Colorado Here We Come! for the ColoRAdo Grand National

The BMW Rider’s Association is announcing a vacation to remember.
Save the date! June 14-17, 2012 at Copper Mountain, CO.

2012 Rally

40th International RAlly
Let’s celebrate forty years of the RA by going back to the state where the first “RA Grand National” was held. This anniversary rally will be an unforgettable “all about you” event. Do you want to ride, relax, hang out with friends. This is the place to do that.

Copper gives you the freedom to define your own vacation experience.  Easy access to several 14,000 ft. peaks, hundreds of miles of Colorado Scenic Byways, an 18-hole championship golf course and long stretches of celebrated fishing waters make Copper a premier summer destination.  That access, combined with an intimate resort village that produces world-class events and entertainment, is especially appealing to motorcyclists.  To see more about this fabulous rally site, visit coppercolorado.com. Follow us in OTL, on Facebook, on the BMW RA Forum and right here as new information will be posted soon on the 2012 RAlly pages.

News

BMW Off Road Academy
BMW now has their BMW Off Road Academy fully operational in Southern California. This year they have classes running from March through September along with several other events like the Continental Divide Tour, Base Camp Alpha, the Mine and Meadows Tour and the Dakar Rally, to mention a few. Check out their web site for details.

New Dealers for 2011
BMW has opened eight new dealerships in the last year:

At least one (Montgomeryville Cycle Center) has previously been a BMW dealership.

S1000RR videos
The tablecoth trick video from BMW has been their most successful ever, according to DealerNews. If you haven't seen it, it's one cool ad!
A few other S1000RR videos are on YouTube also. Here's one where MAX BMW goes ice racing. From either of these links, you'll find lots of other S1000RR related content. Look for this same trick done with a GS -- coming soon.

2011 NARS and GS events
You can find this years off-road and dual sport events for the AMA National Adventure Riding Series on the AMA web site or the Family Off-Road Adventures site.

F650/F800GS and K1300 models recalled for engine stalling.
Recall 09V471 describes the K1300 recall, which involves reprogramming the BMS-K to provide better idle airflow when the idle air passages become restricted with debris.
Recall 09V499 affects the new F650, providing for rerouting the vent hoses to eliminate the chance of water being drawn into the evaporative emissions canister as the engine runs.
Both recalls can be found on the NHTSA website.

Racing Blog
Check in on the racing blog. All about racing and the S1000RR.
Offroad coverage is handled by Jason Adams; the latest results from the newly-reborn Dakar Rally is currently described in the Forum.

Chartered Clubs

Club Charter Renewal Time
Club Charters expire at the end of each calendar year. You must update your information to continue to be a BMW club. If your club has not renewed its charter for 2011, it's also missing out on these benefits from the RA:

  • Free listings of club events in the "Rally Map" section of the web site and OTL magazine
  • One free BMW RA gift membership
  • One free ¼-page, or two 1/8-page rally ads in OTL.
  • Automatic distribution of RA updates and/or OTL Intel

Plus the RA is always ready to donate a door prize for your local club event if your club is chartered with the RA. The cost of renewing of your club charter is only $15. That's about half the price of the free membership, not to mention the free advertising and limited permission to use your approved BMW club name and logo.

If you or your club have any questions, please call RA Headquarters or email the clubs coordinator at charterclubs@bmwra.org.

Notes

Black Eagle Shop
Beginning January 1, 2011 the RA's old "crest style" logo will no longer be used. Going forward all Black Eagle Shop items will bear our new logo design. Look for special clearance or sales of these legacy items as they are discontinued and being sold out. Now is the time to stock up on items with the original club logo, because when they are gone, they're gone. Also, 2010 Rally shirts are back in stock. M, L and XL in long sleeve.

OTL didn't come this month?
Members with a current month expiration date who have not renewed their membership, will miss receiving their next OTL. Renew now online or call Headquarters today so you don't miss an issue. Your expiration date is on the label of your OTL magazine.

More Club Info

Club elections
The RA can organize and host online voting for any chartered club. Club webmasters or election coordinators should contact the RA webmaster.

New Club Logo Help
The BMW ICC has updated logo requirements for all BMW clubs. For regional clubs (typical clubs in the US) the biggest point seems to be that the 3D roundel is now required, whereas before BMW was willing to accept the older roundel due to printing difficulties. The final word on that will be here soon. The RA will assist any chartered club with logo compliance.

Welcome Visitors

Welcome to the BMW Riders Association Web Site
If you're serious about your riding, you're in the right place. The BMW RA is an international community of BMW riders focused on the machine, the marque and the company that makes it all work. It is our mission to enhance the BMW motorcycling experience for our members and provide a forum on the history, current offerings and the future of the marque. We're glad you're here and hope you will become part of our family of riders.