As for the 2009 BMW K1300R ..Expect an additional 10hp bringing it up to around 173bhp on tap with a dry weight of 217kg. Optional traction control will be available. The usual refinements are on offer like Duolever suspension and a 79mm x 59mm four-cylinder motor. ABS features too. A price has yet to be set. In contrast, the 2009 K1300GT receives the fewest updates of any K-series for 2009. Guess they couldn't figure out how to make it any more complicated and/or harder to work on. Those with deposits on the K13S have been told to "expect" an early February delivery date; while those with deposits on the K13GT have been given an early March date. Expect lots of details to be released in the next few months.

I've posted pics of the 2009 BMWs in the Pirates Lair Photo Gallery. Look for the album cleverly titled.. 2009 BMW K1200S , K1200R, K1200GT: First Look! There are also a couple of Youtube videos worth looking at... Click Here for a static view of the 2009 K1300S and Click Here for the 2009 K1300S in motion.

Product Review: Kriega R15 / R20 Back-Packs! Listen Up Santa!

When it comes to carrying your daily crap around on your motorcycle, some choose to go with tank bags, top-boxes, and/or rear rack bags.. Others, like me prefer a back-pack. I hate putting bags of any type on my bike. They add "sprung" static weight, affect handling, they usually look ugly, they invite vandalism, and eventually some how or some way your bag(s) will mar your paint causing sleepless nights and in some cases.. erectile dysfunction. No such issues with back-packs. Most generic back-packs are made for camping, hiking, etc and aren't comfortable on a bike...The Kriegas are different. They were designed by motorcyclists for motorcyclists.

Recently a local 'Busa rider turned me on to the British company Kriega and their selection of motorcycle-specific back-packs. I tried his on and it was so comfortable and so unobtrusive ..I placed an order with the lone importer, Aerostitch the next day. After a week using the bag and falling in love with it, I made inquires, signed all the paperwork, jumped through all the hoops, blew the appropriate people and now Pirates Lair sells them..

Actually I ordered TWO back-packs for evaluation not knowing which size I'd prefer. The 6'2" 'Busa rider had an R25 (25 liter capacity hence the designation) which was too big for my needs so I ordered the 2 next smaller bags in the Kriega line... the R15 (pictured at right) and the R20. I figured I'd try them out... see which one felt the best when sitting on my bikes then ship the other back.. My SOP..As it turned out.. I ended up keeping BOTH.. One for daily riding and the larger one for when I need to pack for a day trip out of town.

Product Review: Fix'n Go Fiberglass Repair Kit

Sooner or later if you ride a motorcycle, you're gonna crack something made of plastic or fiberglass. When you do.. not if.. you're gonna have to either A. Pay your local extornionist..er.. dealer for a criminally high priced replacement panel or B. Entertain the idea of making a repair yourself. Earlier this year I went down on my track bike (not a blow job... a crash.. sheesh) and did some minor damage to a couple of body panels and faced this scenario.. Trying to save myself a few doubloons, I did some research, then purchased the Fix'n Go Fiberglass Repair Kit from Sound Specialty Coatings Corporation.

Fix'n Go is a two part, fast curing fiberglass repair kit for motorcycles, boats, kayaks, auto, etc, etc. You can also use it on wood, metal and concrete and get this...it can be applied underwater and will cure underwater. You can even buy the stuff in a variety of colors. The Fix'nGo kit consists of two bottles of thick liquids, some rubber gloves, mixing spoon, application brush, and a baggie of powder that looks like overly stepped-on Cocaine. Probably wouldn't be a good idea to carry this in your car or through any airport in the world. They say it's some sort of flour but it doesn't look like it.. Basically, you pour and mix equal parts of the 2 liquids in a plastic container then mix in the powder to the consistency of a thick creamy gel then apply..

I mixed and applied a small amount to my broken panel and within a few hours it had dried and was easily sanded out to a smooth finish. It goes on very easy but I learned that if you don't make it thick enough.. it'll run. Overall.. it's easy to use.. easy to sand.. and cheap to buy. Well worth the $12.95 investment. As I successfully repaired my body panel I figured I saved myself about $200 even after paying a local guy to paint it. The Fix'nGo kit I bought should last.. oh.. about 200 years as a little goes a long way.

1. "Shaka.. When the walls fell..!!".. Rhinewest, Inc.. makers of the thousands of performance chips and cam kits we've been selling to our K1200RS, GT, R1150R, and LT customers for years has closed their doors to motorcycle business. In case you've been living on Ceti Alpha 6 for the last 8 years, Rhinewest has been one of the few if not the only company specializing in performance parts for the venerable K1200RS.

