2Wheeltips

On March 5th, Sport Honda Powerhouse in Metuchen, NJ hosted its first Safety Day.  The whole day was dedicated to motorcycling safety issues and was co-sponsored by the NJ Gold Wing Road Riders Association and Rider Education of NJ.  Lots of people showed up and there were plenty of activities and seminars to take in.  Although I didn't get a chance to attend the seminars, etc., I saw lots of people assembled to learn about all types of safety issues.  Sport Honda has a great meeting room that is adjacent to their service area and while they were conducting seminars there, other visitors could wander around the showroom, take a look at all the Honda bikes and scooters that Sport Honda has available, grab something to eat and drink, and just enjoy the company of so many motorcyclists who not only enjoy riding, but enjoy riding SAFELY!  Kudos to Sport Honda for hosting their first motorcycle safety day….I am looking forward to safety day being an annual event!!

Dino mentioned that SuperTinTin is great snap-in software for Skype if you are running Windows.  But, if you are running Mac OS, then what?  Well, Ecamm to the rescue!  They have a piece of software called Call Recorder and it works on the Mac!  Since some of us at 2wheeltips work off of Macs, Ecamm is being kind enough to also help us out by letting us use the Call Recorder software in some of our interviews!  Thank you, Ecamm!  As they state on their website, the Call Recorder software is "an easy way to record Skype calls and podcast interviews. Call Recorder is an add-on for Skype which automatically transforms your audio or video calls into QuickTime movies."  So, come visit us to watch our interviews and if you decide to get Call Recorder for your Mac, let Ecamm know that you heard about it on 2wheeltips.com!

Here are some videos from the MSF website. I decided to be good and link to them instead of embedding them in the 2wheeltips.com website. (plus they probably would get upset if I did). Anyway, check them out. Some of them are old, small and grainy......but......the information is good.


Welcome to the Ride

BRC Hightlights

Group Riding

Common Road Hazards

Let me know what you think.

By Nick Zarras

Feature Editor - STAReview Magazine
MSTA Nevada State Director
www.sporttouring.us

The landscape of motorcycling is changing. In the Jurassic Period you had heavy slow touring motorcycles and 100 hp sport motorcycles for the street aficionado. Now the sport motorcycles are growing more like AMA, and FIM track motorcycles. Riders found while the extra horsepower and handling capabilities gave them a thrill, the decrease ride quality, range, and lack of storage made the sport motorcycles not practical for dedicated distance travel. So the multiple bike garage became the norm. But in this economy the need for having one motorcycle that will give the rider superbike like power but touring capability led to the next evolution the 1200-1400 cc hyper tourers. As I mentioned in the BMW R1200RT article even the new proposed version of my 800 FI VFR is leaked to be a 1200 cc hyper tourer. The hyper-tourer provides fast sport bike like speed and near sport bike handling in a machine that is relatively comfortable over long distance. This test article addresses BMW’s newest entry into this arena that meshes hyper-touring power with technologically enhanced livability, the BMW K1300GT Tour.

This road test all started with a trip to meet my friends at BMW Motorcycles of Las Vegas, 6675 South Teneya Way, Las Vegas, Nevada 89113 for my customary visit to chat. They run a very friendly shop in Las Vegas for motorcyclists and have a full line of motorcycles, clothing, helmets, and a rental fleet. It is a great excuse to check out the new motorcycles. BMW has really created a whole new exciting line of motorcycles these last few years.

I was chatting with Gary Kozlowski, Nevada Assistant State Director, for he was going to pickup his new BMW K1300GT. I knew Gary had traded in his nearly new Kawasaki Concourse and a BMW K1200S for the BMW K1300GT. His choice for the BMW K1300GT Tour set the stage for a road test to the logic for his trade-in.

As I looked at the showroom I saw a red BMW K1300GT Tour that was available for rent. I was like a teenager looking at the prom queen, what a beauty. I was chatting with Kurt Asplindh, sales associate an avid photographer like myself over my recent BMW R1200RT road test article.

After seeing my BMW R1200RT Tour article he thought it would be nice to do a road test on the BMW K1300GT Tour.

I had driven the BMW 1200GT over the winter and was impressed with how solid it was on a day we had gusts up to 40 mph. (see bad hair day) I learned to appreciate the heated grips and seat as I toured the snow capped mountain roads of Mt. Charleston National Park, Nevada. With the snow on the hills and by the side of the road it is a breath-taking ride.

