Picture Of The Month! Fall in Asheville, NC.. (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 Jan / February POTM was contributed by Brad Boettcher who lives in Asheville, NC. He says of the photo..."I live in Asheville, NC but I work in Weaverville, NC (about 20-25 minutes north). I leave for work at 5:30 am and thought I might ride this morning as it wasn’t too cold (approximately 50 degrees), but quickly realized there was a crazy-thick fog and opted out. The fog seemed to lift though after a couple hours of work and there was some discussion amongst the group of guys I work with about how this would be the perfect day to skip out and go for a ride. Well I thought about it for a bit and playing hooky just wasn’t in the cards today, but I couldn’t help think how beautiful the weather had become on my drive home. I think the temp was sitting on 70 degrees at this point.

To my surprise, my son was home when I got there. First thing I said to him was “quick, grab your bike (he has a KTM RC390) and let’s go for a quick ride and get a picture while the sun is good.” Without hesitation we set out. Unfortunately we didn’t have time for a long ride today, but it turned out to be just enough. We stopped on the way home near the entrance to our neighborhood and got a few snapshots with my iPhone. I was actually pretty impressed that my iPhone was able to capture such a nice shot to be honest. What was I thinking trying to hold on to that Motorola Razr for so many years!."

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 any late model BMW .. B. In focus... C. No GSs for God's sake.

Pirates Lair Steps into the Future...: "I am Nomad..."

My IT guy had been telling me for years I needed to upgrade my computer and operating system or there would be hell to pay at some point. "The longer you wait.. the worse it'll be" was his common refrain. The thing is.. I'm a procrastinator so you know how that advice was taken. I'd log his warnings into my mental archives and laugh at the lessor gods. Like a car running near empty.. I kept pushing it for just a few more miles.

Recently, the aforementioned 13 year old computer (still running Windows Vista OP) started shutting down at random times of the day.. Every day..The proverbial writing was on the wall. I called my IT guy to coordinate an upgrade strategy before it had a total meltdown and was sucker punched with the news that he'd recently left Asheville and moved out to the coast.. Krikey. He referred me to Asheville Computer Company. Great.. I would have to put my faith.. my life.. and my business in the hands of strangers. I checked them out and they had impressive street creds so I called Aaron (the owner) and spoke in depth with him about what I needed done..

The diabolical replacement plan I'd been formulating over two years or so was this.. Knowing many of the essential programs I use on an hourly basis were NOT compatible with Win10, I had already procured a new/unused copy of Win 7 from a friend. My plan was to buy a new computer with Win 10.. Install Win 7 on top of it (which is compatible with my ancient programs) then integrate my vast database to hopefully work with the upgraded (but still old) Win 7 operating system. "A brilliant plan worthy of Lex Luthor," I said to myself. I ran my idea by the owner of Asheville Computer Services expecting awe and a newfound admiration, but all I got was a blank stare. He sat silent for a few moments.. then without commenting on the words that had just come out of my mouth he offered up an alternative game plan.

Rather than trying to adapt my ancient programs to function in Win10 or a downgraded Win 7 which is already all but obsolete,.. he suggested a "virtual" computer.. Apparently there's a software program that basically makes a copy of my current computer.. my Vista  operating system, all my old programs, files, pics, folders, porn, etc and drops them inside the Windows 10 operating system to work independently. He said I could open Win 10, click on a single icon,  and  a mirror image of my Vista system would pop up. Even the same screensaver.. Everything would  look the same and work the same... Bam.. This sounded like the dream upgrade..

He quoted a 4 day turnaround for the procedure at reasonable price so I set up the appointment for a few days later. In the meantime I went out and bought a new computer. I know very little about modern computers so Aaron provided some invaluable advice and I took it.. While I could have opted for an "adequate" machine.. I opted for one of the best on the market.. An HP EliteDesk 800 G4 Tower PC..with a blazingly fast Intel Core i7 processor..SSD (solid state) hard drive. Enough memory to house the entire Vatican archives and enough power to conquer small solar systems. It's what James T Kirk would buy. I bought the machine direct from HP and it was in my hands in 2 days. I immediately named it "Nomad."