Amber spoke with the owner a few weeks ago and he did not give a full reason why, but I suspect it's an economic decision. He did tell us that they would continue to burn and sell performance chips until parts are gone, but all new motorcycle sales as well as the motorcycle repair, service, and maintenance end of their operation has closed. Vaya con dios, my friends. One of the best run BMW operations I've ever done business with.. They will be missed.

One silver lining to this dark cloud.. We hear that chief Rhinewest BMW mechanic (and our good friend), Hank Arriazola is planning on opening his own motorcycle repair shop in the same vicinity. He's already looking at a few different locations. Hank is a good friend of ours and one of the best BMW wrenches I've personally ever known. Best of luck Hank.

2. BMW Motorsport is proud to announce double World Superbike Champion Troy Corser will partner recently recruited Ruben Xaus in the WSB 2009 Championship. Two of the most experienced riders in the series have joined forces to prove the potential of the new S1000RR racebike. In 1996, Corser was the youngest rider ever to win the World Superbike Championship, and he repeated this success in 2005. Having competed in 300 races, Corser climbed the podium 126 times, and his 42 pole positions gave him the nickname ‘Mr Superbike’. This experience will help the team immensely in developing the BMW S1000RR, which is sure to be a challenging and exciting debut season. Peter Müller (Head of Development and Model Series at BMW Motorrad): “I’m convinced that we have the best riders for entering the Superbike World Championship. Troy’s experience in this series is unparalleled. Combined with Ruben’s enthusiasm these two are our absolute dream team – exactly the combination which will help us close the gap to the level of top teams as fast as possible.”

3. Speaking of the upcoming BMW superbike ..Would you like to get naked? In today's MCN according to journalist Chris Newbigging who was speaking to Peter Mueller BMWs vice president of development at Cologne. BMW intends to launch a naked version of the S1000RR equipped with ABS and traction control next spring and a 600cc super sport triple is set to follow. BMW is using the S1000RR as a basis for a family of new models including nakeds and all rounders.

4. Here's a tidbit of info that might help RS owners who are thinking about changing their fork oil...Thx, Chuck. "Spoke w/you a coupla weeks ago. Asked about fork oil for my K1200RS, you were stumped. Well be enlightened ( I am sure you were losing sleep over this one) I plundered the info from Foothills BMW, it's a half liter per tube and 15 wt. oil. Cheers Scherer Steamboat,CO.

5. Can you see me now? Interested in front end accessory lighting? Came across this just recently.."The Photon Blaster adds two high-intensity yellow LED light bars on either side of your front wheel. The brilliant yellow color helps your motorcycle stand out and the extra, distinct lights arranged in a triangular pattern with the headlight helps oncoming drivers judge how far away you are and how fast you're approaching. " Hmm.. not too ugly.. Might be worth a look at $150.US

6. R&G Racing has just started selling upper frame crash protectors specifically for the new BMW K1200GT. Check out the installation instructions. I'm not a big fan of the wedge shaped bobbins, but at least the kit is bike specific..

7. Everyone was shocked that the production version of the BMW S1000RR wasn't unveiled at Intermot a few weeks ago. And it wasn't at the EICMA event either. The good news is... the road-going version of the S1000RR SBK World Championship contender has been spied undergoing final shakedown testing at Circuito Alabacete in Southern Spain. The street version of the bike was being tested against a Honda CBR 1000RR and according to all in attendance.. it looked like the BMW was out accelerating the Honda coming out of the curves.

8. Freddie Spencer's High Performance Riding School is CLOSED DOWN! Some people want their deposits back and others want their wages paid. Yikes This really is a bummer. Fast Freddie was in evidence at the school and did some teaching, but Nick Ienatsch was really the main instructor in the recent months. Seems like maybe it's no coincidence that the school has closed as Freddie's broadcasting career has expanded...as well as of course the current financial unpleasantness. Here's hoping Spencer opens the school again, and if not, Ienatsch finds a place to teach.

9. Speaking of fast riding.. We just heard that a new road racing track is being built in Kentucky...The Bluegrass Road Course. Here's the spiel from their website.. "The Bluegrass Road Course is a 3.54-mile Derek Daly Design Signature Track. We are a racetrack down to the DNA of a Thoroughbred Road Course of the finest pedigree. Bluegrass accommodates a variety of motorsports events for cars, karts, and motorcycles, starting at the grassroots and ranging from high-performance driving & riding schools and club racing to the upper echelon of sanctioned events and pro racing. In addition, corporate events and law enforcement & emergency personnel education will be available, along with adult and teen driving and riding schools." Check out the course map.. It looks wild!. This news gives me a chub. Note: Their website goes down more often than a Bangkok ho...Good luck wit dat.

