Jackass Flats holds one of the largest weekly bike nights in the country.  On any given Wednesday you may see nine hundred to several thousand bikes roll on to the sprawling grounds, it’s quite a site to behold.

Once parked I usually light up a cigar and leisurely stroll up and down the rows looking at the motorcycles.  The majority of the bikes are Harley Davidson’s, although in the past couple of years there has been a noticeable increase in sport bikes and some old school stuff.  I find this trend very refreshing.

After looking through half of the rows of chrome and skulls, my BMW brain needs a break, so I head over to the vendors aisle to peruse the latest high tech gizmo’s, try on some new shades, look at the colorful patches, or pick over some dew rags.  I do this every time I am there, but as I think about it; I have never purchased anything (you know what they say about BMW bikes; “the cheapest thing on them is the rider!”).  After twenty minutes or so, I am ready to resume my sight seeing tour of the remainder of the machines.

Visiting the “Flats” is a nice way to spend a Wednesday night, so if you happen to be in the area on hot and muggy, summer evening, let me know, I will be happy to give you a cigar and show you around.

BMW is recalling certain ’08-’09 F 650 GS and F 800 GS models manufactured from Sept. 27, 2007, through March 30, 2009. The company is also recalling ’07-’08 G 650 Xcountry, Xchallenge and Xmoto models manufacturered from Nov. 29, 2006, through May 19, 2008.

The drive chains of the F650 GS and F800 GS may not have been produced to specification. As a result, over time the chain could break. If the broken chain becomes trapped between the rear wheel and the frame, the rear wheel could lock up.

Regarding the G 650 models, over time the roll gear pin’s mounting attachment could break. If it does, fragments of the attachment could become trapped between the drive chain and the rear sprocket, possibly causing the rear wheel to lock up.

BMW has not yet provided NHTSA with a remedy plan or a notification schedule.

The NHTSA campaign ID numbers are 10V273000 for the G 650 models and 10V274000 for the F 650 and F800.

Posted by Arlo Redwine

I am currently planning a three day trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in late May.  The town of Gettysburg is nestled in Adams County and although this area is steeped in history it is most famous for the first three days in July of 1863.  Under the leadership of General Robert E. Lee, the Confederate army numbering some 75,000 men and General George G. Meade’s Union Army of the Potomac, totaling  some 97,000 strong, collided in Gettysburg and waged the bloodiest battle in American history. 

I have always been fascinated with the Civil War and Gettysburg in particular.  Although I have toured the state of Pennsylvania extensively this will be my “maiden voyage” to town of Gettysburg. I am looking forward to visiting many of the sights I have only read about up till now.

I will only be in the area for three days so careful planning of my sightseeing schedule is critical.  This morning while discussing my travel plans with a friend he suggested I hire a Licensed Battlefield Guide when visiting the National Park, but I understand there is a tour on horseback, as well as Segway personal transporters.

My ride to Gettysburg is exactly the kind of trip I love; 400 miles of Interstate!  The RT will quickly chew up the asphalt and I’ll arrive at my destination in short order.

I am continuing to gather information on this tour and would appreciate any personal feedback you may have such as sites I should visit, a great place to lodge, diners that make a mean pie, or anything else you feel would enhance my experience. 

Thanks!

 

Keep The Rubber Side Down!

 

I can honestly say this is the first article that I have ever written from my garage!  Yep, my garage!   I just returned home from a six hour trip to Holt BMW in Athens, Ohio, and I am wet, tired, and ready for a cigar.   Since it is raining outside and I can no longer smoke in the house, and my covered porch has no furniture on it yet I am banished to the garage (light cigar).

Hey, it’s not so bad though, it smells like motorcycles, has wireless internet, music, and a comfy chair, what more could a guy want?

Well, as I was saying, I attended the Open House for Holt BMW, a small motorcycle store with a large reputation.  The store began as a restoration shop for old BMW’s and added the sales side some time later.  This Open House is one of the favorite stops on my riding calendar for two reasons…

1.        Holt BMW is inconspicuously situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and has some of the best riding roads in Ohio.  Getting there is a blast!

2.       For some reason they service a very unique cliental.  People from all walks of life come from all over the country to be part of this day.  You never know what kind of conversations you will find yourself getting into. The motorcycles are secondary when you are at Holt (puff on cigar).

 This was my first planned trip of the season and although just a short jog I made a couple “first ride of the season mistakes.”

1.        I failed to put my back rest on the RT.  When traveling solo for any distance I always add my backrest.  When riding two up I remove it to give my passenger a little extra saddle space.

2.       I forgot to remove my quilted liner from my riding pants.  Talk about a hot seat (puff on cigar).

Well this Cuba Libre is just about gone and I guess I need a shower. 

 

Keep The Rubber Side Down!

Here’s a five minute video of just a few of the bikes there. I especially like the new S1000RR.

 

BMW reports that an ad for its new S 1000 RR has become the most successful BMW YouTube video ever. So far, it has garnered more than 1.4 million clicks.

The award-winning “Dinner Spot” ad references the magic trick in which a magician pulls the tablecloth from a small table set up with china without damaging anything.

In “Dinner for RR,” the BMW S 1000 RR knows the trade even better: Thanks to its acceleration of 2.9 seconds from zero to 100 kilometers per hour, the bike is able to pull the tablecloth even from a huge banquet, leaving all the china and glasses intact.

My riding season is about to hit 6th gear!  Throughout the month of May I have been working on several projects around the house and this has left little time to ride.

• Trees trimmed
• Shed painted
• Garage painted
• Driveways sealed
• New fencing
• Concrete repair

Oh, that’s not to say say I haven’t been on the RT, I just haven’t been on her much!  I guess you could say I have been riding like a Harley dude, you know; from the bar, to the Union club, to another bar, to the garage.  But now that most of my projects are completed, and the contractors all lined up, I will  be able to hit the road, BMW style.

June’s riding schedule, will include the Saddle Sore 1000, A full day at the AMA Museum on June 6th, and a quick trip to Pittsburgh.  Just to name a few.  I will be adding approximately 2000 miles to the RT’s odometer in June.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I realize “miles don’t make the rider”, and I really do like Harley guys, they definitely know how to look good.   I just don’t want to ride like them!

My buddies in the South finally got to experience a little winter this weekend.  But, just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to put the bike away, see what I mean…