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Greetings!
'Tis the season to be riding!
 The unusually mild winter has delivered the "riding season" earlier than usual - a good thing in so many ways. Many of our customers are "year rounders" who commute and ride for fun in any and all weather - and they have enjoyed the best winter riding conditions in recent memory. Some folks prefer to enjoy their rides when the weather is warmer and the chance of rain less, and so their preferred season is encouragingly longer this year.
The emerging sun brings to mind...
1. With the onset of better weather comes more rides, more riders, and more customers who need service for their bikes. Now is the time to call our service department and make that appointment for a tune-up, or new tires, or whatever you need to make your bike ready for the glorious months of riding ahead.
2. Keep in mind that we have added a new riding club to our customer services. "Team Ride West" has grown to 180 members, and offers events, rides, dinners, friendly folks, and all sorts of fun for everyone on any brand, year, size, and model of bike - both street and dual sport. With over fifty events a year, twelve monthly newsletters, and instantaneous e-mail communication to keep members informed of what is happening, and no dues, Team Ride West is a group you should join! To do so, simply stop by and chat with Dave Preston, or send him an e-mail at team@ridewest.com
A quick scan of our April events of interest:
4/3 Sa Suspension Basics Seminar - FREE* 10am PSSafety
4/3 Sa GPS Part III- FREE* 2pm Laura Seaver
4/3 Sa Seminar - Tom Mehren - FREE*10am Pack Light/Pack Right
4/10 Sa Team Ride West Club Ride 9am Vashon Island
4/10 Sa GPS part IV - FREE* 2pm Laura Seaver
4/10-11 Desert 100 in Odessa 100
4/11 Su WSBMWR Breakfast - FREE* 10am Ride West BMW
4/17 Sa Team Ride West Club Ride 9am Mt. Vernon
4/17 Sa Advanced Suspension* 10am PSSafety (3 hour)
4/27 Tu Team Ride West Club Dinner 6:30pm Italian Spaghetti House
*prior registration required. Please call (206) 527 - 5511 and ask for PARTS
Group ride to the SBK races at Miller - LET'S RIDE!
The new BMW S1000RR has been a fantastic success in pretty much every way possible. It dominates any sport bike test in any magazine in the world, and it is selling very well. To celebrate, we'll be leading a ride to Miller Motorsports Park (near Salt Lake City) to watch the two teams running BMW S1000RRs compete in the World Superbike Championships. This should be a ride to remember for a long time! We will leave Seattle on Thursday, May 27th, and return Wednesday, June 2nd.
Even better, you can purchase special ticket packages through BMW (while they last) offers reserved seating, an autograph session with BMW superstar racers Troy Corser and Ruben Xaus, a BMW gift bag, and more. If you're interested in these tickets, and/or riding with us, please let us know with an e-mail to team@ridewest.com.
Let's ride!
David Swezey
General Manager - Ride West BMW
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Current Events
For all the details, check out our Event Calendar - Click Here
We're frequently asked about our upcoming events, so please check our events calendar. You're not going to believe how many events we have planned! - Note: We have limited seating and reservations are required for most of our events, so please call to reserve your spot.
Check out our new feature - the 'calenblog.' For each day that we do not have a special event we will be posting tidbits, trivia, bike evaluations, rants and raves - lots of stuff. If you place our events calendar on your "favorites" page, you will have moto-topics to ponder every day!
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The Rally in the Gorge
July 28th to August 1st 2010 in Stevenson, WA.
Since 2003, Sound Rider has been hosting this premier NW Rally, which is really four rallys in one.
Start planning today and join us in the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Park you ride inside the Ride West BMW Bike Barn then stop by our "Friendship Station" for snacks, conversation, and something cold to quench your thirst.
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BMW Promotions
More great ways to save on your next bike!
Our website is now linked to the latest BMW Promotions, although it still may take a couple of days after the first of each month for BMW to upload them, so be sure to check back.
