|
|
| May 2010 - Ride West BMW e-newsletter | |
|
|
|
| Greetings!
Did you know?
According to recently published national surveys, 50% of motorcycle buyers state that their next bike will have ABS. In terms of massive surveys, 50% is a pretty significant number. As a BMW owner, when you talk to friends about motorcycles and motorcycle design, you are poised to preach to a choir that most likely agrees with you. Let them know that:
For many of us, a BMW equipped with ABS is life insurance - literally and figuratively. Figuratively, it is life insurance in that you paying for something you'd rather not use! Literally, ABS is there as a safety net, as extra insurance should you make a serious error - either of omission or commission. Stuff happens, whether or not you create it, and when the chips are down (perhaps chips on the road) ABS will earn it's keep by several magnitudes.
Many current BMW models can be equipped with both ABS and ASC (automatic stability control) and many owners will ride for thousands of miles over many years without triggering the option of either one - just as the BMW design staff intended. The function of both ABS and ASC is to be there, and perhaps never be accessed!
A quick scan of our May events of interest:
5/1 Saturday 9am Team Ride West club ride to Marblemount
5/8 Saturday 9am Team Ride West club ride to Snoqualmie Falls
5/13 Thursday 6-10pm MSF class at Ride West
5/15 Saturday 9am-5pm Parts and Apparel Swap Meet at Ride West
5/25 Tuesday 6pm Team Ride West Club Dinner at Tutta Bella
5/27-6/2 Th- Wed 6 DAYS! Ride to the Miller Superbike Races!
5/27 Thursday 6pm New Buyer Event at Ride West
5/27 Thursday 6pm MSF class at Ride West
Let's ride!
David Swezey
General Manager - Ride West BMW
|
 |
It's Parts and Apparel Swap time!
One day only, Saturday May 15th 9-5
Wow! This is our 15th year for this great event. Join us for breakfast with Otis and then find that special part or great set of riding gear you need. We always have a big turnout, so bring in your gear that has been lying around and we'll sell it for you - or stop by and find just what you've been looking for. This is the perfect place to sell all brands and all kinds of apparel.
You can check in items for parts swap "consignment" starting Tuesday May 11th thru Saturday the 15th, but the sooner the better. On the 15th, the swap will begin at 9:00am and from that point on the place is usually a madhouse.
 We will be in Saturday morning by 8:30am to accept any remaining check-in items (which usually continues until around 10:30am). The seller determines the price and our commission is 20% of the total selling price (excluding tax). Checks are cut for sold items within 7 business days of the event.
We can try to give you an idea of what something might be worth, but ultimately it is up to you on how much you will take for it. We will not negotiate on your behalf once the event begins. People are looking for a deal, so price it to move. If it's a more unique item that is either not for a BMW (like Harley exhaust pipes or a Suzuki windscreen), eBay can sometimes be a better option to get that targeted audience. Either way, if it doesn't sell, you owe nothing so it's worth a shot.
Click Here to check out a video about our Parts & Apparel Swap
|
|
|
Want to be a movie star?
Check out the amazing VHoldR camera!
The Northwest is such a great place to ride, and now you can share your best rides with others - whether or not they own a motorcycle. We sell VHoldR camera products. There are two different models, and both can be  mounted on your helmet, on a handlebar, on a mirror stack - you have lots of choices. Both are totally self-contained, and can record from one to two hours of digital "footage," depending on the capacity of the chip in the camera and what you are filming.
Operation is pretty simple. Once the camera is "armed," you pull back on a slide on the top of the camera - easy to do even with heavy gloves on. The camera will record until you slide the switch forward again. Later you download the video to your computer, and then post it on the VHoldR site, and from there you can e-mail it to yourself and all of your friends.
The VHoldR cameras - in standard and HD format, open up new worlds of enjoyment for your riding. Come in and look over our demonstrator, or ask Dave Preston to share with you some of the many videos he has taken on our club rides.
|
|
|
Current Events
For all the details, check out our Events 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!
Last Chance for special BMW Superbike tickets!
For more info: email Dave Preston at team@ridewest.com |
|
|
|
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
|
|
Useful Quick Links
|
|
MSF Training:
|
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
|
|
- 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 & Clinics
- Free "Club Room" for your events!
- Free Shower facilities for travelers!
- NEW - Free membership in Team Ride West!
|
|
Team Ride West
News and Updates
Our latest addition to customer services is "Team Ride West" a riding club for everyone on any street bike and dual sport bike of any brand.
Team Ride West now has well over 200 members, and offers events, rides, dinners, friendly folks, and all sorts of fun.
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, stop by and chat with Dave Preston, or send him an e-mail at team@ridewest.com
Check out this great video interview with David Preston: Click Here |
|
|
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
|
|
|
What's new in the Parts Department
Featured Products
In The Parts Department
What's New? What's Noteworthy?
New Leather - Summers almost here! Protect yourself with a brand new leather jacket from Revit or BMW. From the stylish Hawk Jacket (classic, vintage and modern all at once!), to the sporty Union (classic sport riding with style) and colorful CR Jackets (retro stripes!), Revit has you covered. Also coming soon, we'll be introducing the new Motorrad Leather Jackets by Kushitani, a BMW exclusive! Whether you ride an R50/2 or an S1000RR, this is the jacket for the true enthusiast and looks the part.
Shoei RF1100 Helmet - The verdict is out and once again Shoei delivers another amazing helmet in the long standing RF line. Don't buy a new full face helmet until you at least try this lid on. It's simply one of the best made, best priced, best quality helmets on the market today, and not just because we carry them!
