How many riders do you talk to that wish for rain? Typically, you would not hear any such thing from a rider. Rain makes the roads a bit slick, the dirt can become mud, and let's face it, you get all wet.
Yet, many of us are wishing for rain. It clears the air, makes our machines run better (oxygen,) settles the dust, and washes things down a bit.
This year has been dry. Let's see, is that true? Actually, this summer has been dry. And now, the fall. It's been almost 80 days since we've seen any form of precipitation. The last few events have been so dusty, it feels like you are coughing up a berm. The trails in the woods are a cloud if you touch them. The air is filled with smoke.
Yep, we are actually excited to see some clouds. As long as they have rain in them.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Playing in the dirt
I think it is pretty clear that guys like to play in the dirt. At least, women doing laundry say so. It's one of those things when, as kids, we grabbed shovels and dug fox holes, made freeways for Hotwheels, or some sort of mound to jump our bicycle on.
In later years, some of us don't want to be at the back end of a shovel as much. I anticipate that reason is because using a shovel now is due to some sort of calamity; water sprinkler fighting, finding the septic tank, or the cursed "that plant looks better over there." But, if it involves cleaning up a berm or making a waterfall in the dead spot in the yard, that isn't so bad.
We've been doing track preparation for awhile now. Last night, we picked rocks, put out the sprinklers, and filled in some ruts. It felt good. Walking the track was a pleasure, although our shoes are now filthy animals. The track looks great and in the next few days we are going to dress it up. No, no playing with dolls. Playing in the dirt!
In later years, some of us don't want to be at the back end of a shovel as much. I anticipate that reason is because using a shovel now is due to some sort of calamity; water sprinkler fighting, finding the septic tank, or the cursed "that plant looks better over there." But, if it involves cleaning up a berm or making a waterfall in the dead spot in the yard, that isn't so bad.
We've been doing track preparation for awhile now. Last night, we picked rocks, put out the sprinklers, and filled in some ruts. It felt good. Walking the track was a pleasure, although our shoes are now filthy animals. The track looks great and in the next few days we are going to dress it up. No, no playing with dolls. Playing in the dirt!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Holidays in September
Do you ever have that feeling that you used to get when you were a kid right before Christmas? You know the one, the gifts are sitting there, ready to be unwrapped, and you just want to tear into the wrapping? That's how we are all feeling in anticipation of our demo day this coming Saturday.
We are putting on the wrappers as this is being written. Soon, the YZs and WRs will land on our parking lot, just like Santa and his sleigh. How cool is it to come try out some new bikes, with one of the best riders in the USA, and of course we mortals who work at the dealership. Nah, we are too big to be considered elves.
Did we mention there will be special giveaway items? Okay, we did. There's nothing like the potential for possibly getting something for free. That's even better than Vegas where it requires a bet to possibly win.
There's also that feeling of waiting for all the family to show up for the day. We are looking forward to seeing all our friends and having a good time. Plus, with the vintage motocross at Todd Bohnet's the next day, we are ready to go racing!
So, swing on by and enjoy the holidays in September. Otherwise, you will have to wait until Christmas.
We are putting on the wrappers as this is being written. Soon, the YZs and WRs will land on our parking lot, just like Santa and his sleigh. How cool is it to come try out some new bikes, with one of the best riders in the USA, and of course we mortals who work at the dealership. Nah, we are too big to be considered elves.
Did we mention there will be special giveaway items? Okay, we did. There's nothing like the potential for possibly getting something for free. That's even better than Vegas where it requires a bet to possibly win.
There's also that feeling of waiting for all the family to show up for the day. We are looking forward to seeing all our friends and having a good time. Plus, with the vintage motocross at Todd Bohnet's the next day, we are ready to go racing!
So, swing on by and enjoy the holidays in September. Otherwise, you will have to wait until Christmas.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
September
Hello everyone. It's been a bit since our last post. Here we are, on Labor Day weekend. It's amazing that we are starting September! Where did that summer go?
Honestly, it went a bit too hot in August. But, now the temperatures are good, which makes the riding really good. Plus, the great thing about September is that our manufacturers announce a number of new models. And, from what we are hearing via the grapevine, there are a number of new models coming out. It's been a bit since the industry has introduced several new items at one time. We will have to switch to decaf to contain ourselves!
Put September 12 and September 13 on your calendar. Those are the dates when Yamaha and Kawasaki will officially let us know what is new. We will pass the information onto you asap via our Facebook, website, plus the OEM websites.
In the meantime, enjoy your Labor Day weekend.
Honestly, it went a bit too hot in August. But, now the temperatures are good, which makes the riding really good. Plus, the great thing about September is that our manufacturers announce a number of new models. And, from what we are hearing via the grapevine, there are a number of new models coming out. It's been a bit since the industry has introduced several new items at one time. We will have to switch to decaf to contain ourselves!
Put September 12 and September 13 on your calendar. Those are the dates when Yamaha and Kawasaki will officially let us know what is new. We will pass the information onto you asap via our Facebook, website, plus the OEM websites.
In the meantime, enjoy your Labor Day weekend.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Dyno
We had a profound experience yesterday. We ran a 2012 KTM Factory (Dungey) Edition on our dyno. 52.5 horsepower at the rear wheel. What was so profound about that?