10. Overzealous with your throttle hand? and No.. I'm not talking about excessive masturbation.. not that there's anything wrong with that.. Are you one of the approximately 35 million people who receive a speeding ticket each year? I know I am.. Hell.. I'm the poster boy for speeding tickets. Rather than just sheepishly paying those speeding tickets.. fight back.. Here's some tips how... Fighting a Speeding Ticket

11. Verholen of Germany has something new on their menu.. Bar Risers for the 2006 & Later BMW K1200GT. Price looks to be a reasonable $170 plus shipping. The silver anodized adapters are adjustable and bring the bars about 42 mm higher and 25 mm closer to the rider. The following cryptic text is from their website and concerns the riser kit. I have ZERO idea what it means.. "The M8 clamp boring in the adjustable range received a steel insert M8."

12. Looks like the French company Bullster.com is offering a couple of windshields for the BMW K1200S.. and 18 colors to choose from! Yes.. 18!! They look to me like the standard replacement shape and a double bubble version produced by Secdem. Looks like this is the place to go if you absolutely positively want a windshield to match your paint job.

13. Just in time for Christmas!... it's the RIDE THE DRAGON GAME! FYI... Some very good friends of ours .. fellow motorcyclists... have just got into the board game biz and their first offering is the "Ride The Dragon Game." We got a sample of the game and it is one first class offering. While I have NOT actually played the game, I would assume it would be a very cool Christmas present for that special someone who has everything. Here's some of the verbiage from the Ride The Dragon Game web site...

"Be the first motorcycle rider to safely complete the journey up the dragon's back in this exciting Motorcycle Adventure Game." In the foothills of North Carolina and Tennessee there lies a dragon. You've come to challenge the dragon with your trusty iron steed. You will meet the dragon in every corner and on every curve. There is beauty everywhere, but don't let the dragon's treachery subdue you into false confidence. Sometimes the dragon wins. Are your skills and luck good enough to ride and conquer the dragon? ?

Price looks to be a reasonable $39.95.+ shipping. The perfect stocking stuffer for kids or adults or your cell mate. You can order directly from their website or place an order over the phone at 828-479-1255. Good luck with this, Kim and Jim!

1. About a year ago we had to drop Laser Exhausts from our K1200S and K1200R product lines as the manufacturer had run into serious problems buying manufacturing materials. Mainly stainless steel, but also Titanium. China is buying up all the planets metals causing a worldwide supply problem and higher prices. Micron, makers of hundreds exhausts of Japanese and Italian bikes just closed their doors due to this problem. The Lasers were our biggest selling systems and I hated to drop them.. We probably sold them 3-1 over Remus, Staintune, and Two Brothers combined... and for good reason.
The good news is.. not only is Laser back up and operating at warp speed, but according to their new catalog, they also had an across the board price drop. For instance, their full 4-2-1 K1200S Titanium Exhaust system just dropped from a lofty $1550 to $1250... The Slip-On K1200S HotCam just dropped from $660 to $610. Not bad. As you may have guessed ...yes..we're again taking orders.. Woohoo!!

2. Speaking of Laser's second coming.. If that news didn't get you wet.. this will. In February, they'll have a new offering on the market for the K1200S, K1200R, and both the upcoming K1300S and K1300R..The yet to be released exhaust will have the designation.. Stealth. Here's a first look..(Click pic at right). It will be available in an extremely light-weight full carbon version and a stainless steel version (Inox).. No retail price as of yet. To hell with Viagra. If this doesn't give you a woody then you should donate your eyes to someone who can appreciate them. I'll probably try one of these on my own bike. This "Stealth" looks beeeeeeautiful. and of course.... Pirates' Lair as we will have them. Will post a web page as soon as we get confirmed information and delivery dates. Stay tuned.

3. O, Canada..Part Deux: Last month I launched into a saliva slinging diatribe directed at a few of our Canadian customers who were refusing to pay their customs fees on orders they had received from us. Apparently, my threats of public scorn and humiliation worked as amazingly ALL involved sucked it up and decided to do the right thing. All paid their fees. Isn't that swell? Doesn't that restore your faith in humanity? Me neither, but I'll take it. Thx guys for not making me have to come up there and bust you open like a bag of corn nuts.

