About a year ago, after doing quite a few track days and a few hundred runs on the infamous Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, I had a personal epiphany. I took some Motrin hoping it would go away, but alas.. it didn't. It was the sudden realization that I simply could NOT go any faster, safely unless someone who knows more than me actually shows me how. I'd simply learned all I could on my own having apparently exited my own learning curve. While I am usually in the top few fastest guys in any intermediate track day class, my ability to improve lap times and/or my technique had hit the proverbial wall. Rather than flail around like a carp on a hot sidewalk hoping to figure out why some guys can sail by me like I'm a sloth on Quaaludes I decided to do something about it and seek professional training..Who did I turn to?? Keith Code's California Superbike Schools. Read my full review of the wild experience.. you'll laugh.. you'll cry..

Product Review: RKA Soft Luggage on BMW K1200S

In our April 06 chessy newsletter I asked for a few brave volunteers to test an alternative for those criminally priced, ugly, sissy, foofoo, factory K1200S saddlebags BMW is pawning off on us. We got our rusty hook on a few pair of the RKA Soft Saddlebags from RKA Motorcycle Luggage and wanted to know if they are worthy of the mighty "S" bike. . RKA has 2 versions that look sleek on the K1200S, cost hundreds less, and hold much more, and they come in a variety of colors. Our tester tested the 56 liter expandable bag. It uses wide hook and loop fasting system for easy on and off. Comfortable for your passenger and out of the way of high pipes or so they say. Looks like the retail price is around $200.US. Here's a detailed review from former man about town, Sam Scott..

I was able to fit everything I needed for a 4 day trip with room to spare (1pr Jeans, 2 pr shorts, 1pr shoes, 6 t-shirts, toiletry bag, maps, book, underwear and socks, water and snacks). Once I figured out the best places to secure the straps (trellis behind the passenger pegs and the rear passenger handholds – which have a slot made for the straps) and the best adjustments for the over the seat straps (this took a couple tries but I settled on only threading the protective pad through the tightest loop on both sides) they were simple to put on and take off. (NOTE: the installation instructions that come with the bags are kind of useless so I just had to do some trial and error).

They didn’t come loose at all and didn’t seem to have an effect on my stability or speed. They were covered in bugs when I got home but wiped clean with a damp towel. I was worried that my pipe might melt the bottom of the bag but the protective material didn’t look like it was bothered at all. I was worried that the bags might damage my paint but with all the included neoprene pads there wasn’t a mark. I was also worried that they would look stupid, but actually once they were on they looked great. (I also wound up buying a Tour Master Cortech mini tank bag for my ipod.)

I have already recommended them to a couple of friends who are looking for bags. Thanks again." Sam Scott

Due in no small part to our recent theft from unknown sonsofbeetches and our subsequent property replacement spending spree, Amber and I started looking into alarm systems for our new truck and trailer and bikes. Geezz. I didn't realize how pricey a good alarm was until I started doing by usual anal research. Ouch!.. What to do?? The thought of buying multiple alarms made my testicles shrivel up and hide like a dip in Lake Michigan in January.

While looking through a recent Aerostitch catalog I saw a new product.. the Aerostitch Self Contained Alarm which looked perfect. According to their advertising spiel ..it's the worlds ONLY self-contained remote controlled alarm... Completely wireless. No hardwiring at all. Just two pieces.. an alarm box and a remote control. In theory, I could use this on ALL my vehicles by just moving the alarm box wherever I needed it. On my bike, car, trailer, a motel room door, in my helmet (when I'm not wearing it obviously), inside the pocket of my leather jacket I routinely throw over my bike, tent, or the bong drawer.

I ordered on line (cost is only $87) and within a week I had the handy little device in my hands, the (3) AAA batteries installed, and my ears ringing from the brief test I had run it through.

They advertise 120db and I believe it. It really hurt my ears and I would imagine might cause severe distress in household pets or your neighbors pesky leash-less Dachshund that keeps raiding your trash can and spreading paper all over the neighborhood, the yapping little bastard.. I'll get you, my pretty!....er.. Where was I?? O, yea... The 4 button remote is claimed to have a range of 200ft which should be plenty. I suspect most of us usually keep the car or bike or trash can..er.. trailer closer than that to our back doors or motel room.

While there are numerous settings on the alarm for duration, on/off time, panic, etc.. I left mine on the default and it worked flawlessly. I first hid the cigarette box size alarm under the plastic of my K1200S.. I slightly nudged the bike and it went off as advertised.. then I mounted it under the tongue of my new trailer...slightly lifted it and it went off as advertised... then I slid it into Ambers frilly panties while she was sleeping... groped her ever so gently and .. and....

While the Aerostitch Self Contained Alarm seems to be a good compromise for those who don't want the expense of buying multiple units to hardwire, there is one big downside.. batteries. You'll need to replace them after every 100 hours of use. The consequences of forgetting might outweigh the benefits of going this route.

If you suffer from CRS syndrome (can't remember shit) like I do.. this may NOT be the ideal rig for you. However.. if you can afford lots and lots of batteries, this seems to be well worth the money. I know I'm digging mine and I'm hoping the neighbors Dachshund will as well.

1. You knew it was a matter of time. The first manufacturer out of the gate with an alternative to the ugly factory K1200GT canister... Yes.. credit the Austrians with being the first. Check out the all new Remus K1200GT Slip-On's. Expect increased midrange and bottom end power, reduced weight, and a deep Lauren Bacall tone we've all come to appreciate. Remus offers 3 options of slip-on canisters for the second generation K1200GT....Aluminum, Carbon Fiber, and the ultra light Titanium. Expect a 4hp gain from the slip-ons and god knows how much of a weight loss.. FYI.. the Revolution slip-on cans, which come with removable silencers, are cam shaped.. kind of trapezoidal or tri-oval and yes.. compatible with the hard bags. Need more? of course you do...Are we not men??!! Coming soon... 4-2-1 full exhaust systems.