First off, that is a lot of power. Real wheel horsepower. That is what happens when you twist the throttle and it translates to displacing dirt. Yee-haw, get going, power. And, linear, too.
Plus, we compared it to a ported CR450. The power was virtually the same, but the Honda was more abrupt. Stock bike to modified bike. Just think of the possibilities.
Oh, then there is one other thing. Our dyno is up and running. We are offering dyno services on your bike. Want to know what kind of horsepower your machine has? Your ATV? We can do that. We can check it with a new pipe or ignition. Then you can go, Yee-haw!
First off, that is a lot of power. Real wheel horsepower. That is what happens when you twist the throttle and it translates to displacing dirt. Yee-haw, get going, power. And, linear, too.
Plus, we compared it to a ported CR450. The power was virtually the same, but the Honda was more abrupt. Stock bike to modified bike. Just think of the possibilities.
Oh, then there is one other thing. Our dyno is up and running. We are offering dyno services on your bike. Want to know what kind of horsepower your machine has? Your ATV? We can do that. We can check it with a new pipe or ignition. Then you can go, Yee-haw!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Service
Service is an interesting word. In our case, it means a couple of things.
One is doing work on your machine. The other meaning is supplying customer support for questions, information, getting the right item, or doing something for you before, during, and after a purchase. Hopefully, we are doing a good job for you in our service department(s.)
Another is doing you a service. In talking with a customer the other day, he noted he had called some other dealerships on pricing of machines. Some places gave initially lower prices than what we have. But, and there typically is always a disclaimer, extra fees were going to be added. At that point, the price was more than ours. And, you can imagine other little charges may be tacked on or someone may try to persuade you to buy this and that to the point the machine is much higher in price.
Doing you a service may be implied as doing you justice. A good explanation of the aspects of the machine. Questions about what you want to achieve. Knowledge of riding. A chance for you to decide without being hounded into a deal.
That, to us, is good service.
One is doing work on your machine. The other meaning is supplying customer support for questions, information, getting the right item, or doing something for you before, during, and after a purchase. Hopefully, we are doing a good job for you in our service department(s.)
Another is doing you a service. In talking with a customer the other day, he noted he had called some other dealerships on pricing of machines. Some places gave initially lower prices than what we have. But, and there typically is always a disclaimer, extra fees were going to be added. At that point, the price was more than ours. And, you can imagine other little charges may be tacked on or someone may try to persuade you to buy this and that to the point the machine is much higher in price.
Doing you a service may be implied as doing you justice. A good explanation of the aspects of the machine. Questions about what you want to achieve. Knowledge of riding. A chance for you to decide without being hounded into a deal.
That, to us, is good service.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Common
How attached are you to your mobile phone? GPS? Other electronic gizmos? Many of us silver haired geezers will wax philosophically about rotary dial phones, smoke signals, cans attached with strings, and trudging through seven feet of snow walking to school; all to the dismay of younger people.
Vintage bikes get similar responses. Someone rode that "thing!" is a usual response. Yes indeedy! In fact, I rode it so fast that it tore the hair off my head and that is why I have this bald spot, you see....
Actually, today's machines are marvels in comparison, just like many of the items we now take for granted. My first "laptop" weighed 40 pounds and sported two 5 1/4 disc drives (look them up whippersnappers.) Now, my phone has more computing power than the first space capsules and my bike has more horsepower with less weight, better brakes, handling, well, everything.
We all get to the point where we consider what we have as common. Yet, the technology and advancement isn't common at all. Our bikes and ATVs are significantly better, faster, while getting even better fuel economy. We think our mobile phone is a crapper, when just a few years ago they were flip phones, before that the size of toasters, and before that, well, they were wired to the wall.
One of the things I like about riding is the fact that I cannot take a call. I like the phone off, letting my riding do the talking. Yes, I still carry it with me, for the potential emergency, GPS, or call home. But, it is also great to close off the distractions, focus on the moment, and enjoy that someone can't get ahold of me. And that, I guess, is old school, but uncommon. Which is why we ride.
Vintage bikes get similar responses. Someone rode that "thing!" is a usual response. Yes indeedy! In fact, I rode it so fast that it tore the hair off my head and that is why I have this bald spot, you see....
Actually, today's machines are marvels in comparison, just like many of the items we now take for granted. My first "laptop" weighed 40 pounds and sported two 5 1/4 disc drives (look them up whippersnappers.) Now, my phone has more computing power than the first space capsules and my bike has more horsepower with less weight, better brakes, handling, well, everything.
We all get to the point where we consider what we have as common. Yet, the technology and advancement isn't common at all. Our bikes and ATVs are significantly better, faster, while getting even better fuel economy. We think our mobile phone is a crapper, when just a few years ago they were flip phones, before that the size of toasters, and before that, well, they were wired to the wall.
One of the things I like about riding is the fact that I cannot take a call. I like the phone off, letting my riding do the talking. Yes, I still carry it with me, for the potential emergency, GPS, or call home. But, it is also great to close off the distractions, focus on the moment, and enjoy that someone can't get ahold of me. And that, I guess, is old school, but uncommon. Which is why we ride.
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