Picture Of The Month! The Lost Coast! (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 our Picture of the Month spot..

Our November / December POTM was contributed by my good friend and second most interesting person in the world.. Charlie Wickliff.. .. aka "Kneedragger" over at I-BMW.com. He says of the shot... "About 20 miles north of Fort Bragg, CA Hwy 1 leaves the coastline and goes inland over a small coastal mountain range and terminates about 25 miles beyond at the intersection of 101 in Willits. Apparently, the highway engineers determined that the coastline at that point was too rugged to continue the highway on the coast. From that point north is known as the "Lost Coast", the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the lower 48. This is where Hwy 1 turns inland over the coastal range...

That 25 miles is absolute motorcycle nirvana... not a straight section in the road, very light traffic, and excellent pavement... as good as it gets. The photo is somewhere along that coastal range section, heading westbound back towards the coast. It was a 2000 mile, touring shakedown ride in July, on my brand new S1000R... Two thumbs up for this magnificent machine!! I was using the camera on my Samsung Galaxy 7 phone... mental state: ecstasy...."

2016 I-BMW Deals Gap Rally: A Tale of Two Hurricanes (Promoted by www.I-BMW.com )

At last years DGR, Hurricane Joaquin rolled in with biblical rains just as our rally began. The timing couldn't have been worse. Who could have imagined a second hurricane would hit North Carolina exactly one year later to the day? While I was sweating bullets that we'd have another rain-out this year, Hurricane Matthew missed us. Barely. Amazingly, weather for this year's event was spanktacular from start to finish. The riding, as usual, was phenomenal.

The newly renovated Tapoco Lodge IMHO was impressive and did not disappoint.. As promised they actually had a welcoming banner for our group. This was the 17th year for this event and we had the smallest number of attendees of any I-BMW rally I've ever attended. Unless I'm mistaken we had only 10 riders show (last year during a full blown hurricane and 14" of rain we had twice that!) WTF?! The low attendance during world-class weather was baffling. The good news is... those of us who showed up had a great time except for our good friend JohnO who had a close encounter with a Buick that backed out in front of him sending him to the hospital and his bike to the scrap yard. Best wishes to John for a fast recovery...

We're definitely going back in 2017, but there's a change coming, my fellow hooligans! It's been 5 or 6 years since I asked attendees if they'd like to change the date of the rally so on the week of 10/16 I posted a poll at I-BMW.com and the results were unequivocal. We're moving the rally weekend to late September rather than early October. New dates and details for the 2017 DGR are in the rally section below.

New Product: ZTechnik VStream Windshields for the 2015+ BMW R1200RS

Once again ZTechnik delivers the goods with their new series of VStream shields for the R1200RS. Pirates Lair carries all (3) of the new shields including their dark tinted Sport Windscreen, the light tinted Sport/Tour version, and their clear Touring shield. The advanced "V" shape and dimensional contours push the wind vortex out and away from the rider's helmet, resulting in a peaceful, quiet environment This improvement is notable for the passenger as well.

Each VStream shield offers the lucky R1200RS rider increased wind protection without sacrificing the cutting edge sporting appearance. Here are some links showing the differences.. Side By Side Front View Z Shield Comparison Chart for 2016+ R1200RS or Overlay Z Shield Comparison Chart for R1200RS

Each VStream windscreen includes a custom designed, super-strong mounting bracket that attaches easily to the OEM windscreen mount points. The bracket gives the larger VStream windscreen solid lateral support and high-speed stability. Pirates Lair has them here....

Upcoming Products for 2017: Stealth Backrests for the BMW R1200RS & Kawasaki Versys 1000

We've been quite busy over the last year. As soon as we finished our R1200GSW backrest project, we started on backrest designs for both the 2015+ BMW R1200RS and the Kawasaki Versys 1000. We initially ran into some serious issues with the R1200RS project and almost gave up, but out of the blue we got some unexpected help from one of our customers and now the project is on schedule for early 2017 release. (see pic at right). Our R1200RS Stealth Backrest kit, like almost all our other backrest kits, will slide on and off your bike in a matter of seconds and without tools. Each kit will include a sleek and sturdy aluminum rear rack (available in a textured black finish), mounting hardware, and one hand-matched removable backrest.