I felt the BMW K1200GT had minor quips in low speed handling, probably just a perception from riding in the colder outside temperatures and at altitude. I also found the seat slightly uncomfortable when I sat close to the tank. If I pushed back a few inches I was more comfortable. I was eager to check out the new BMW K1300GT Tour, so I did not have to be asked twice when the offer to do a test ride was made, and I was scheduled for the next day.

I picked up the BMW K1300GT Tour and rode to Red Rock National Conservation Area. The route there is a mixture of city, highway, 13 miles of curves, and long sweeping roads on the way back. Red Rock National Conservation Area is sort of like our “Deals Gap” except its one way traffic. I guess you can call it a “Good Deals Gap: since head on collisions, like what happened recently at the GAP, is not possible.

Out the gate the feel of the BMW K1300GT Tour told me this was not a warmed over BMW K1200GT. The liquid-cooled in-line 4 cylinder engine displacement was increased from 1157 cc to 1293 cc. That coupled with the BMW Engine Controller-BMS K upped the hp from 152 @ 9500 rpm to 160 @ 9000 rpm. The extra power was available across the board. Also the engine power felt linear like an electric motor. Acceleration was near instantaneous but smooth. Deceleration even at full chop was smoothed out. You would have no problem accelerating out of trouble from 60 mph quickly to well past 120 mph plus just by thinking it. The gearbox was equally impressive. That coupled with the strong engine power/torque curve reduced the amount of shifts needed.

The ABS augmented brakes had great feel and slowed down the bike easily with no drama. The front brakes are four pistons x 2 on 12.6 in/320 mm dual floating rotors coupled with the two piston fixed calipers on a single 11.6 in/294 mm rear rotor. ABS is standard on the base and premium package BMW K1300GT. I had no problem slowing down its 562 dry/635 pound wet weight. Brake pressure was light and predictable, without any course destabilization at any speed.

As in the BMW 1200GT Tour the BMW 1300GT Tour came with ESA or electronic suspension adjustment. It is setup for Sport, Normal, or Comfort. The handling felt very sharp and surefooted. The BMW Duolever front suspension and BMW Paralever rear suspension with a spring travel of 4.5 front and 5.3 inches rear kept everything planted. The ESA in sport mode really tightened the handling. It also adds a little harshness something the sport bike community knows all about. But with the BMW K1300GT that harshness can be made to disappear with a push of a button something a sport bike rider can't do.

Like the BMW R1200RT the BMW K1300GT has 120/70 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tires which I feel provide better cornering than the 190 plus mm rear tires on other hyper-tourers.

One large point in the BMW 1300GT Tour’s favor, which is seldom discussed, was the lack of heat coming off its engine. This is a key complaint of other 1300-1400 cc hyper tourers. This is very important in the hot 115 degree summer days in Las Vegas.

The BMW K1300GT Tour is setup for distance touring. It carries 6.3 US Gallons of gas, and is rated for a gross weight of 1147 pounds (512 pound available load). That coupled with a 30 mpg city/47 mpg highway published rating gives you a good touring range. I observed 35 mpg in spirited driving; Gary reported over 40 mpg on his trip. Premium fuel is the preferred food for this Teutonic ride, but with the BMW-K automatic knock control it is somewhat forgiving of less than perfect fuel.

The BMW K1300GT Tour is engineered to carry increased electrical load compared to the BMW R1200RT with 945 watts of power. This is more than sufficient for all the heated clothing, heated seats, grips, Global Positioning System, and auxiliary lights so you will not go cold or get lost during any winter.

Accessories are also a big part of buying a BMW motorcycles. Electrically adjustable windshield, ESA II (electronic suspension adjustment),  Xenon Light, cruise control, on board computer, heated grips, heated seats front and back, power sockets, ASC [traction control], TPM [tire pressure monitoring], Anti-Theft Alarm, 49 liter Top Case big enough for XL helmets, and a luggage rack.

Integral ABS and the Tall Windshield are all standard. The low seat (31.5-32.3 inches) is an option bur furnished at no cost. The accessory power socket, ABS, Center Stand, Hard Side Cases (31 liters capacity), luggage rack, and ESA II are standard on the base package. All the accessories but the Anti-Theft-Alarm and Top Case are standard on the Premium package.

