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Sunday, 7 Nov. 2:00 pm
Light Refreshments -- No Limit, but RSVP no later than 5 Nov. so we can be prepared
RSVP to jstrang@ironhorsemotorcycles.com
I'll keep my comments short this month, but
will try to make up for it in the December newsletter, where we'll outline our new rewards program.
We now have our first R1200GS demo!! Only seven months after the bike’s debut. It is really good...faster, lower and lighter!!
We're going to try to keep a demo on hand for at least the next couple of months.
I like it so much, that my daughters may have to pay for their own weddings!
Ride safe- John
Here's Lane helping John with some important phone calls.
Another exciting development for Arizona Motorcycle Insurance is that we are now a producer for AIG (American Insurance Group), one of the largest insurance companies nationally and internationally. They are new to the motorcycle industry in Arizona, so they are currently very competitive as they get their foot in the door. They are an A++++ insurance company, so you would be getting price as well as quality if their quote is competitive for your needs. It is also exciting for us to offer AIG because we now have the ability to write both auto and motorcycle
policies. Finally, as I mentioned in the last newsletter, if you are interested in having us as your agent, and you currently have Dairyland, Foremost, Pacific Specialty or AIG, we would be thrilled to take care of your transfer with simply a policy number and a signature.
Thank you everyone for your support and ride safe!
The all new R1200GS is finally here! Having dropped nearly 70 pounds and gained 15 ponies over the
previous GS the new R1200 is one of the most versatile motorcycles ever built.
Whether you want to carve a canyon or two, liven up the ride to work, or kick up a cloud of dust the R1200GS has you
covered. Come by today to have a look at the bike that Cycle World called “Best open class street
bike 2004”.
Breakin’ the law!
For those of you looking for a more authoritative ride check out the CHP lease returns available
from BMW. There is a wealth of special equipment on these motorcycles that is not found on the civil
models. This equipment includes:
. Special protection bar system front and rear.
. Thermostatically controlled fan-driven oil cooler system.
. Easy to use locking side stand system.
. Solo seat with locking integrated radio / top box.
. Special linked battery system with additional fuse block and circuits for additional equipment.
. Interference suppression with special fuel pump, Motronic control unit, etc.
. Special front light holders.
. Fire extinguisher mount.
. Heated handlebar grips.
. Headlight on-off switch.
. Special rear shock absorber.
. Side turn signals with two-way flasher system.
. Complete wiring and switching / mounts for emergency lights and siren system (note that all light heads, speaker and amplifiers are removed).
. Low band radio antenna mount (perfect for exceptional CB reception)
. City cases are standard on all CHP motors.
Condition: The mileage will be approximately 60,000 miles on each unit.
Each bike has received all inspections and services by BMW retailers in California, using BMW synthetic motor oil.
CHP has an appearance code, so these motorcycles are in very good physical condition (but not perfect - remember - they are used).
Wheels and brake rotors have been measured for wear / true and replaced if outside of factory specification.
Most have new brake pads and tires (unless they were truly like-new).
Front protection bars have been straightened unless they were bent to the rear, in which case they would be replaced.
Minor stone chips and nicks are touched-up. No cracks or breaks in fairing panels are allowed.
There are several holes in the dashboard from equipment, but nothing obnoxious.
The warranty on these motorcycles has expired, but they have been checked-over, serviced if needed, cleaned and repaired of any identified defects prior to resale.
The batteries have been replaced with new, dry batteries to prevent discharge / failure during storage.
Come by to check out this exceptional value at $6,650 plus tax and license.
THE BEST OF THE BEST. THE Pro-7-Sport offers the most complete communication /
audio solution on the market, all with a quality of production and performance not only unmatched but unapproached at any price.
For the best in sound quality, clarity, flexibility, durability and noise-free operation the Pro-7-Sport is the #1 choice.
Advanced noise canceling system. Expandable to include your choice of music source, cellular phone, GPS, radar detector, bike-to-bike transceiver and 12v power.
Kit contains: (1) Pro-7-Sport, (1) Universal Super B Headset (1) Cellular Phone Interface, (1) Portable Music Source Interface and Instruction Manual.
One year warranty.Come in and experience the quality with our fully functional demo system!
Stop & Go Pocket Tire Plugger - For All Tubeless Tires
It's raining, dusk is approaching...and you've picked up a nail...
