Picture Of The Month! Isle of Skye, Scotland! (Click Image for a Larger View)

Every month customers send us killer photos and I see no reason to keep them to myself so what better way to say thanks for sharing than to post them in this Picture of the Month spot..

Our December POTM was contributed by photographer extrordinaire and purveyor of www.Sport-Touring.eu .. Gijs van Dijk .. aka ‘Mo'Gas’ of the Netherlands. This is his 3rd contribution and this shot is probably my favorite. He says of the image.. .."That picture was taken mid morning at the Isle of Skye (Scotland) near Loch Sligachan. A nice balmily and sunny 65F day, which was a big contrast to the previous day when we arrived when it was pissing with rain, dense fog and cold. You couldn’t see more than 300ft. Imagine our surprise at the beautiful scenery the next day when we started riding. In the back you see part of the Black Cuillin, which are the highest mountain range in the UK, with the highest peak at 3255ft (not in the photo). Skye is absolutely stunning, if the weather allows you to see it. :) This is a composite of 3 identical photos with different exposures to create a HDR image that shows foreground and background even though it was shot straight into the sun. "

If you would like to contribute your own"worthy" shot for our newsletter, here's what I'll need. First.. just email me 1 or 2 of your best digital shots. It'll need to be at least 1024x768 in size or larger and preferably A. Of a BMW K1200S, K1300S, K1200RS, K1200R, R Sport, S1000RR, K1600GT, or any model year K1200GT or K1300GT and B. In focus.

What Men Really Want for Christmas: Pirates Lair Gift Cards, Tees, Hats!

Through the years we've gotten more requests for Pirates Lair gift cards, tees, and hats than anything else except perhaps naked pictures of Amber. Who are we to deny the masses? Pirates' Lair again is offering Pirates Lair Gift Cards this holiday season in a number of denominations to fit your congressionally pummeled budget. From $25 to $300! Our standard sized plastic gift card is sleek, stylish, and professionally made. And no.. it doesn't look anything like the babe at right although that's NOT a bad idea. Whip it out (the card, that is) and you will garner respect and admiration from not only your peers, but also the less fortunate around you. and yes... we are also offering our newly printed, limited edition Pirates Lair Plundering Tees and Hats!!

Like buying underwear or choosing a hooker, buying motorcycle accessories is a very personal thing. Simply guessing what your favorite rider actually needs/wants/desires for his ride is a hit or miss proposition. Rather than putting yourself in the embarrassing situation of getting the wrong thing or worse.. something that he or she hates and has to return... you can't go wrong with one of our waaaay cool Pirates Lair Gift Cards. Ladies.. these are perfect for the holidays, birthdays, weddings, promotions, or just a way of saying.. "Honey.. I'm sorry I slept with your brother." Remember.. nothing says.. "I love you" or "I'm sorry" to a man like shiny plastic or I suppose.. an unexpected BJ.. One that doesn't involve begging, cash, or undercover police officers.

Included with every Pirates Lair Gift Card is a single-fold, greeting card style gift card holder with a folded/glued pocket inside for easy gift card insertion and removal. These are made of premium-quality silk finish paper. And that's not all! We also include a small matching envelope. Folded size: 4 3/4" x 3 3/8" Actual cost of each card is $5 to cover cost of card, holder, envelope package, and insured shipping inside the US. For instance.. a $25 gift card will cost $30 to your door. Saavy? Foreign orders are welcome. Happy Holidays!

Product Review Follow-Ups: Year End Closure and Reflection for 2011

Over the past year I've done quite a few product reviews. As we all know.. opinions can and do change after we've used something for a while. Sometimes for the better.. sometimes for the worse. Thought I'd wrap up the year's last cheesy newsletter with some final thoughts.. Some better .. some worse..

Follow-Up: ETI HID Kits April 2011 / We picked up this new line of Chinese-made HID kits early in the year after DDM stopped importing their designated motorcycle kits. To date we've sold at least 400 ETI-brand kits and have seen probs with only one or two kits. Sweet! Well worth the doubloons.

Follow-Up: Turtle Wax "ICE" Synthetic Liquid Polish August 2011 / I reported in August that this was the easiest wax I'd ever used in all my years in this solar system. After many uses I still stick by that assumption, but .. I now realize that the stuff is more of a quick detailing fix for times when you're in a rush (or just really lazy) than a product for long term protection. It definitely doesn't last like a "real" wax product like Maguires Carnuba paste wax, Zaino, Zymol, Mothers, etc. I still use it all the time..

