Rain, Rain, come on in.

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.

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!

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.

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.  

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!

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.

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.

Preparation

Some friends just came in and bought two rain suits.  Why, you say, would anyone be doing buying rain suits when it is 90 degrees in July?!  Preparation, my friends, preparation.

They are going riding on the Washington Coast.  The area is a rain forest.  Even in the summer, it's strange how it rains in a rain forest.  These are some smart friends.  We've had others in, discussing some big rides coming up.  Some of the questions include what to take on a long ride.

Well, first off, is your bike tuned and ready?  Tires fresh, cables lubed, airfilter clean, oil changed?  Are you ready for changes in weather, road conditions, or bad fuel?

Preparation is what keeps a good ride just that; good.  We can help you get ready.  It's better to stop here and see friends versus making a call to get picked up on the side of the road someplace where you don't know anyone!  Or, perhaps you are planning a trip to Alaska and you just now realize that bears do in fact eat people.

We do not have bear repellent, but we do have some portable fuel conditioners, Plexus for your visor or goggles, small chain lubes, tank bags for extra storage, emergency tire repair kits (or better yet, get some new tires instead of those thread bare ones on your bike now,) and more.  Or, even a rain suit.  You never know what the dress code will be.

Supreme Court Decision

The United States Supreme Court ruled today that all citizens, and even those that are not citizens, and those that do not have a photo ID, must buy a motorcycle by the end of 2012.

In a ruling that cheered motorcycle dealers everywhere, the court ruled that since everyone will have health care forced down their throat, they may as well go out and "take a spin."  Chief Justice Roberts, whose flowing robes looked cool while riding up on a Ninja 250, noted he was a "lane changer" and frequently cut off most vehicles while veering to the left.

Justice Elena Kagan, already known for her riding around with President Obama, was firmly behind the ruling.  She noted "our country has been going downhill fast so you may as well get on a R1 and go for it."

Motorcycle Dealers are thrilled with the ruling.  Many had noted they had no idea how "Obamacare" would effect their business expenses but anticipated costs for health care and related expenses would be driven up. With people now required to purchase a motorcycle, dealers, like the health care system, can offer less services for more money, while generally ignoring what the majority of people actually want.  

The remaining justices were split on whether to mandate sport bikes, off road, or cruisers.  In a united ruling, four justices wrote there should be no specification of which type of motorcycle you ride "as long as you put something exciting between your legs."  Dissenting justices felt that the citizens would be best served by just getting scooters; which provide gas savings.  It was also noted they felt more comfortable with the look of a scooter and like the country, they are "getting no where otherwise."

Funding for the program will be determined by various levels.  The middle class, with income up to $120,000 will have to spend their own money on a new motorcycle.  Also, they, through a payroll tax, will assist millionaires in purchasing exotic motorcycles and high end cruisers.  Those who do not have a photo ID will automatically be given a naked sport bike so they may ride it freely across the border into another country.  The Federal Reserve and Department of Justice will administer the lack of ID program.

Freedom

The holiday week is almost upon us!  Hurry up, Week, we are ready to set off some fireworks!

Among all the activity, it is easy to lose the focus of why we have the 4th of July to celebrate.  Independence Day.  The ability to enjoy our freedom, which in many cases is expressed in our opportunity to ride our machines.  Freedom of the road, the dirt, the water.

Yet, in many cases, our freedoms to do just that is under constant assault.  There are many who would like to have us off the road, off the dirt, off the water.  That premise always seems odd to me as the very people who berate our freedoms to enjoy our machines still drive, eat, and spew out crap.

Plus, it seems that our politicians also seem to have targeted what any blog is about; free speech.  Or, now many of the laws that allow snooping into our calls, our mail, our email, and activities on the internet. How is it our elected representatives vote for these laws?  Don't believe us?  We recently received a letter saying that our phone calls were listened to by a government agency.  For what reason, we don't know.  Even that is somewhat frightening.  Vote accordingly and write to express your views on legislation.

On this holiday of freedom, we encourage you to remember the fundamentals of existence of the United States.  We have a Constitution and a Bill of Rights to protect now.  We have our rights to access to protect.  
That requires involvement and even some money for groups like the AMA, Blue Ribbon Coalition, WOHVA, and other riding groups.  So, maybe this holiday weekend, send a group a few bucks instead of blowing up another bottle rocket.

Have a great one.

KTM Party

KTM knows how to throw a party...well, at least for a motorcycle enthusiast.  They roll out their line up of bikes and let us loose on a national track.  Not only that, they have their team riders and managers checking us through to enter the track.  I'm sure the pro riders had plenty of laughs as many of us ran around the track.

