"Gather 'round, lads.... gather 'round"...
Burt Lancaster / The Crimson Pirate (1952)

Around the 1st or 15th of each month, when I deem you are worthy, we put out our cheesy newsletter to inform the masses as to what's happening in the BMW K12RS/GT/S/R world and of course... Pirates' Lair. How else are you going to find out? If you want to subscribe and have these sent via e-mail to your home or office just let us know at pirate@acelink.net .. otherwise you'll get 95% of it here. Why only 95%? Because I tend to tell the brutal truth as I see it on many issues/products and while I don't mind spewing "my opinion" into your home, office or cell, I have no desire to slam, insult, or malign any company, individual, competitor in public.. unless they blatantly deserve it.

Warning: While I do try to add a little humor in every newsletter, some of my language may offend the mild mannered or meek, amongst us. If you are offended easily I suggest you look elsewhere for your written info-tainment. So it is written.. so let it be done....

V: Good evening.
Evey: Who -- Who are you?
V: Voilà! In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of fate. This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is a vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished. However, this valorous visitation of a bygone vexation stands vivified, and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin vanguarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition! The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous. Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose, so let me simply add that it's my very good honor to meet you and you may call me V.. He throws wide his cloak and bows deeply to her.
V: And you would be?
Evey: Evey.
V: Of course you are. They hear sirens in the distance
Evey: Why did you do that? Why did you... help me?
V: Why indeed? He takes out an old antique pocket watch. It is almost midnight.
V: Almost time.
Evey: For what?
V: For the music.
Evey: Music?
V: Yes, music. My music. You see Evey, I am a performer.
Evey: Is that why you're wearing a mask?
V: We all wear masks. Life creates them and forces us to find the one that fits. Do you know what day it is?
Evey: The day the Cheesy Pirates Lair Newsletter comes out?

V: er..You may be right.. I'll have to check my "V-mail"... but...try again..
Evey: November fourth.
V: Not for long. He looks out where, rising above the rooftops, he can see Big Ben. The second hand sweeps into the final minute.
V: As if reciting on a stage.."Remember, remember, the fifth of November, the gunpowder treason and plot. I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot."

V ..Hugo Weaving / Evey..Natilie Portman .... V for Vendetta 2006

1. We're starting to hear rumors about the 2008 K1200GT... These two have been confirmed.. 1. the information display will now show "service reminders" for the bike and 2. an all new Silver color will be an option.

2. Been thinking about adding an electronic cruise control to your K1200RS? Better get your procrastinating ass in gear as there are only (2) left...Once Motorcycle Cruise of Australia sells the last two.. no more will be produced. Read it and weep.

3. Vanson in Chapter 11? Vanson Leathers in Fall River, MA is in chapter 11 and suffering some down times. Might want to stock up on your favorite gear. And their customer service was almost as good as Corbins.. Go figure. I have no further details at this time. While I'm NOT surprised as the company was run so poorly... they sure did/do produce some top quality gear. My TWO favorite jackets are Vanson... I hope they get things worked out as it sure would be a bad thing to see them go down in flames.A serious blow to the motorcycle garment industry.

4. Sargent Cycle's new K1200S World Sport Modular Seat System is finally on the market.. (see blurb above)

5. Got clutch problems with your 2006-2006 K1200GT and don't want to spend the bucks to replace it with another cheesy factory unit? Looks like there is an option on the market. We were just notified that the the slipper clutch that Pack Parts of Germany sells for the K1200S and K1200R also fits the new GT. The original basket, the original clutch pads, and the original spring is used.

6. Looking for bar-end mirrors for your K1200R? Look no further than Kaleefornia. The part number is 1557409 and they are available from BMW of Santa Cruz for $34.95 each. Installation is very straightforward, simply remove the bar end weight with the appropriate size Torx bit and then reinstall it with the mirror attached with a longer socket head machine screw of your choice (it's M8-1.25 and should be about 30mm long.) You need a button head machine screw (M10-1.5) to cover the stock holes or you could probably use a clamp from a K1200S which doesn't have the hole because of the fairing mounted mirrors.

7. Price Reduction? We just got unconfirmed word that as of July 17 every 2007 K1200S has been reduced by $1380 per BMWNA.