Our Versys 1000 Stealth backrest was a much easier project as that bike shares the same oem rack as the Concours 1400 and we already had a backrest for the Connie.. All we had to do was raise the platform (via some CNC'd aluminum rails) to clear the seat and viola... Done.. Those should be available by Christmas or shortly thereafter. Cost is a little higher than our other backrests due to the extra rails we have to include with each kit. No new projects are on the schedule once these are completed.. Time for a mental rest...

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

Through the years we've gotten more requests for Pirates Lair gift cards and tees 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. 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.

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.. "Sorry honey..but I didn't realize that the old guitar I sold at last month's yard sale for $40 was a 1965 Fender Stratocaster personally autographed by Jimi Hendrix." 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. 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!

2. Recall Notice 2014-2015 R nine T: Turn Signals- US owners should know that there is a recall on this model by the NHTSA. BMW NA is recalling certain R nineT motorcycles manufactured between Nov 27, '13, through Jan 26, '15. The design of the rear turn signals may partially obscure the lights from being seen from the rear. BMW will notify owners and will replace the rear turn signals. Here's 'a a link to the NHTSA Gov webpage..
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V110000 - Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,792

3. BMW Announces 2017 R1200 Series Updates.. BMW announced a number of updates for its liquid-cooled boxer models. The R1200R, R1200RT, R1200RS and R1200GS all return with some minor changes while the R1200GS Adventure is also back, now with a new special edition Triple Black variant. For 2017, all R1200 models receive judder dampers on the transmission output shaft (formerly standard equipment for just the R1200GS Adventure), along with revised selector drum actuators, transmission shafts and transmission shaft bearing. As well, 2017 models receive a new on-board diagnostics indicator light as per Euro 4 requirements.

4. Want to light up your world?? Check out this Clearwater Sevina Dimmable LED Light Kit Review - by our good friend Moto Mouth Moshe Episode #17

5. For K1600GT owners wanting some slimmer "City-Bag-type" lids for their gargantuan oem hardbags...look no further than BCD Megastore. Price is a lofty $518 a pair, but these French-made slim covers look damn nice.. They also list them available for the R1200RT.

6. Here's a nice find... LED Motorcycle Tail Light (Sequential Turn signal) For BMW K 1200R / K1200S It's another Chinese import, but these days almost all lights come from there.. We heard it works as good as it looks and install isn't bad...

7. I reviewed the Reevu MSX1 Rear-View Mirror Helmet back in 2010.. Loved the helmet and I'd be wearing one today if it hadn't been so heavy for my old neck bones and muscles.. If you've been considering this revolutionary design helmet you might want to check the latest review from our good friend Moto Mouth Moshe.. a regular poster over at I-BMW.com.... Reevu MSX1 Rear View Full Face Helmet Review He's also posted a video review of the Adaptiv Technologies TPX 2.0 Radar and Laser Detector. As usual, this latest video is well done and extremely watchable..

8. Looking for a great Christmas present for your favorite velocity monger?? Here's the 2016 top 10 radar detectors on the market... http://www.radarbusters.com/Best-Rad...ide-s/2461.htm

9. The Two Brothers Silver Series "Shortie" Slip-On exhaust system for the BMW K1300S & K1200S has been discontinued as of 11/02/16.... These were a Pirates Lair exclusive offering. No more are available..

10. Thinking about touring Ireland via motorcycle? It's always been on my personal bucket list. Celtic Rider is a 5 star award winning motorcycle touring company based in Kildare, Ireland that specializes in self-guided tours. They offer complete packages to fellow motorcycle touring enthusiasts including motorcycle rental, Garmin sat-nav and riding gear, Safety Orientation Course (to familiarize riders with riding in Ireland, rules of the road etc.). Check out their 5 Star Rating on TripAdvisor.

11. Now and then our customers are kind enough to send us links to "how-to" projects and I always share. Got a good one this month from Brooks Wolfe of Belfair, WA. Check out his Denali SoundBomb Installation on BMW R1200RS . He's even posted a before and after YouTube video for our audio enjoyment.. Thanks, B.

5. New Product Alert: We just added Remus exhausts for the TRIUMPH Bonneville T120 to our menu.. Here's a sound clip..

6. Here's a last minute idea for an inexpensive Christmas present.. FYI.. I never ride without wearing a helmet liner inside my helmet.. NEVER.. and the best one on the market IMHO is the Raci-Baby Helmet Liner I actually did a review of this helmet liner in our July 2012 Issue. I have 2 that I rotate in the wash when the other is dirty. IMHO.. these would make the perfect gift for anyone who wears a helmet.... Motorcyclists, snowmobilers, skiers, bicyclists, and probably soldiers. And did I mention these are made here in the USA?