The day I was to drop off the computer, my worst fears were realized.. It refused to turn on. Then when it did fire up, I got the dreaded blue screen of death. After 1/2 a dozen cold starts I got it running enough to finish my morning work before shutting it down for the drop off at Asheville Computer Co.. It was as if God said.. " you think I'm gonna make this transition easy, yee procrastinator?...Hold my beer!".. My anxiety level increased exponentially.. I sheepishly dropped the unit off with them, explained what had happened, and hoped for the best. The look on their faces once I mentioned "blue screen" was not comforting. In my mind I could already hear Mozart's Requiem playing in the background..

What was supposed to be a 4 day turn-around turned into 5..  6.. then a week of sleepless nights.. On the 9th day Paul called me and said the work was done. Everything from my old HP had been transferred onto the new HP machine and it was working perfectly.. I drove down and sat with Paul (one of their tech guys) for about 30 minutes while he walked me through the new rig.. Working with Windows 10... Switching between my virtual VISTA machine and Win 10.. and the pros and cons of conquering small civilizations. He answered every question I could throw at him effortlessly.. As promised, everything worked like a charm and the icing on the cake.. my VISTA operating system was much faster. Amazing.

New ZTechnik R1250 Engine Guards for the 2019+ BMW R1250RT, GS, RS, R

New to our 2020 menu are ZTechnik's Engine Guards for the 2019+ model BMW R1250GS, R1250RT, R1250R, and R1250RS in both an Electropolished Stainless Steel finish and a new E-Coated/Powder coated Black steel finish. The E-Coat (Electrophoretic Coating) is applied inside and out to eliminate rust and corrosion and the Black Powder coating makes the finish tough and long lasting. Cool, huh?

The new Z engine guards attach to the engine mounts – not the engine covers – to protect the motor's heads/valve covers. They are carefully designed to allow clearance for oil changes or valve cover access, so they don’t need to be removed for routine maintenance. For greater comfort on longer rides, mount 1-inch clamp-on foot pegs to the Engine Guard’s upper or forward sections. All mounting hardware is included, along with supposedly easy-to-follow instructions.

Integrated top brackets on each guard allow the rider to mount accessory lights, video cameras, Gatling guns, or whatever the heart desires! These fit the standard 2019+ liquid-cooled R1250GS, R1250RT, R1250R, and R1250RS. ZTechnik products are made right here in the U.S.A

Protect yourself and your wallet.. or not. We both know sooner or later you'll drop the bike. The question you have to ask yourself is... "Will I be prepared?" Like sex with a hooker.. if you're gonna go down on them... have protection..

New MRA Windscreens for the 2019+ BMW S1000RR

New to our 2020 menu are the latest German-made MRA Racing Screen for the 2020 BMW S1000RR. Improve your aerodynamics, high-speed stability and aesthetics with this easy to mount and reasonably priced replacement windscreens.

We offer 2 versions for your S1000RR.. The first is an oem replacement. It's about the same height and width as oem, just with a patented "double bubble" profile which decreases pressure on the helmet at high speeds and significantly reduces buffeting, wind noise and turbulence. This 'double bubble' profile helps you tuck in behind the windshield and instead of creating lift, it pulls the front of the bike onto the road. The result.. less drag and more stability at high speeds and overall a much smoother ride.

The second version is the Racing shield. It offers the same "double bubble" design, but is taller.. Expect superior optical clarity, it's virtually unbreakable, and is resistant to most chemicals including alcohol, cleaners, and fuel. The lower part of screen has black gradient to hide rear of instrument panel. LIke the oem shield, the Racing version significantly reduces buffeting, wind noise, and turbulence.