BMW City 2 Pant - A revamp of the popular original City Pant with an update to the fit and finish that makes this one tough pair of jeans, I mean riding pants! Fully armored, this pant blends denim with tough Cordura for the ultimate summer casual riding pant. Now you can say "Yeah, I sometimes wear jeans" and not feel totally lame.
Battery Bug - Here's a great little device to monitor your bike's battery condition. It not only indicates the battery voltage, but will inform you of its cranking power and overall health. A must for everyone with a bike they rely on daily.
Shop Lifts by K&L - What's better than staring at your BMW? Staring at it on a shop lift by K&L. Ahh, much better at eye level. Now where's that drain plug?
Galfer Brake Pads and Rotors - New for us in 2010, premium brake pads, rotors and stainless lines at reasonable prices. That's why we stock them, including "Green" brake pads. Softer than standard organic and sintered pads, "Green" brake pads are gentle to your rotors and reduce heat, while still providing the stopping power you expect from your BMW. Although longevity is not as great (compared to organic), your rotors will thank you in the end. Perfect for prolonging rotor life on an older bike, or preserving the thickness of new rotors.
Wolfman Luggage - We just received another shipment from this quality soft luggage maker. From small tank bags to medium tail bags, soft panniers to luggage rolls, Wolfman has bags for all your luggage needs. Oh yeah, at an affordable price!
Specials and Sale Items:
Helmets - Still a few left! Stop by and check out the selection of helmets on sale now! Plus we've got a great selection of helmets to fit any budget with many discontinued lids going for well below their original price.
Riding Jackets and Pants - Ongoing closeout riding gear by Revit and BMW on our sale rack. Great wearing jackets and pants starting at $169.00! Take advantage of last year's closeouts at amazing prices.
Speaking of deals: PARTS AND APPAREL SWAP IS MAY 15th! BUY AND SELL USED GEAR!
On a personal note:
Thanks to everyone who attended the WSBMWR Meeting / Breakfast! Free breakfast is always good! I've known most of you for quite a long time. In fact, April 11th marked my 7th anniversary at Ride West. It's always a pleasure to see the extended family under one roof. That's how I see things anyway. As always, thank you for your business, continued support and friendship over the years. I'm looking forward to the next 7 (Ok, that's a while, but you never know).
What's on your mind? What can we do better? What do we really need to stock?
Your feedback is always appreciated!
|
|
|
Tech Tip of the Month
Motorcycle maintenance...can everyone do it themselves?
Well, many people can do it, but not everyone should. While it can be a great feeling of accomplishment doing a job yourself, there are some pitfalls that can sneak up and take that good feeling and turn it into great, costly disappointment. It can be an expensive learning  curve, becoming technically self sufficient.
Our technicians have been at Ride West for a collective 25 years; we've all seen common mistakes and encountered some crazy component failures and learned from every one so you don't have to. We at Ride West are always pursuing perfection and we know it's a long journey filled with surprises and a few mistakes. We've learned from them, held ourselves accountable and grown in the process. There are a lot of tricks, techniques, tools and, most of all, practice, practice, practice that comes from being in a BMW shop that you just can't get elsewhere.
If you need some tips feel free to come on by, but remember it's going to take a long time, a lot of tools and a bit of frustration to even come close to catching-up with our technicians. We all love to see well-maintained and loved motorcycles on the road with us, so let's do it right the first time and be outside riding rather than inside on that decreasing radius learning curve!
Mark Eddy Service Manager |
|
A message from our owners: 
Did you know?
We opened this business back in 1995 and at that time we were located in a funky little 4000 square building in Green Lake across from Gregg's Bicycle shop. We were new to the industry and so we did not quite know what to expect. One thing we learned in a hurry was that motorcycles that were purchased using a finance company (such as BMW Financial Services) required proof of insurance on the bike before they would fund it. We found ourselves quite often on a Saturday afternoon trying to sell a motorcycle but could not because the purchaser could not show proof of insurance, could not reach their insurance agent, or could not find an agent open on Saturday to help them. Consequently, we ended up sending them to a competitor that happened to be a sub-agent for a particular insurance company. This was not working for us.
So we set upon establishing our own insurance agency. Most dealers that sell insurance are sub-agents to another agency. We did not want to do this because we wanted to be responsible for every aspect of the transaction. It took about three years to be appointed by Washington state because the insurance industry is very closely regulated. Now, over ten years since that appointment, we are considered a mid-sized agency. For the first eight years or so we sold only motorcycle insurance policies, using several companies. And now, over the past two years, we have added auto, homeowners and other fun stuff like boats, snowmobiles, ATV's motorhomes, etc. Our carriers are GMAC, Dairyland, Safeco, Foremost and Progressive. With these five companies we have an opportunity to find a very competitive rate for just about any customer with any combination of needs.
Years ago we ended up purchasing a personal policy for our home. It was all done over the phone and we discovered that the "agent" (in this case just a gal taking our information over the phone) could not adequately explain the coverages we were looking for, and was not fully informed about doing business in this state. That deal ended badly and we promised ourselves that from that point on we would thereafter only deal with an independent agent that we could sit down with, look eye to eye with, and discuss our particular needs. And that is what we are doing here at Ride West Insurance. We want to make sure that our customers understand the coverages and provisions of the policy, and we want to be here to help them and answer any questions they may have about insurance matters. If you are looking for what we were looking for, come and talk with David or Loretta. They will be happy to inform you of what is available, help you select what you need, and give you a free quote. If they can not save you some money, then no harm done. But perhaps they can.
We hope you will come by and talk with us. Thanks.ou.
Ann and Keith Thye
|
|
| $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!)
| | Offer Expires: July 31, 2010
*Includes freight but excludes dealer handling, tax, title, and licensing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