7. Until Jan 10th, 2017, all our Pirates Lair tees are on sale!!! Yes.. you heard that correctly. Both short and long sleeve. Check out our Pirates Lair Plundering tees Just in time for the cold months ahead and the holidays. The XLarge tees also make wonderful sleepwear for your rug rats or that special person in your life. Also good for covering up back hair and/or aging tattoos. Guaranteed to get you laid more often.*
* Does not work on married men or GS riders.

8. Just a reminder... For the last 13 years I've collected photos of bikes, rallies, events, vacations, babes, etc and have uploaded all of them to the Pirates Lair Photo Gallery hosted by SmugMug. I have dozens of albums there for public viewing and/or downloading. Our "Wall of Shame" album seems to get the most hits.. If you'd like to contribute.. email me a pic of your close encounter with the law. Enjoy

The 2017 Australian I-BMW Rally: March 3-7th, 2017 New!

When: 3-4-5-6-7th March 2017
Where: Meeting in Tumut on the Thursday 2nd March afternoon/night... Currently all details can be found at I-BMW.com

Basic Ride Plan
*Thursday 2nd March – Meet at Tumut in the afternoon/evening.
*Friday 3rd March – Ride from Tumut to Merimbula via Khancoban/Jindabyne/Bombala.
*Saturday 4th March – Ride to Orbost via Bombala and Delegate and do the Bonang Hwy in both directions and back to Merimbula.
*Sunday 5th March – Ride from Merimbula to Bright via Bairnsdale/Omeo/Mt Hotham.
*Monday 6th March – Ride in and around Mt Hotham/ Falls Creek/Mitta Mitta, returning to Bright.
*Tuesday 7th March – Ride from Bright to Tumut via Granya/Goats Ridge rd.
*Wednesday 8th March – Go Home………

All rally details including detailed maps showing the daily routes, lodging, etc... can be found at I-BMW.com Motorcycle rentals are available out of Sydney and Melbourne with quite a few BMW's on the menu. Costs are about $200-300+ a day plus insurance, deposit etc. Be a part of (hopefully) a new tradition.. and watch out for the 'roos.

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."

The 18th Annual I-BMW Deals Gap Rally: Sept 28-30th, 2017 New Date!

Where: Tapoco Lodge
Nearest town: Robbinsville, NC
When: Sept 28-30th, 2017 [Thur-Sat] Check out Sunday
Reservations: Direct 800.849.2258

The Tapoco Lodge (near Robbinsville) site of our first 9 or so DGR's will again host the 2017 event. Hopefully without any hurricanes spoiling the fun. The newly renovated, upscale Tapoco has reserved all their cabins for our motley group. Woohoo!! All cabins for 2017 range from $129-229 a night. Be sure to mention i-bmw group when booking. Amber and I will be there. Neither of us will be wearing panties. They are taking reservations now!

Alternate Lodging in Robbinsville, NC. Microtel Motel or Fontana Village Resort
Closest BMW dealer: Eurosport of Asheville, NC

Cancellation Policy: In the event of cancellation 30 days prior to the event, guest will be charged for one night. If the cancellation is outside of the 30 days, there will be no charge. This policy will be strictly enforced in 2017 and is nonnegotiable. Savvy?

...and don't forget... Pirates Lair will be offering your choice of either Pirates Lair tees or $25 gift cards to anyone who achieves a "velocity award" while in transit to or from or at the rally itself.. If we don't reward bad behavior... who else will?? Arrrrrrg.

Guess that kinda wraps this one up. This will be the last communiqué for 2016. It's been another challenging year for Amber and I (and Pirates' Lair) thanks to the outgoing Obama regime, but we survived another year. Barely. Who knows what the future will bring. Amber and I appreciate everyone's support, advice, encouragement, and occasional naked pics throughout this past year. Best wishes to you all for a prosperous 2017...

In spite of what the far left would like us to say, we sincerely hope that you and yours (no matter what bike you ride and/or religion) have a a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Remember if you're gonna drink... leave the bike at home... For our secularist customers... Happy Winter Season.

For the US troops serving all over the world thank you for everything you are doing for us and our country. Godspeed, soldier.

Take care.. ride safe...stay warm.. watch out for flying reindeer... See you in the New Year..