8. We just got confirmation from a customer that R& G Racing K1200S Frame Sliders .. upper frame, front fork sliders, and shaft protectors will also fit the 2006+ BMW K1200GT's! We are told that the upper frame sliders will require a few spacers to be made in order to make it look complete and those are NOT included in the kits.

9. If you've been procrastinating about buying a pair of Verholen K1200S Bar Risers... well you can start kicking yourself right about now. They just raised their prices on the 2005-2006 year model kits from $225 to $345 (as per their web site) and ADDED an all new 2007 K1200S version kit which is different than the 2005-06 kit as it includes a longer steel braided brake line which is required due to BMW moving the brake fluid reservoir on the newer bikes...Damn Germans. The 2007+ Verholen K1200S Bar Risers go for a sphincter puckering.. are you sitting.... $445.US

2. We now have Verholen Bar Riser Kits for the 2007 K1200S. FYI.. BMW changed the switch housing position or some s#@ like that which means the standard 05-06 kit will not work. The 2007 kit requires a longer brake line (geezz) which our kit includes...and of course... the price is $100 higher. Ouch!

3. Here Ye.. Here Ye: End Of An Era Notice Well.. we've had a good run but the time has come to discontinue production of our venerable R1150R Stealth Backrest. Demand is dwindling and the price of stainless steel has tripled over the last 2 years making further orders virtually profitless.. With that said..We have our LAST PRODUCTION RUN in stock. Once these are gone.. there will be no more so if you've been on the fence... this is your last chance to make your move, Johnny Ringo.. Consider yourself forewarned. "I'm your huckleberry."

4. Got clutch problems with your 2006-2006 K1200GT and don't want to spend the bucks to replace it with another cheesy factory unit? We were just notified that the the slipper clutch that we get from Pack Pats of Germany for the K1200S and K1200R also fits on the new GT. The original basket, the original clutch pads, and the original spring is used. You can order those here..

5. We just got our first shipment of MRA's Original Replacement Dark Tinted Windshields for the K1200S. Apparently there are sick, demented people out there that like the original shape and airflow characteristics of the stock K1200S windshield.. Sorry, but I don't have pics of them yet...

6. We just got confirmation from a customer that the R & G Frame Sliders they sell for the K1200S .. Upper frame, front fork sliders, and shaft protectors will also fit the 2005+ BMW K1200GT's! We are told that the upper frame sliders will require a few spacers to be made in order to make it look complete.

7. We now have the K1200R / K1200R Sport version Tech Spec Gripster Kits in stock from TechSpec-USA. If you want grip AND paint protection.. you'll love these kits. By gripping the tank with your legs, a rider can improve the overall control of a motorcycle, control of their body weight, a more positive seat position, as well as longer lasting erections

Improved control of the riders body weight will help improve overall handling. Increased control equals less fatigue. Perfect for aggressive, higher skilled, track day riders. Each (3) piece kit includes R & L Tank Grip Skins and one Tank Protector.The K1200R kit will also fit the K1200R Sport.

Well.. the last K12 rally of the year is upcoming, friends. Again it'll be at the Tapoco Lodge at Deal's Gap again for 2007, Sept 27th - 29th. It won't hold us all, so make plans now! Amber and I are already booked!! This'll be the last K12 Rally of the year, my friends. Be there or forever regret it like the time you blew that chance with those twins because you misread the subtle signals they were giving you..

No sign-up sheet . Just reserve a room if there are any left...!

Friday noon meal (at 1:00pm) will be at the Troll Restaurant in Helen, Ga (under the bridge)
Saturday noon meal (at 1;00 pm) will be at the Bistro, Telico Plains, Tennessee (western end of the Cherohala)

As usual, Fri and Sat evening will consist of tall tales, video worthy of Americas Most Wanted, and food in the Lodge. No set times.

Alternate Lodging in Robbinsville, NC. Microtel Motel.
Closest dealer (err, one in Knoxville yet?) Touring Sport BMW Greenville, SC

How-To-Survive On A Motorcycle

We have one new contribution this month.! Check out # 127 contributed by Mountain Mike in the Trinity Alps CA.!!! Thx dude!!

Could this tip save your life? Dare you NOT look?

If you'd like to help others by contributing a How-To-Survive on your Motorcycle, How to Survive Deals Gap, or any How-To link.. First... check out the tips we already have and if you have something new... just send to me and if it's worthy... I'll add it.. Remember.. we're all in this together.. so use deodorant.