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I can’t believe how time flies.  In a few days, we will have our two year anniversary.  We have some big news for 2006. The bad news first! Nathan is leaving us for a great opportunity in Phoenix.  He has been a fixture here since 1999, and we will really miss him.

The good news is that we have two new employees that we are really excited about.  We have hired a new technician named Jamie Ward.  He is currently in training, and after two weeks, he looks to be a fantastic addition to our already excellent service department.

Also new to the shop, as an employee, is Tom Kniest.  Tom has been a customer for the past two years, and currently rides a 04 R1150RT.  Tom decided to leave the world of corporate advertising for a job that is sure to be more fun!

We are ready for another year of new bikes from BMW.  There will be at least three new bikes, and possibly a fourth.  I hope to see you all soon. John, Jen, Laine and Ella.

R1200 GS Adventure - A larger (8.7gal.) fuel tank, 26 lbs. lighter and a taller windshield than previous Adventures along with adjustable gear shift and brake pedals.  Same 100bhp as the new R1200GS.

R1200S - A boxer engine that puts out 122 horsepower and is 29 lbs lighter than the R1100S...this bike is ready for track day or mountain curves.

K1200GT - Narrower, sleeker, 40 lbs. lighter and nearly 20% more horsepower (152 bhp) than the previous GT.  New, height-adjustable handlebars and narrow, adjustable saddle offer optimized sport-touring comfort.


Down payments now being accepted on all 3 models.

Call or drop by for more information on these...or any 2006 BMW motorcycles.

BMW Heated Unisex Vest.  In addition to the electrically heated mid-section, the extended lower back and fleece collar are also heated.  Comes with a BMW power cord.  Heat output mx 3.5 amps at 12 volts. Unisex styling.

BMW Tourguard Jacket.  Built-in non-tearing Gore-Tex for warm, dry and breathable comfort.  Removable thermal insert.  Waterproof pockets.  Blue only.

BMW Comfort Gloves.  Leather/textile combination.  Insulated padding with water-resistant membrane.  Double layer leather on palms and Kevlar reinforced thumb section

BMW Wizard Shirt with Storm Hood.  A truly new product in the clothing sector is the combination of shirt and storm hood.  This keeps the draft from you neck without losing out on any ride comfort.  Breathable material helps maintain moisture control.

The arrival of colder weather can cause us to worry about the state of our battery or maybe the adequacy of our lighting system as the nights grow longer.  But we should also consider maintaining ourselves as well as we maintain our bikes. 

Cold Weather Riding Tips

Riding in the cold can be more than miserable...it can be unsafe.  While most of the U.S. is shivering through winter, riding in Arizona can be very comfortable.  But our high desert climate leads to cold nights and chilly mornings, and changes in elevation can lead to unexpected cold.  Certainly anyone who tours long distance runs the risk of riding through all sorts of cold winter weather.  With a little preparation, you can ride comfortably and safely.

Winter riding presents many hazards, including icy roads.  However, we'll focus on protection from the cold.

The primary threats are cold air, wind and moisture.  Air as cool as 40F can be a hazard if you're not adequately protected.  We are also vulnerable to increased wind chill and forced ventilation when riding at speed.  Our winter rains are an obvious source of moisture, but sweat trapped within cotton clothes can also be a problem.

While it's easy to see why the factors listed above can make us down right miserable, how do they affect our safety?  With sufficient exposure, they can cause frostbite or, worse, hypothermia.  These can sneak up on you and cause poor coordination or loss of judgment.

Frostbite occurs when the skin freezes.  Be particularly careful with exposed skin.  Symptoms include numb, tingling, swollen, or tender skin.  It may also appear as pale, waxy skin which is wooden to the touch. If you suspect you may have frostbite, warm the area with direct body heat.  Do not massage or rub the skin, and do not use a high heat source.

Hypothermia is a much more serious condition which can be brought on by riding unprepared in temperatures as cool as 40F for a prolonged period of time.  Hypothermia occurs when the cold conditions exceed your body's ability to generate heat, and your body's core temperature starts to decrease.  It can 
occur slowly and without your realization.  Symptoms may or may not include shivering.  A rider with hypothermia may experience confusion, slow/slurred speech, altered vision, drowsiness and poor judgment -- none of which is safe on a bike!  Advanced hypothermia is a medical emergency and could result in death.

How can you avoid the unsafe affects of winter riding?

Eat well-balanced meals and snacks throughout the day to keep your internal "furnace" running. Eat hot food when possible, but moderate or avoid coffee or caffeine products.  Avoid alcohol -- good advice for riding in any weather!

Hydrate often.  Drink warm, sweet fluids.  Use a Camelbak or similar personal hydration system. 

Wear good winter apparel and accessories.

-- Dress in layers starting with a layer of thin polypropylene (or similar synthetic material) to help wick away moisture and keep you dry.  Never use cotton as it traps and holds moisture.

-- Use fleece or thin wool garments to trap warm air.

-- Stop the wind with a breathable material like Gore-Tex.

-- Stay dry.  Water and evaporation increase your chances of freezing.  If your wind stopper or rain gear does not breathe, you run the risk of trapping sweat and water vapor close to your body.

-- Seal the cold air leaks.  Wear gloves with gauntlets to prevent air from rushing up your sleeve.  Close your helmet vents -- the head can be a major source of heat loss.  Wrap you neck with a fleece tube, a scarf or a synthetic bandana.  Wear a full-face helmet.  Use a balaclava to protect your neck and face in severe cold.  Zip up your jacket vents.

Use active heating.

-- Use an electric vest to keep your core body temperature warm.  When cold, one of your body's defense mechanisms is vasoconstriction -- the narrowing of your blood vessels to constrict or limit the flow of warm blood to your extremities.  Wearing an electric vest not only keeps your torso warm, it reduces vasoconstriction and allows the warm blood to flow to your hands and feet.

-- Use electric gloves or glove liners in extremely cold weather.  While many of us have heated grips, some of us have discovered that electric gloves improve your comfort when temperatures sink below freezing.

-- Store some chemical heat packets in your tank bag.  These small packets can be purchased in the major hiking/camping outlets and are an indispensable source of emergency heat.  When the cellophane packet is torn open, the internal chemicals oxidize forming heat.  They can provide hours of warmth when placed in the tip of your boot.  They can also provide emergency heat when placed near your body (but not directly on your skin).

Prepare your bike.

-- Add a fused electrical socket to power your vest or gloves.  Many inexpensive kits are available and installation is relatively easy.

-- Purchase stock or aftermarket heated grips.

-- Install handguards to block the wind, if feasible.

-- Install a windshield to protect your body from cold air at highway speeds.

-- Stuff an old sweatshirt under your seat, if there's room. It could come in handy as evening approaches.

Use good judgment and imagination.  If you feel miserable, pull over and warm up.  If you must continue your ride, consider wrapping plastic garbage bags or newspapers around your body and limbs, under your jacket.  Put on your rain gear (even if it's a clear day) to stop the wind.

Finally, look out for your friends.  Be observant and take action if they exhibit any dangerous symptoms.