Then, laughing no more, they jumped on bone stock bikes and proceeded to shred the track.  All we could do is look on in appreciation of how it can be done and how we mortals are just that, mortals. Plus, in a cool event that combined the pros, some dealership folks, and KTM employees, they held a team relay race.  The start looked like a national moto! The pros, folks like Ryan Dungey, Mike Brown, Marvin Musquin, and Ken Roczen, blew out of the whole in a serious lap!

Still, you can't take the smile off our faces after riding all day and lying all evening about how fast we were.

Idle

I'd like to slug whoever said "idle hands are the devils playmate."  What does "idle" mean in that statement?

Idle to me is something smooth.  It means my machine is purring like a fat cat being petted, a subtle sound that all is good in the motor world.

It's okay to have idle hands, at least in the sense that you are not having to put in a ton of work when you have some time off.  There's times where my hands hurt more from gardening than a good ride.  It is acceptable to be idle if that means you are doing something you want to.  It's all in how you defend "doing nothing."

Wishing

Do you ever wish for an escape?  A "get me out of here" moment?

No, not a "I'll just stay home and putter" escape, but a real, I can't clean, do chores, weed the yard, nope, nada, type of an event.

Every now and then, those moments come up.  I'm outta here.  I'm going to get on a machine and take a ride.  No where in particular is one objective.  Or, perhaps a lot of laps on the track.  New places, new faces.

One ride day is coming up and I'm going to get to it.  Lots of laps in this case.  It will be more a test for the body, as my mind is willing but my training is weak!  If there is trouble with the ride day, the problem is its too short.  (Said now when a bowl full of Aleve is likely to be required after.)  I am wishing for that escape that lasts awhile.  I'm sure most all of us wish for that.

Let's all throw a penny in the fountain for that wish.

The Sure Thing

It's a sure thing!  Heard that before?  You can't lose on this stock investment! It's perfect! We have the best deals ever!  Many claims, few real results.

We just went through a sure thing with an airline ticket.  Less money for the ticket if can wait until the last minute to see if you can get a seat. (known as stand by to many weary travelers)  It was a sure thing on the flight out.  No problems.  But then, on the day of the flight back, unfortunate reality set in.  The flights were oversold.  One full flight begat the next full flight.  Before you know it, the day was slipping away.  And, honestly, an airport isn't hell to hang out in, but you can see hell from the airline gate.

Fortunately, a flight late in the evening was found, and one tired traveler got home.

What, you may ask, does this have to do with a motorcycle or ATV?  Good question.  How many times have you seen a price in the paper or one of the "trader" publications that just beats the pants off of every other dealer's price? Or, some website screams of the best deal ever?  It's kind of like the standby airline ticket to me.  You only know at the last minute.

Is it worth it to drive an extra distance to possibly save some money?  We've certainly heard where the opposite has occurred.  It also depends what your time is worth.  Does a mail order deal really turn out to be the best purchase when the item is wrong, doesn't fit, or is defective?  What does the time to ship things back cost you?  How does that compare to the service of someone right in front of you, or their reputation of excellent customer service and consistently good prices?  Like the standby ticket, is the wait worth it?

Brapppp.

During the course of the day, we see a lot of kids.  Little guys and gals who come in, see a motorcycle or ATV, and immediately start making engine noises.  Barrumm, Brappp!  The looks on their faces are great.  Big saucers for eyes, huge smiles.  "Daddy, daddy, look at the motorcycles!  Brappp! This one fits me!"

It's great to see the future riders.  Some get a chance to start now, some later.  Or, some of the "big" kids, the adults who have waited a bit, start when they get a chance.  After all, there is typically some kid in all of us.  There's some sheer joy in taking a look at the machines, the sparkle, the BRAAP!

We hope you never lose that feeling.

Gas cloud

It was an exciting start to the day with an emergency; a local company had a release of apparently toxic gas. (No, it was not from a bad experience at a Mexican food restaurant.)  The authorities recommended people evacuate a several mile radius!  Roads were closed, even to the point of local police and sheriffs standing point in our parking lot.

This brings to mind the concept of getting out of Dodge.  If the roads are closed, the house not immediately available, I had to think about what bike I would hop on to do a cross country run.  First thought, Yamaha Super Tenere or KTM Adventure.

Of course, the gas from the plant dissipated, the emergency lifted, and things are back to whatever is perceived as normal.  But, the thought of taking off cross country remains!

Fathers Day is rapidly approaching.  The day is a contrast to Mothers Day, as I think most of the husbands and sons are not as good in planning as the wives and daughters.  Proof you say?!  Just go to Walmart on Mothers Day weekend and Fathers Day weekend and go to the card section.  That section is jammed with guys on Mothers Day.  Much more empty on Fathers Day.

Honestly, though, cards are an after thought anyway.  I'd much rather get a hug from my daughter and son than a foofy card.  It's much more fun to talk with them face to face, have a bite to eat, and enjoy why one is a father in the first place.