4. .. and on a related subject.. and it's probably "karma" related ...I'm very sorry, but I have bad news for our Canuck brethren... We've just had to temporarily cancel our FedEx Int Ground service to Canada. No.. it wasn't because of the aforementioned few apathetic customers trying to f#@k us... although I was tempted. The problem is, FedEx has doubled all their ground rates in the last 2 weeks and told us that we have to pay an additional $35 for each outgoing Int ground shipment to cover back-end brokerage fees. These fees used to be covered by the customer.. Not any more. Bottom line.. I'm simply NOT willing to bend over and take it.. So what does this mean for our Canadian customers? Well.. as UPS will not pick up here and we refuse to have to drive to the US Post office for every Canadian order then fill out forms to ship via them (which we consider no better than gambling), there's only 1 other option.. FedEx Express service.. Either Priority or Economy.. Not cheap.. The good news is.. we spoke to our FedEx rep and rather than lose our Canadian ground business (which is substantial), they are going to supply us with an all new "personalized" ground program with lower rates. We're waiting for the FedEx software guy to notify us of it's availability so we can schedule an appointment for him to come out and install it on our computers. We are very sorry about this.

5. We mentioned in last months cheesy newsletter that due to the sudden death of Richard Catey, the owner of Catey Enterprises ( the maker of BOMS AWAY metal polish) , we would get one last shipment of Boms Away Metal Polish ..Well.. here's the lastest..We suspect the widow is having a hard time as our last shipment never showed up as promised and BOTH her phone numbers have been disconnected...Not a good sign. Amber checked and she never cashed our check.. With that said.. rather than hassle a woman who has just had her life turned upside down..and/or ask our customers to continue waiting indefinitely, we issued full refunds 11/20/08 back through PayPal for all the Boms Away back-orders...If you previously ordered a bottle and have NOT recived our 11/20 email explanation and/or refund, you may need to log in and claim the $$. Sorry gents... this whole situation was out of our control..

BTW.. as an alternative to Boms Away... There's a product made by Staintune called Liquid Mirror Polish sold by CBT for $12.95 / Part # 130POL I've used the Liquid Mirror Polish and it's virtually the same product more or less.. Works every bit as good as the Boms Away.. Trust me..

6. As reported in last months cheesy newsletter.. we recently commissioned our good friends at Evoluzione to exclusively produce some BMW K1200S and K1200R Peg Lowering Kits for us. Those are now In Stock and just in time for Christmas. The "S" Relocator Kit drops your pegs straight down by a full 1" without mucking up the looks of your bike. Install takes all of 15 minutes and is virtually plug and play. You will need to adjust your shift lever which takes all of 2 minutes but otherwise.. a chimp on percodans could do the install. We offer the Evoluzione designed kits in both Silver or Black to match your bike. Cost is $120 delivered inside the US.

10. Just in time for Christmas, and not a minute too soon. We just got a one of the rare shipments of those waaaaay cool Billet Torque Arms for the K1200S, K1200R, and R Sport. Each with the stylish Pirates Lair logo lovingly engraved on the side. Each will guarantee attention from the apposite sex..and occasionally from the same sex. We have only (2) left in silver and (5) left an anodized black... I should mention .. we get perhaps 2 small shipments a year so if you are prone to procrastination...now would be the time to get over it if you've been wanting one of these.. Consider yourself forewarned, swabbie. I keeed you not.. these will tranform the rear section of your bike into a thing of beauty. In Stock / Limited Supply!

How-To-Survive On A Motorcycle

We have 3 contributions this month.. Check out #137 contributed by Mike Wilson and #'s 138 & 139 contributed by Jamie Bush of Washington, DC. Thx mates!

Could these tips 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.

Pirates Lair Sacred Archives

We get a lot of requests for specific articles and/or reviews I've written in the past. Rather than fry my aging brain trying to remember where they are on our multi-thousand page website.. I have decided to list the "worthy" ones here. Most of the links are to past newsletters.. Some are to full web articles. Remember, I'm no expert on anything except perhaps cunnilingus so the opinions within the archives are only my own. Saavy?

BMW How-To Section

Our last contribution was my own... Check out my How-To Install a Nautilus Air Horn on Ducati 1098. It's the first listing on the page.

Picture at right Courtesy of Sports Illustrated photographer Walter Iooss, Jr. / Model: Ms Melissa Haro