This revolutionary new device easily installs mushroom shaped rubber plugs into all tubeless tires while staying on the wheel. The Plugging device 'drives' the plug into the hole with a twist of the Allen Wrench. The plug expands under pressure to fill the punctured area. A firm pull on the stem seats the mushroom head on the inner wall allowing no air to escape. This technology insures maximum reliability while reducing your downtime in any situation.
Kit includes, Plugging Device, Nozzle Adapter, Rasp Tool, Probe Tool, Retractable Razor Blade, Allen Wrench, (15) mushroom plugs (5/16" diameter x 3/4" length stem), and laminated indestructible Instructions. It comes in 3 1/2" x 7 1/2" zippered pouch weighing only 12 ounces.
Like to try it first? Come in and plug Jim's demo tire!
Why Suspension?
Because motorcycles like all motorized vehicles travel down the highway at speed. The suspension system must provide among other things, ride comfort; secure handling (for those emergency situations), optimum braking power.
It Is Not All Suspension Springs
Suspension springs, either the front springs within the front fork assembly or as part of
the shock absorber on the Tele-lever system, or the rear shock(s), are used to carry the weight of the bike,
including rider/passenger/luggage. Hint: Since suspension springs are under constant compression due to the weight of the bike and rider/passenger/luggage, they are subject to collapsing over time. This will alter the correct ride height and handling characteristics of your bike. The opposite (as an example) occurs with the ignition advance springs on older /5, /6, etc. bikes. These springs are constantly stretched and, over time, could alter slow timing and idle speed. Therefore, all springs under tension will eventually lose their original force.
Shock Absorbers - Controlling the Bounce
The function of the shock absorbers is to control the bounce/pogo effect the suspension springs would deliver after they are compressed and rebound, such as going over a bump on the road surface. Have you ever pushed down on the fender of an old car with worn shock absorbers and seen it bounce up and down? This uncontrolled bounding can be downright scary on a motorcycle! Control is accomplished by filling the shock absorber body with oil and forcing the oil from one chamber to the next via a fixed set of oil bores as the suspension moves up (extension or rebound) and down (compression). Thus a dampening force (or damping, in suspension lingo) is applied in both directions to prevent the suspension springs from acting like that pogo stick we may have owned as kids.
Ride Height - Keeping Things at the Right Level
Ride height determined by design and testing is the correct height of the bike to the ground. This means that the bike is balanced so that the front and rear suspension can operate in unison and function well for many different riders.
Where do I start?
Please do take the time to read your Owner's Manual, especially those pages dealing with suspension adjustments. Should you have any questions regarding the suspension adjustments, please come by for additional help. Remember that your bike is capable of allowing you to make a number of suspension changes. Rear suspension "preload" is easiest to understand and adjust. The more weight the bike is carrying (gear or
passenger),
the more preload (or spring tension) is required to keep the ride height
correct.CAUTION: Do not exceed the maximum weight limits for your model as set forth in the Owner's Manual. Those extra pounds will indeed affect the handling (tires will slide and things will bend), especially when you need it the most: in an emergency. Remember that your tires will affect handling as well, so mind those tire pressures and reread our prior Newsletter on Tires.
It All works Better in Unison
BMW's typically require more damping than spring pressure. Many riders, however, make the mistake to ordering stiffer springs for their bike…. remember the Pogo stick? Additional bracing of the front forks, swing arm and frame was originally done to the Butler & Smith roadracers for conditions on the racetrack (sometimes for each track), and for the riding styles of the different riders. Some of these items may indeed make your suspension too stiff for the street, thus increasing the potential for instability. Other factors come into play: Do not forget to check your wheel bearings, swing arm bearings, swing arm bushings on the rear Para-lever, and steering head bearings. If not adjusted or maintained correctly, each can affect handling.
Some thoughts on Suspension Tuning
We do benefit from the constant development and testing, as done by BMW.
It appears that today's bikes offer better handling and are to a certain extent more forgiving and safer.
Constant tire technology improvements and ABS brakes have helped, as well.
Nearly all riders should be satisfied with the handling of the BMW.
Aggressive changes in your spring rate, compression damping and rebound
damping my hurt more than help. In most cases, factory or approved aftermarket shocks
(for example, Ohlins or Bitubo) standard settings are fine. Just be aware that springs do collapse and shock absorbers will loose their dampening in both directions over
time. When in doubt, please ask us to check your suspension during a service.
Our Job for your riding pleasure:
Let us test ride your bike, if in doubt. Getting the suspension back to factory specs will
normally allow you to enjoy that ride even more.