I no longer have the luxury to give a card to my Mother or Father.  All I can do is send them a thought.  If I had a gift to receive, it would be for extra time to ask them questions about them, about family, about life.  On Fathers Day, I'd ask my dad to go for a ride, or a walk, or maybe just have a couple of glasses of lemonade.  I'd probably get him to latest cool baseball cap, something from FMF, since he used to talk to Donny Emler years ago.  And then we would bench race, with me embellishing how fast I'm going these days.  Which is true, life is too fast,  and I'm going 100.

What are you going to do for Pop on Fathers Day?

Big City Costs

I recently heard someone say they wanted to shop in a big city.  "You can get a better deal in a city."  I'm not sure how that works out.  Ask someone who lives in a big city what the taxes are.  Sales tax is more, there are more fees, property taxes are higher, the cost of getting around is more.  In fact, almost everything with more population means it costs more to just be there.

There's something to say for being in a smaller community.  It just costs less for most everything.  And, usually takes less time. Like the commute that takes 2 hours in the city versus a nice drive down the road.  It's the same translation for what you can buy something like a motorcycle or atv for.  And, the fact that you can ride a street bike, dirt bike, ATV, Jet Ski, or Side by Side in just five minutes after you leave our doors.  Now, that is value!

Fabulous prizes!  Free gifts with every purchase!  Get an Ipad with purchase!

Wow.  These are advertising lines we see.  While that would be quite wonderful to do, it always pays to do some math.  As far as we know, gifts and giveaways are not really free.  It comes as part of the price one pays when they buy something.  Beyond that, did a giveaway improve your knowledge about the item you are purchasing?  Did you feel like you received great service during the transaction?

All we can suggest is that when something is offered for free, figure out what it cost on the bottom line of your purchase.

D-Day

Today is the anniversary of D-Day.  It's something that I cannot imagine.  Charging onto a beach or behind enemy lines under a constant barrage of fire.  The bravery of that moment, knowing that life is in the balance is something I can only honor, because only those brave soldiers are the ones who experienced it.  Thank you to them and all that serve.

In our own ways, we each have to balance that one moment, the one place in time, that we each live.  Depending on the situation, it sometimes takes bravery to just get up in the morning, to take on a problem, or live through an experience.  Then, there's also those good moments, the rush of a bike ride, when you throw a leg over your machine, or just plain have a smile on.  Or, for those brave survivors of D-Day, the fact that you lived through the day to tell about it.

June

June!  June?  The months move quickly when you look back.  Why, it was just February when I was thinking about that oil change.  No, make that March.  Note to self, buy oil and filter in April.  May, where is that note I wrote to myself?

June is a great month to ride.  Typically not too cold and not too hot.  Is your machine ready to go?

Summer sale

Our summer gear and apparel sale starts this Saturday.  Plus, our tires are marked down and very competitive with any "on-line" price.  So, if you need sneakers for your bike, a shirt for your back, or a close out special from our table, now is the time to stop in.

Mom's Advice

My mom used to yell at me as I dashed out the door "take your coat, it's cold out!"  Of course, in typical middle school hearing, I would ignore her advice.  And then freeze.

Similar advice is excellent for riders.  Riding jackets are a great way to ride comfortably, while protecting oneself from the various elements.  Many coats are sophisticated, with venting for warm weather riding, sealed seams, storage, and the always necessary "looking good."

We have an excellent offering of riding jackets from Fly, Scorpion,  and First Gear.  We also have riding pants.  So if you wear pants, and Mom suggested you do, take a look at those too.

The Bad Things

In today's environment, it is easy to talk about all the "bad" things.  There is a bad economy, a poor situation, this doesn't work right, etc.  A good point made to me is there are all sorts of good things to do and/or think about.  The weather is getting better, the water warmer, the days longer.  We have ways to escape and have a great time riding, being with family, enjoying our surroundings.

If your machine needs some love, get it what it needs.  It will give you some love back when you take that ride, smell the fresh air, see someplace new.  Strange, and after that, I can't think of what was bothering me.

It's Memorial Day weekend.  While we all scurry about, thinking about riding, chores, or whatever is on today's top of mind level, it is also a time to think about our loved ones and veterans that are no longer with us. May we think of them fondly, raise a toast to what we loved about them, and enjoy life to the fullest.  Ride on, to those we follow.

Heroes Run Poker Run

Hello everyone!  We've started a blog about happenings at Experience Powersports in Moses Lake, Washington.

Our first message is about the Heroes Run Poker Run on June 2, starting at the Moses Lake Legion Hall. This poker run is a charity ride for a local Iraqi veteran who was severely injured on a tour of duty.

We are starting a donation jar at the dealership to get additional funds for this great event and started it with a $20 donation.  Stop by and put in some change for this great cause.