For great ways to save on your next BMW CLICK HERE
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8100 Lake City Wy NE
Seattle, Washington 98115
206.527.5511
888.527.RIDE
Hours:
Tue - Fri 9am to 6pm
Sat 9am to 5pm
Service opens at 8am
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Useful Quick Links
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MSF Training:
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New "Social Network" links
- Videos from BMW of North America
- Ride West is on Facebook
- The BMW EXPLOR Rider Community
- News from BMW of North America
- ADV Rider - Worldwide Adventure Rider Forum
- The NW's Ultimate Motorcycling Resource - Sound Rider
- BMW WebEPC onlin parts lookup Click Here
- GlobeRiders - Motorcycle Adventure Touring Company - Click Here
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- Free Service Loaners!
- Free Coffee!
- Free Doughnuts - every Saturday!
- Free Earplugs!
- Free Wireless!
- Free Trip Planning!
- Free Insurance Quotes - For your motorcycle, auto, RV, ATV, & home!
- Free Demo Rides - ask us about an extended demo ride!
- Free Used Bike Inspection - with every trade or consignment!
- Free 30 Point Inspection - with every service!
- Introducing FREE Seminars
- Free "Club Room" for your events!
- Free Shower facilities for travelers!
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What's new in the Parts Department
Featured Products
S1000RR Accessories - Rhino has just shipped us frame, bar end, fork and swing-arm sliders for your new S1000RR. They're made in the USA and easy to install. A must for your new S-Bike, on the street or track, just in case!
Machine Art Moto - We're thrilled to be representing this upcoming new designer of aftermarket BMW accessories and believe that you'll love the look and functionality of their beautifully made add-ons. From the functional Mudsling mudguard (R12GS and F800GS) and bombproof X-Head cylinder head protectors (absolutely beautiful on the R12RT!), to the snub-nose GS front fenders, these contemporary bolt-ons modify the look of your BMW to another level of beauty. If you get a chance, stop by the showroom for a preview or visit www.machineartmoto.com
Battery Bug - Here's a great little device to monitor your bikes battery condition. It not only indicates the battery voltage, but will inform you of its cranking power and overall health. Great for everyone with a bike they rely on.
Speaking of batteries, what's the deal?
It seems we all need a new one every other year! They seem to get a bit more expensive every time we turn around. So let's explore a few simple things you should know when choosing and maintaining your motorcycle battery.
Starting with the different types of lead acid batteries available:
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Flooded lead acid - the old standby. Removable caps (usually), long life, tried and true. By checking the levels regularly and using a proper charger, these types perform and last as long as most any other battery, and remain affordable. Many sealed / maintenance free batteries are of the same type, just pre-filled at the dealer with permanent caps.
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AGM (absorbed glass mat) - A type of VLRA battery (valve-regulated lead-acid), the lead acid is absorbed into glass mats and the battery is permanently sealed. These batteries are terrific for GS riders and are spill proof. They have a lower discharge rate than flooded lead acid batteries, meaning they hold their charge longer between charging. The lead plates are purer, meaning they have more power for their displacement or size. Domestic made AGM's tend to be a bit costlier than the traditional flooded lead acid batteries.
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Gel Batteries - Also sometimes referred to as a lead-calcium battery, the lead acid is in a less evaporative gel state. This is also a type of VLRA battery which still allows for gas to be dispelled, yet much less due the silica fume enriched electrolyte gel. Gel batteries have great cranking power and are truly maintenance-free, however they do have specific charging requirements in regards to amperage. Their high resistance to heat makes them ideal for motorcycle use.
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New batteries - We now carry sealed batteries by Scorpion for your F650GS / Dakar single!!! GS'ers unite! We've also added Odyssey dry-cell batteries for your R1100-1150XX and K12RS/GT - simply the longest lasting, maintenance-free spill-proof battery, period.
Specials and Sale Items:
 Stop by and check out the selection of helmets on sale now! We've got a great selection of helmets to fit any budget with many discontinued lids going for well below their original price. Get a new bucket for less buck-ets!
Select closeout riding gear by Revit and BMW just hit our sale rack. Great wearing jackets starting at $169.00! Take advantage of last years closeouts at amazing prices.