For a comparison of the oem vs the MRA windscreens click here.. Both shields are available in black, clear, and smoke grey. They fit the 2019+ BMW S1000RR. Easy bolt on install using oem hardware.

New ZTechnik Windscreens for the 2019+ BMW R1250R

New to our 2020 menu are the latest US-made ZTechnik Windscreens for the 2019+ BMW R1250R. Improve your aerodynamics, high-speed stability and aesthetics with this easy to mount and painfully over-priced replacement windscreens.

We offer 2versions for your 2019-2020 BMW R1250R.. The first is an oem replacement. It's about the same height and width as oem, just with a patented "double bubble" profile which decreases pressure on the helmet at high speeds and significantly reduces buffeting, wind noise and turbulence. This 'double bubble' profile helps you tuck in behind the windshield and instead of creating lift, it pulls the front of the bike onto the road. The result.. less drag and more stability at high speeds and overall a much smoother ride.

The second version is the Racing shield. It offers the same "double bubble" design, but is taller.. Expect superior optical clarity, it's virtually unbreakable, and is resistant to most chemicals including alcohol, cleaners, fuel, and sexual lubricants. The lower part of screen has black gradient to hide rear of instrument panel. Like the oem shield, the Racing version significantly reduces buffeting, wind noise, and turbulence.

For a comparison of the three versions click here.. They fit the 2019+ BMW R1250RR. Chimp-easy* install using supplied hardware.

* Chimp not included..

New inView Wireless Helmet Brake and Turn Signal System

According to our rep, Pirates Lair should be receiving our first shipment of the new inView Wireless Helmet Brake and Turn Signal System around February 1st.

I've been a motorcyclist for almost 50 years and like most riders, I'm always looking for safety equipment that'll keep me out of a hospital or pine box. Through the years I've kept my eye on these "helmet lights" thinking it was a great idea. Almost without exception, none had all the kinks worked out. The technology simply wasn't there. Apparently that has changed with the inView Wireless Helmet Brake and Turn Signal System.. Reviews have been off-the-charts positive. The inView even won the prestigious “Best Safety Product AIMExpo” in 2o19!

The inView is a wireless helmet brake and turn signal light system with advanced features that dramatically increases your visibility and riding safety. It attaches easily to any helmet and any motorcycle to provide brake, hazard, and turn signal LED lighting. Advanced features include propriety inView technology. Install is supposedly pretty easy and the receiver runs on AAA batteries. And yes.. it's CanBus compatible.

Another cool feature ... there’s no on/off switch. Once the transceiver is hardwired to your motorcycle and light affixed to your helmet with the batteries installed, the unit will work as intended.

The inView system includes the brake light/turn signal, wireless transceiver, accessory LED brake light, adhesive Velcro, mounting hardware, and two AAA batteries that should last a full season. It'll be available in both Red or Clear lenses. Our first shipment is due in February. Welcome to the future of motorcycle lighting safety.

1. Here's something new to start the year.. Check out Sargent's BMW K 1600 Grand America (2018+) World Sport Performance Seat & EM-5 Adjustable Backrest . This Sargent seat starts with a great foundation - a precision-molded, lightweight but tough PolyTec base. Next, Super Cell Atomic Foam with patented Zone Suspension Body Contour Technology provides improved lateral support and critical pressure relief for maximum long-distance comfort. And “plug and play” heat integrates seamlessly with the Grand America's on-board OEM controls. The seat is finished with their premium “Exclusive Black” vinyl upholstery and double-stitched sealed seams. Is your ass worth it?

2. This is kinda cool... 2021 BMW R 18 Pre-Ordering Begins: Special Webpage Live Now

3. Wondering what options are on a used bike you are considering? Here is the FREE site that I use to check the installed equipment on any bike. Just needed the last seven digits of the VIN.

4. We just got this from ZTechnik .. "We are excited to announce the release of the VStream Windscreens for the 2019+ R1250R model! This release completes the offering of VStream experience for the "R" model family. Email me for pricing and details if interested..