Follow-Up: Arai Quantum II Helmet August 2011 / I said it then and I'll say it again...The Quantum II is simply the best helmet I've ever owned. Light, durable, comfortable... and yes.. I still think Aria's visor mechanism had to be designed by a congressional subcommittee made up of non-riders who've never seen or worn a helmet. In spite of the "easy as a Rubiks cube" visor system... I still love the helmet. It's actually solved some of my long term neck problems which were previously aggravated by heavy lids.

1. BMW Announces K1300S with HP Package!! This just showed up as a press release from BMW Motorrad. Can't tell if its targeted for the U.S. or not. Looks promising! The Dynamics Package from BMW Motorrad presents a range of optional equipment and optional accessories that serve to enhance even further the riding dynamics, riding safety, comfort, and touring capabilities provided by the extensive equipment that is already fitted as standard. The new Dynamics Package will be available from January 2012 for orders of new vehicles.

The highlights of the special model K1300S with HP Package: • metal badge of brushed aluminum with edition number on the air box cover • special paintwork in solid Alpine white/Lupin blue metallic/Night black • HP carbon front wheel cover • HP carbon airbox cover • HP carbon clutch cover • HP carbon seat cover • HP footrests for rider and passenger • HP gearshift assistant • Akrapović sports silencer • electronic suspension adjustment ESA II • onboard computer • automatic stability control ASC • tyre pressure control RDC • heated grips • tinted windscreen • flux capacitor • paddock stand

2..ZTechnik just got their first shipment of VStream Windshields for both the K1600GTL and the K1600GT!! Woohoo!!. Here's the first look of the standard GT VStream.... You can get those at any BMW dealer or ..Pirates Lair, of course.

7. Want to turn the worlds greatest sportbike.. the S1000RR into a butt-ugly pack mule? Believe it or not.. some do and while I personally think that anyone who wants to do such things should be keelhauled and then forced to watch back to back episodes of "the View," I can't let my omnipotent views get in the way of reporting.. For those defilers of the sacred who insist on turning their sportbike into something it's not, Cycle Guys S1000RR Saddlebags use your S1000RR's stock passenger footpeg brackets as mounting points. They do not touch bodywork or seat and does not use any additional brackets. No drilling or modifications are necessary.

The LR360o (Locking Rotational 360 degree) mounting system is what makes these bags unique. Each bag's angle is fully adjustable, allowing clearance of turn signals, exhaust, and to make the bag sit at the right angle on every bike. Once locked in place, the bags don't move. Each SLS bag is rated at ten pounds capacity, enough luggage for a good, long trip out of town, and will also fit a full-face helmet. A zippered expansion allows you to carry even more gear when you need it, and inside, each bag features an elastic cargo net pouch to keep things organized. The complete SLS bag system for the BMW S1000RR includes two SLS bags and adjustable mounting hardware, with a suggested (and reasonable) retail price of $295.00.

2012 Blue Ridge Parkway I-BMW.com Rally: May 17-20, 2012

Where: Wattstull Inn, just north of Buchanan, Virginia
When: May 17th thru 20th, 2011 (Thur – Sun)

Call Wattstull Inn for reservations.
540-254-1551 / Mention: i-bmw group
SPECIFY ROOM TYPE - single, double, king.. / Rooms are 68 (ish*) per night plus tax (*2011 rates)

Blue Ridge Parkway info and maps can be found here and here

Alternate Lodging (info only) : Super 8 – Bedford or Days Inn – Bedford or Peaks of Otter Lodge

The 13th Annual I-BMW.com Deals Gap Rally: October 4-7th, 2012

Where: Fontana Village Resort
Nearest town: Robbinsville, NC
When: October 4th-7th, 2011 [Thur-Sunday]
Reservations: Direct 800.849.2258

20 lodge rooms w/ 2 queen beds/ns: $85+tax - 6 2br cabins with 1 queen and 2 twin beds/kitchen/ns: $120+tax When calling, specify room or cabin. Lodge rooms are in the Garden units with parking outside the door. Cabins will be either the Laurel or Hemlock cabins. Reservations for blocked out rooms will end 45 days prior. Saavy? Free Pirates Lair tees to all attendees who get speeding tickets. Woohoo!! Be sure to mention i-bmw group when booking.

NOTE: I-bmw.com is not an official sponsor of any posted events. Event participation is the sole responsibility of the attendee. Motorcycle riding is potentially dangerous and can result in personal injury or death or lots of velocity awards.. You and you alone are responsible for your own safety. Ride within your own ability. It's called.. "personal responsibility."