Speaking of deals: Don't for get the Parts and Apparel Swap is on May 15th!
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Tech Tip of the Month
Happy spring everyone!
This month I wanted to give you some more hints and tips for your pre-ride checks. I've noticed that questions about the best way to check your brake pads or tire life keep coming up around the shop. BMW design allows for ease in checking your pad life and tire manufacturers have been doing the same for years Tiny "wear bars" are molded into the tire tread surface giving a reference point for gauging how much rubber is left.
The procedure varies from bike to bike, but no matter which model of BMW you enjoy, the break pads will be visible and checkable. If you still have your owner's manual kicking around, you will have the advantage of the model-specific procedure to check your brake pads. If not, or if you're just not into using manuals, you can swing by the shop and we could show you exactly where to look.
Oil level still seems to be a hot subject as well these days. Make sure your motorcycle is at running temperature to get the best level reading. And if your motorcycle feels a little funny or different on your ride, trust your instinct and get it looked at. I recently had a customer swing by on a Saturday saying his motorcycle just felt "a little weird today". After a quick inspection we found that his front wheel bearing had failed. The situation could have been disastrous, but thanks to his decision to just swing by and have us take a look, we replaced a couple bearings and he was off safely. Keep your wits about you and stay safe.
Mark Eddy
Service Manager
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A message from our owners:
How time flies when you are having fun!
This summer it will be 15 years doing business as Ride West BMW. How time flies when your are having fun. With this particular milestone in mind, we decided that it was time for a facelift for the company. We are in the process of spiffing-up the building as it gets a lot of wear and tear through the years. And we also decided that it was time that we took a look at our external image---new branding, if you will. Fifteen years ago we did not have web pages, Facebook, YouTube, email and the like. As these mediums come into existence we, like most businesses, fiddle with them at first and then begin to develop a format that works. We find, however, that as time progresses our focus tends to get distracted, and we realize that our image and processes are getting stale. So, we have undertaken a rather massive (for us at least) review and redesign of our image.
We started with our media image. We now have a more up to date logo, business cards, stationery, mailing envelopes, address labels, bike stickers, and key rings. Our old stuff was primarily black and white (which incidentally are the BMW colors). We have now gone to full color productions and have enhanced the arrow, always facing left (or West) that has become our mainstay insignia. We also decided to take a new approach to our advertising materials and have developed some promotional materials that are beginning to receive regional recognition, as well as industry compliments. All of this material goes hand-in-hand with a new aggressive marketing approach to our sales, in all departments.
Many of you know that we have hired Dave Preston (formerly with Cycle Barn for 10 plus years) to head up our new promotional initiative called Team Ride West. Dave is putting together an impressive array of events and industry involvement that is changing the way we do business. Check out our calendar of events and you will find regularly scheduled seminars on a variety of motorcycling topics, slide shows, training sessions, rides, rally's, bike swaps, swap meets and more. This is a huge undertaking for us, as we are not a large multi-line dealership with scores of employees to handle all of this. But it is a very exciting and workable schedule for us. Please get involved. There is something for everyone happening every month around here and we welcome your participation. Thanks in advance for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you in attendance at those events to your liking.
Ann and Keith Thye
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| $200.00
Referral
Coupon! |
Need a quick $200 bucks? Print out this coupon and bring it in with a friend, neighbor, co-worker, heck...even a total stranger, on their first visit, and if they purchase a new BMW, from Ride West BMW, then will give you a $200 Gift Card or $100 cash, which you can use in any department. You can use this coupon as many times as possible but you can only get one gift card per sale. So let all your friends know that BMW makes a motorcycle that meets everyones needs, style, and adventure, we even have a bike that gets 70 MPG, has heated grips and ABS standard, and that is only $8165* Did I mention.....we have a zero down option and you can get 90 days to first payment on approval of credit with BMWFS! (Lets see....ride all summer without payments...where do I sign!)
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| Offer Expires: March 31, 2010
*Includes freight but excludes dealer handling, tax, title, and licensing | |
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