5. For those with older BMW twins looking for blinker covers... the following info from Whitelights of Germany might be helpful. "We have re-produced front signal lenses, which are discontinued by BMW. It will be BMW OEM 46631453001 and 46631453002 for K589 (K100RS/K1100RS/K1100LT/K100RS/K100RT/K100LT) from 1983-1996. Available in amber and clear. It's a best seller in Europe. Retail price 36 Euro/pair (amber) and 39,90 Euro/pair incl. bulbs (clear).

6. Also from Whitelights.. Apparently they are no longer selling the clear front lenses for the 2006-08 BMW K1200GT & 2009-2010 K1300GT. My rep says.. "I will not get them anymore in near future. Manufacturer was kidding market with non e-certificated parts for ages. Those WLB-59 was just permitted as amber version, clear and smoked do not have a certificate and it is forbidden to offer non e-marked parts here in europe, so i am not able to get them until maker will have correct certificates for all lens colors. That will take about a half year. regards, Torsten"

7. Here's a new phenomenon in the industry.. “Cosmetically Aged” Motorcycle Is Auction Winner".. Opinions welcome..

8. BMW Hit With Class Action Lawsuit... Yikes! BMW of North America, LLC has been slapped with a proposed class-action lawsuit. The plaintiff claims that BMW placed its customers’ safety at issue by selling motorcycles with faulty gear indicators. The suit alleges that the defective gear indicators increased the risk of accidents and poses other safety concerns.

9. The New 2020 BMW S 1000 XR – Lighter, Faster And More Versatile- The latest edition of the best-selling Adventure Sport bike, now radically lighter and more agile, delivers an unprecedented combination of long-distance performance and sports capabilities. With a completely newly developed engine and suspension and a DIN unladen weight of 498 lbs – 22 lbs lighter than its predecessor when adjusted for equipment – the S 1000 XR opens up a whole new dimension in the Adventure Sport segment.

4. New Product Alert! Sliding forward when coming to a stop? Scuffing up your gas tank with your knees and jacket? Wife sliding off the bike during late night garage sex? If you want grip AND protection for your brand spanking new 2020 S1000RR.. we now have TechSpec Gripster Kits for them on our website. By gripping the tank with your legs, a rider can improve the overall control of a motorcycle, control of their body weight, and obtain a more positive seat position. Improved control of the riders body weight will help improve overall handling. Increased control equals a smoother, less fatigued, and more enjoyable ride. Each (3) piece kit includes R & L Grip Skins and a tank protector for the front of the tank. We have kits for the aforementioned 2020 model as well as the 2009-2019 BMW S1000RR & S1000R .

5. New Product Alert! As per the blurb above... we now have the ZTechnik R1250 Engine Guards for the 2019+ BMW R1250RT, GS, RS, R

8. We now have the Pyramid Carbon Fiber Fenda Extenda for the 2011+ BMW K1600GTL / K1600GT & 2017+ Bagger. No drilling required.

9. We just got confirmation that our BMW R1200GS LC Stealth Backrest will fit the R1250GS LC. Woohoo! Our kit includes a padded backrest and an aluminum mounting plate that bolts directly to the top of your oem rack. Install is under 5 minutes with standard tools. The backrest slides on and off the bike in under 15 seconds. No modifications necessary. Our backrest will NOT fit the Adventure.

10. New At Pirates Lair: R1200RT LC & R1250RT Menu! After a few years of profound procrastination, I just went live with a new menu for the BMW R1200RT LC / R1250RT. Yea yea.. It's taken me a while to get around to it, but I finally got 'er done. Getting chastised almost weekly by RT owners looking for swag was admittedly.. highly motivational. While the 'pickin's on the new RT menu are somewhat limited at the moment (see a few of the items pictured below,) over the next few months I'll attempt to bring this new section up to Pirates Lair standards with all kinds of mouthwatering, wallet emptying goodies.