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And that means -  entries for the Ride West JUNE photo contest are now open!  Please send a digital picture that involves a BMW motorcycle or two to team@ridewest.com.

Each month's winner receives a stylish Ride West or Team Ride West short or long-sleeved t-shirt.  If you do not win right away, hang in, as all pictures are saved to become potential winners later!

Once upon a time...(OK, just over 3 years ago) Ride West BMW began a new program.   Team Ride West was created as a friendly group for customers who wanted more rides, more news, and more communications from and to "their" dealership.   The guy tasked with managing Team Ride West was David Preston.

In three years Team Ride West has presented over 5 dozen street rides led by David, ranging in scope from one day and about 100 miles all the way to 8 days and 2,500 miles. In addition, Team Ride west has provided special offers, track days, groups for dual sport rides, and other benefits of various sorts. Far in excess of 100 opportunities for our customers to enjoy motorcycles in all sorts of ways, in other words, and all free.

Our Sunday Demo Ride series is not copied by any dealership that we know of.  We have 4 or 5 of these a year. All are held on Sundays, when the store is not open.

For each one, riders sign up ahead of time to sample one, two, and possibly three new BMW models on a ride that covers about 90 miles and has stops along the way for participants to swap bikes if desired. 

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GO PRO HERO 3 HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO CAMERA - If you haven't heard of the Go Pro line of cameras, you've probably been living under a rock.  They are simply the best option for capturing hi-definition video for just about every outdoor adventure, especially motorcycling!  Thinking of taking that cross country trip?  Embarking on a Backroads Discovery Journey?  Or perhaps your plans include other activities along the way like kayaking, sky diving or skiing?  Mount the GoPro virtually anywhere, even on your body, and document your adventure! Capture all the best moments in stunning HD video.  Take some hi-resolution photos along the way, automatically, with this versatile, expandable, all-weather camera by Go     Pro.   Silver and   Black editions - Now in stock! Also check out the GoPro App for iPhone and Android!

PDM60 POWER DISTRIBUTION MODULE  - Adding lights or a GPS to your BMW? This ingenious device makes adding or removing aftermarket  electrical devices and electronics to your vehicle a breeze!  You can  even program individual outputs for timed or delayed on / off.  Simple  to use, simple to own and connects directly to your motorcycle's battery, the PDM60 offers six power circuits to handle your favorite gadgets  and accessories - up to 60 amps. The super bright LED indicators on the PDM60 keep you informed of the status of each circuit, and the internal switching eliminates the need to check or replace fuses.  No need to  install relays to power high amperage applications! Plain and simple, with the PDM60 module, your bike will be better equipped.     The PDM60 has been built with components selected for superior power management capability, and extended  service life. It's designed with one goal in mind: to provide years and years of superior, hassle free performance.  The PDM60 unit is fully encapsulated to protect against rain, dust, humidity, etc. Whether it's Motocross, or cross-country via interstate, these units are built to last under the harshest of conditions.  We should have good stock of the new PDM60 mid May.

3BR POWERSPORTS USB SOCKETS, BARYL (heated clothing) CONNECTORS - Looking to charge your cell phone or power your GPS device?  Skip the  extra BMW plug and install a waterproof 2.1 amp USB socket instead!  Or power your heated clothing (without an adapter) with an industry  standard, flush mount Baryl connection socket.  3BR Powersports has  come up with the connectivity solutions you need for your modern  motorcycle, and you can find them right here at Ride West! One of our  favorites is their 'BMW plug to handlebar mount', waterproof USB port,  perfect for the new F800GS and plugs into the forward socket - mounts  in seconds!

BMW GS Dry Suit - for men AND WOMEN!  The all new GS Dry suit provides both comfort and protection against the elements for both on-road and enduro riding.   With it's built in waterproof membrane, direct venting and updated NP2 armor, this year-round riding suit is both comfortable and versatile.  As simple as it is stylish, the value is both  in the GS Dry's performance and price.  We think it's a  must-see for anyone considering a new enduro riding suit, or anyone who is looking for an all around touring solution for nearly any climate.  Best of all it comes in both men's and  women's sizing - even petites!

DID YOU KNOW?

We're your authorized dealer for: Touratech, Giant Loop, Redverz Tents, Shoei Helmets, Rev'it!, BMW Rider's Gear, Rigid LED Lights, PIAA, Heidenau, RAM, Wolfman Luggage, Pivot Pegz, Spiegler Brakes, K&N, Powerlet, Garmin, Sena, and Cardo Bluetooth Systems, Proxxon Tools, Ohlins Suspension, Ortlieb, Kriega, Tech Spech Tank Pads, Cruz Tools, Butler Maps, Backroads Discovery Route DVD's, Illium Works Highway Pegs, Ballistic Lithium Batteries, Adaptiv TPX Radar Detectors, CRG Aluminum, Vortex, Gilles Tooling, Machine Art Moto, Maier, Verholen, Martin Fabrication...ok, the list is longer but you get the idea. 

Of course we can't stock EVERYTHING in the store, and know that in today's marketplace you have many choices.  But if there is something you're after that you don't see on the shelf, we'd love the opportunity to earn your business.   We're your local, family owned motorcycle shop.  We're also enthusiasts, just like you, and can offer the support and knowledge before and after the sale, whatever you decide to purchase.  Questions on any of the brands listed above?  Give us a call!  

With the summer finally upon us, motorcycle trips are getting planned and taking place. We've touched base on securing the load to your trusty steed, but your vehicles maximum weight load (driver+passenger+all their stuff) should also be kept in mind. Even an employee at Ride West was recently surprised to see the new K1600GT's max load was only 468 lbs; they thought it should be more. It's not surprising to hear, seeing as most of the travelers that come though Ride West throughout the year are overloaded, and by far exceeding their vehicle's maximum load capacity. 

Although Beemers will carry much more than is recommended, the extra weight can (and will) affect the handling and longevity of components. The owner's manual and even most saddlebags will have the maximum recommended load capacity listed and should be a guideline for your prepacking setup. I'm not saying you can't over-fill and over-pack but a lighter overall package could be more enjoyable to ride, so packing light and packing right might be the answer. Not to mention keeping your motorcycles' components happier by allowing them to operate in the range they were designed for.  Making each trip the best it can be takes planning and practice, and Ride West has the tools and expertise to help. Best of luck in all your summer riding adventures!  

What fun we had! Sixteen motorcycles and 18 members of Team Ride West had a fun day on Vashon Island on April 27th. Most started at Ride West, although a couple of folks who live near the ferry dock joined us there.

First off we enjoyed Paul Fison's impromptu seminar at Ride West on all the farkles you can add to a K 1600 GT - some of which he has created. All in all an amazing collection of technology and creativity to maximize performance, comfort, safety, and communications. We should have him do a seminar on this bike! He was off to Texas 4 days later for an extended vacation jaunt.