The BMW K1300GT Tour’s tall windscreen provides good protection with low noise and no buffeting. With it down I had a nice flow of air into my helmet. With it up there was a quiet air pocket. The sharp angular styling and Red Apple Metallic paint on the BMW K1300GT Tour was a show stopper gaining many compliments wherever I stopped. It also comes in Royal Blue Metallic or the Magnesium Beige Metallic Gary purchased.

On my final highway leg I just kicked back with the cruise control engaged. It held effortlessly thought traffic was easy to actuate and ergonomically positioned. With the new seat configuration and the ESA on comfort the ride was touring quality.

I was very impressed with the engine delivery and the integrated electronics on the BMW K1300GT Tour. BMW has stepped up to the plate with a home run with the BMW K1300GT Tour. It is a sport bike i.e. BMW K1300S in a livable touring bike package. It is sort of a Jeckel and Hyde type profile. Instead of a potion just toggle the ESA and the right throttle and let the transformation begin!

My special thanks to BMW of Las Vegas for the use of their BMW K1300GT Tour for the road test. They are a family like business where people stop by just to chat and often walk out with a great new bike. Please contact Kurt for sales, and Tim for rentals at 702-454-6269. They are close to McCarran Airport. I and many MSTA members have purchased or rented BMW motorcycles from them in the past with glowing customer feedback. They have my endorsement.

The following story is from one of our members BkrBilly. He agreed to let us post this story about his trip to Billings with a new rider.

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August 2008 was a trip to the SMSA Conference and the RiderCoach Trainer update.  In May of 2008 a friend(and still a friend) of mine took the BRC.  He purchased a BMW Adventure to satisfy his mid life crisis.

During the course wrap up he expressed a wish to take a road trip.  Without thinking I mentioned the trip to Montana.  Before I knew it he was planning to join me.  Before I go much further into this adventure I have to tell you that I take road trips frequently.  I have no problem with getting on the bike and travelling cross country.  In my garage there have always been two bikes.  One that I ride for short trips and one that I ride for the long haul.  Either bike could do the long trip, it is just a matter of which one has been serviced and has tires, brakes and been given thorough check out.

Joe, soon to be my riding partner, was excited beyond description.  My immediate response was to tell him that his new bike that was delivered to his garage had less than 20 miles on it.  I told him to go home, practice on side streets and around the neighborhood and call me when he had 500 miles on the odometer.

A month later I got the call.  He reached 500 miles, bought all sorts of camping gear and other newbie stuff for the trip.  The little voice in the back of my head kept saying “engage brain before opening your mouth”. So I guess I better prepare myself before taking off on this adventure.  My mind wandered to the last time I took someone with me on a road trip.  It was another RiderCoach and we were off to Sturgis.  We made a lot of rest stops, food stops, gas stops and the pace was slow and tedious.  On the second night we stopped at a Red Roof Inn that I insisted that we stay at.  There is a great family style restaurant within walking distance and I plan and time myself to get there at a reasonable hour to get a good meal and night’s rest.  The first comment, as we got off the bikes, was what great time we were making.  My response was “Yes, but last year I stayed here the first night”.

So Joe and I had a long chat on what to bring.  I realized later that it didn’t have a lot of effect on Joe.  Some things he brought with him were a Paul Bunyan sized axe.  I know Paul from living in Bemidji, MN for two years.  Some other weapons that I won’t go into detail.  A waterproof duster, but no rain pants.  I offered him a pair of rain pants but he told me the duster was sufficient.  More about this error later in the story.  His bike was loaded.  I chose my 10 year old BMW 1100GS.  Before leaving I gave it the 8 hour going over that included oil changes, filters, new tires and brakes, lubricating everything that needed  and some things that didn’t, valve adjustments and checking wiring and lights.  I usually replace some of  the bulbs, but I didn’t and that was a mistake, not a big one but I had to get two replacements on the road.  Joe asked me if the bike would make it and I assured him that if there was a break down it would probably be his bike.  He didn’t get it.

Now to get down to why I am writing this.  Things in the BRC that are not mentioned or emphasized enough.  Proper riding gear.  What looks cool may not always be practical.  We tell new riders not to take passengers, but we should also tell them not to load their bike down with a lot of unnecessary stuff. Keep the weight down to a minimum.  My philosophy is that if I forgot it, I’ll do without it.  If I can’t, I will buy another on the way.   If I have too much on the bike I find the nearest post office or now a UPS store and send things home.  When I went to Alaska I had 19 boxes on my front porch when I got home.

