden through a drainage culvert under the eastbound Interstate 8 and stopped at the Texaco for fuel and snacks. Wind, still blowin!
I'll sum up the rest of the ride in a few short words as I'm told these blog posts are supposed to be brief. It was windy. Particularly crossing the Pine Valley bridge where the wind sock was at full suck. In closing, these early weeks of desert season are much anticipated, and help shake the cobwebs off the knobbies. But the weather...while unable to squash the fun factor....can make for some tense moments.
Hey Everyone and welcome to another SDBMWMC blog update. Today I'm showcasing a particular piece of riding apparel I own rather than a motorcycle. This is the BMW Coverall Suit and it's, without question, the best piece of riding apparel I've ever owned. I've been waiting for MONTHS for the weather to break and the cooler temperatures to creep back in just so I can wear this thing again and showcase it here on the web.
The Coverall suit has huge, waterproof zippers along the front and up the length of each leg which means I can throw it over my work clothes (with my boots already on) in seconds and hop on the bike. I chose to size mine a little on the snug side because in the fall, winter and spring I use it as my riding suit. That is, I wear only thermal pants and shirt underneath. The entire suit is 100% waterproof and windproof which unfortunately renders it too warm for the summer months but 90% of my street riding is done from October to May. Here are some of the bullet points from BMW:
One-piece suit
Three-layer laminate with breathable water and windproof
Cordura® 500 outer material
Mesh lining for inner pockets
Removable SC protectors for shoulders, elbows, hips and knees (two height positions)
NP ProAir back protector can be retrofitted in back protector pocket
3M® reflective print on shoulders and back
Water and windproof Storm® zips
Long front zip and two leg zips for convenience
Adjustable waist
One waterproof exterior chest pocket, one interior chest pocket, one sleeve pocket on the right forearm, and two pant pockets
Sizes (unisex): XS-XXXL
Color: black
Like I said, this is the BEST piece of riding gear I've ever purchased. I looked at buying an Aerostitch in spring of last year but the price tag put me off. I hunted around for a used one, looked at the closeouts but still wasn't comfortable with the price. Finally in May BMW released the Coverall Suit in the U.S. $750.00 got me a waterproof, easy, comfortable, good looking textile that folds up small enough to fit in a side case. Thanks for reading.
Hey Everyone and welcome to another Thursday segment here on the blog. Our Trade In of the Week is a 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650. Go anywhere, cheap! That's pretty much the sales pitch of the tried and true KLR line. Dae Woo cars would think these things are built on a budget. But the KLR has proven successful for Kawasaki for over a decade. In this case, $4195.00 gets you on board an entry level adventure and dual sport bike with just over 12,000 miles, Bar risers, rear luggage rack and Pro Taper handle bars. All that at 50+ miles per gallon at cruising speeds make the KLR a really sensible commuter or dual sport machine. Come on down and ride our KLR.
Hey everyone and welcome to another exciting update to the coolest blog in the motorcycle industry! Tall claim? Read on.
What you see in this picture is the most terrifying "S" bike on the planet. It comes equipped with an equally terrifying name: Hammer of Thor II. Full titanium exhaust system? Yup. Race spec Ohlins suspension? Yup. One off race bodywork and belly pan? Yup. Miles of safety wire? Oh yeah. ABS? Nope.
Earlier this week I mentioned that Gary Orr, having recently turned 40, might be experiencing symptoms common with midlife crisis. But all the doubters hushed my e-psychoanalysis and ridiculed me for five long days. Well who among you doubts me now? I mean, LOOK AT THIS THING! If I had to guess what the love child of Mike Tyson and a Sherman tank would look like this would be my first guess.
But I'm not worried. Gary is no stranger to club racing. Back in the 1990's he could be seen piloting a Honda Hawk around road courses in the midwest on his was to a class championship. And we've all come to realize he's usually the fast guy at the track days we attend. No I'm guessing the worst is in store for the competition. I can almost picture it now: Some kid on a 749 gets blown off by a 40 something on bike that had 2 giant biceps sticking out the sides.
So Joe and Gary are loading up the van now headed for Willow Springs. Mike O'keefe is on vacation is Australia. Safe to say "When the cats are away...." we're having a pizza party tomorrow. Best of luck to our fearless leader in his race Sunday!
This week's winner is a mint condition 2002 BMW R1150RT. Even without having ever ridden one we're all very familiar with these machines. Gracing the rear view mirrors of our motorcycles and cars, piloted buy California's finest. That's right kids we've all opened our wallets, courtesy of the California Highway Patrol, after being stopped by the weapon of choice in the war on speeding.
Even a CHP motor officer might jump at a chance to own this one because it comes with every available BMW option for 2002 and additionally:
Ohlins Suspension
ABS
Heated Grips
Electrically Adjustable Windscreen
Throttlemeister Cruise Control
Givi Top Box
These R1150RT's are the industry landmark when it comes to touring and commuting. Enough luggage to pack a week's worth of goods, enough torque to get you and said gear up even the steepest mountain road and enough BMW reliability to keep you clipping away the miles for years to come. The ergonomics alone inspire track day confidence and control in even the most novice tourer. Plan on carrying a passenger? Come on by and ride this machine two-up so that person can realize what pillion riding is supposed to feel like.
Priced at $5808, this bikes qualifies for BMW Financial Services current great rates making it easier than ever to own your first, or even fifth, BMW motorcycle.
See this guy here in the picture? That's Gary Orr and yesterday he turned the ripe old age of 40! You read that correctly. If you've been a Brattin Motors and now SDBMWMC customer for a number of years you might remember the awkward, pony tail sporting, pseudo-grunge rocker that used to manage your bike's service appointments. Well that skinny kid with the earrings and Frank Zappa hair-do has grown up and jumped headlong into a new and exciting world of the early-to-mid-40-something! Decisions like: "What bar to hit up this Friday?" or: "Will Heather dig these boots or should I go with Sketchers?" Have been replaced with: "What flavor Metamucil best defines me as a person?" and "Icy Hot patch or cream?"
But don't let the gray hair and large button cell phone fool you. Age hasn't slowed this guy down one iota. His latest age defying uber-stunt? Gary is going road racing. We've race prepared a cherry R1200S, scored some tire warmers on ebay and washed the bug stains off the pop-up. Our fearless leader is making his triumphant return to club racing at Willow Springs this fall. 40+ class consider yourselves warned. From the producers of such esteemed films as "How NOT to Ride an F650GS Across Alaska" and "Breaking Your Ankle for Dummies" comes 2009's signature blockbuster..."Hope He Doesn't wad the Demo Bike."
So you're wondering: "What kind of prep goes into an endeavor like this?" It was fairly simple actually. We had his leathers tailored (Bret Farve thinks Gary's waist line has a hard time making up it's mind!), threw a set of Michelin Pilot Power Race compound tires on the demo bike (good one owner, available for sale this December!) and had Joe Bowman (resident club racer guru) create an all inclusive list of new and innovative ways NOT to end up in the hospital while remaining competitive.
So with that I'll close by asking all of you, our faithful followers, to wish our fearless leader the best of luck in his upcoming race season. And always remember: It's not about doing better...It's about sucking less.