During the classroom of the BRC I always include a segment on what to eat and drink during the course.  I probably should include the same applies to road trips.  Eat healthy!  Limit caffeine.  Include all three food groups in your snacks.  Sugar burns off in a few minutes; Carbs last up to two hours and protein four to six.  Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches contain all three food groups and will give you time released energy.  Joe ate a big breakfast every morning.  It included hard digesting foods.  That meant more rest stops, stomach problems and  I won’t go into detail.  Use your imagination!

I altered my route to include less Interstate and more for lack of other description quiet roads.  Also more scenic.  We spent the first day on the PA Turnpike for no other reason than to get away from the east coast.  We then turned north through Michigan and towards the Upper Peninsula.  Joe was doing fine.  We did have a few discussions about him riding in my blind spot.  We were not being filmed as the 21st century Easyriders.  Leave some distance and enjoy the ride.  Joe did listen and did some exercise to get into shape for the trip, but he did not expect it to be as physically demanding as it was.  I guess I was just used to riding eight or more hours a day.  I use a gel pad in my seat, Joe bought an aftermarket seat that said it was more comfortable.  It didn’t say more comfortable than what.

Now we get to the bridge.  For those of you who have never crossed from lower Michigan to the Upper Peninsula, the bridge is five miles long, usually very windy and the left lane is metal grate and the right lane is concrete.  Of course they were doing repairs on the right lane so it was the metal grate and dealing with the wind.  We stopped at the rest area on the North side where Joe spent some time in the men’s room.  Five miles of a death grip on the handlebars can be painful.  Too late to tell him to ease up and go with the flow.

The UP was a great ride.  Followed the south shore along Lake Michigan and then cut north to ride the shore along Lake Superior.  I put Joe in front to give him a different view of the road.  He was getting more relaxed, more in control and doing much better as a rider.  He was using lane positioning, slowing for those occasional intersections and riding at a steady pace.  During our breaks for food or gas we talked about his feeling of more confidence and being in control.

Next day was the inevitable rain, compounded by a lot of construction in Superior, WI.

The road was covered in mud, there was a long trench in the middle of the road where they were installing a pipeline and of course there were trucks and other large vehicles.  Joe talked about this day for the remainder of the trip. Another learning experience probably made much worse by the fact that he was wearing his duster( remember the duster and no rain pants).  By the time we got to Duluth his boots were filled with water.  Another lesson learned through experience.  We can tell the BRC students things in class but some must learn by experience.  Joe was more mindful of my advice from this point.  That was a good thing, especially when we got to the Rockies.  Still couldn’t get him to lighten up on those big breakfasts.

The rest of the ride was not so eventful but the views were exciting, the roads were good and the people were friendly.  We stayed on the back highways and passed through the small towns, ate in the local cafes and enjoyed the warm dry air.

Leaving Billings we took the Bear Tooth Highway to Yellowstone.  Up, down, switchbacks, cold.  A lot of reminders of Out, In Out, late apex, oncoming traffic on the wrong side of the road.  Stopped several times for the scenery.  And then the ride into Yellowstone.  Several encounters with the wildlife on both two and four legs.  Tourists are inconsiderate, careless and often, for lack of a better word, stupid.  They stop in the middle of the road, litter, noisy and do not consider the rights of others.  We camped in Yellowstone where, because schools had already opened, the campgrounds were empty and peaceful.  Nights were cold and another lesson Joe learned by experience and not from lecture.  My little blow up tent was easy to erect; Air mattress and warm sleeping bag.  Joe decided that it would be cool to have an army style tent composed of two shelter halves and sleep on the ground.  I remember those days from my Army years.  I never want to see a shelter half again.  Joe wound up sleeping on the picnic table to be awakened by the deer looking for leftovers.

The trip out was accompanied by Buffalo on the road, a wolf running across our path, and the winding roads as we descended out of the mountains.  The remainder of the trip was less eventful.  We made stops to visit friends, traveled more of the less travelled roads, dropped south to go through Missouri, Tennessee and up the Blue Ridge on the way home.  Of course travelling East we were accompanied by several days of rain(still no rain pants although I offered to stop several times).  Caught the tail end of a hurricane and holed up for two days in Virginia and left Joe with a lot of war stories to tell his friends.  Every time I see him the question is, “Where are we going this year?”

Joe left as a novice and returned as an experienced rider with a lifetime of learning ahead.  We both felt good about the ride.