JUne 2015 Member Newsletter - Chicago Region BMW Owners

CHICAGO
REGION
NEWS
www.crbmw.COM
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE CHICAGO REGION BMW OWNERS ASSOCIATION
President’s Message
by Rick Koscher, President
The riding season is in full bloom and the traditional LaCrosse ride is in the books. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this year, but I’m sure those who ventured northward
had a great time. A big thank you to Ed and Kelly Koegel for
hosting the campers at their home for the weekend.
Karen Jacobs from the BMW Riders Association made an
informative appearance at our May meeting. Between BMW
RA and the MOA, members receive two great magazines: RA’s
“On the Level” (OTL) and MOA’s “Owners News” (ON). In
addition to the magazines, each organization puts on a great
annual rally. The MOA’s 2015 is in Billings, MT in late July,
and the RA’s will be in Harrison, AR in early October. Their
magazines are great resources for all kinds of information including rallies closer to home that you might like to enjoy this
riding season. In any event, you really should belong to both.
I recently discovered my membership to Riding Social
(http://ridingsocial.com), an interactive internet-based riding site, has been rolled into Rever (http://rever.co). Note
that there is no “m” at the end of the URL. I have recently
used Rever to plot a number of routes. Once completed, the
routes are accessible to your smart phone. The PC based program can prepare a .gpx file to upload into Garmin. The ease of
use to plot a route with their software is fantastic and includes
the Butler Maps best routes to ride. The cost for an annual
membership is $89.00. I think it’s a bargain to have a very accurate trip planner. I have three major rides set for the summer.
Once you save your trip, you can access the route via your cell
phone. So if you don’t have a GPS device, you can still find
your way. Also it has a ride tracker feature where your ride,
if unplanned, can be tracked via your phone, and saved for
future reference.
I, like many, have discovered Aerostich. My wife and I recently purchased Roadcrafter gear. Like many others, I tried
numerous alternatives for all weather riding gear and like
many have found Aerostich to be a great solution. I have been
in just one down pour so far and so far so good. Talking to
other Aerostich owners the only thing they every complained
about was the price. So, we decided to visit the factory in Duluth to get fitted. Our appointment included a full tour of their
facility. There is a reason this American made garment costs
what it does. It’s because it is incredibly well made by hand by
technicians who really like providing quality workmanship. A
trip to their factory will not disappoint. And Duluth is a very
nice town to boot!
Besides the national rallies, there are an abundance of closer to home rallies that are fun. The BMW Motorrad Club of
•
JUNE 2015
FOUNDED IN 1969 AS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
Northern Illinois will hold their 19th annual rally in Galena
August 28-30. So if you have never camped out via your motorcycle, this is a great event close to home to try your outdoor
living skills. There are numerous other events highlighted in
the publications listed above if you would like other choices.
Also, read Bill’s article about the upcoming rally in Indiana.
One thing is for sure, the summer riding season goes by way
too fast above the Mason Dixon line. Planning to attend a rally
is fun, getting there is funner and being there is the funnest. If
you are unsure of doing a solo, reach out to other members for
advice or companionship for the ride. Attending an event for
the first time as a solo rider is a wonderful experience. I have always been greeted with great enthusiasm by the hosting club.
There is an incredible amount of work done by the hosting club
and its volunteers to pull off an event. But they never frown
upon an outsider! As a matter of fact, they usually ask, “Where
are all of your fellow club members?”
So, if you’re interested in going to Billings or Harrison or
Galena or Indiana or somewhere else give me a holler. I bet I
know at least one person planning to ride!
Editor’s Corner
by Joanna Burrola
Another riding season is upon us. Hope those that went to
LaCrosse had a great time. We just rode up to New Glarus for
the lunch stop. One of these times we’ll try to make the camping trip. After the presentation from the RA at the last meeting,
we decided to renew our membership with them. We won’t
make the MOA Rally in Billings, but the RA Rally in Arkansas
should be an achievable goal for us this year. We haven’t been
to one of their rallies yet, but I’m sure it’ll be a good time. I’ve
heard lots of stories of how great the riding is in that area.
John Zolot has offered to lead a ride up to Rockerbox the
first weekend in June. See his article in this newsletter for more
information. This month’s monthly meeting is also our annual
Ice Cream Social. Come on out, have some ice cream and kick
some tires. It’s a great time. Our meeting this month is June
11th.
Have a great June and we’ll see you next month.
Consumer Interest
by Bill Müllenholz
The riding season is finally here, maybe. Even though it has
been nice one day and cold and rainy the next, the good weather will surely come and stay around for awhile, do you think?
Hopefully you have been out and are taking advantage of our
Hot Dog Rides. What better way to blow off the cobwebs and
socialize with your fellow club members. If you do not have a
schedule, you can reference our website (www.CRBMW) and
click on the meetings and events drop down menu and the whole
schedule is right there.
At the Hot Dog Ride on Monday, May 18th, which was held
at Back Alley Burger in Villa Park near our Elks Club meeting
place, St. Charles Road at Rt. 83, I learned that BMW has issued
a massive recall. Joe Amore got his notice in the mail regarding
the rear wheel flange recall. It includes 43,425 bikes sold in the
USA (367,000 worldwide,) R- and K- machines manufactured
from November 2003 to April 2011. It seems as though there is
a possibility that cracks can develop in the rear wheel carrier if
the brake disc bolts or wheel lugs are over tightened when reassembled after a maintenance procedure. The result is that the
bolts may back out and cause the rear wheel to become loose, or
perhaps worse. If you own an R- or K- bike of this vintage and
you have not received a recall notice, run, do not walk, to the
phone and call a local dealer to inquire about NHSTA Campaign
Number 15V141000. They will replace the aluminum wheel
flange with a steel component that they believe is stronger. It is
possible that your motorcycle has been recalled and you never
got the notice, especially if you are not the original owner. Check
it out; better safe than sorry.
When you check out our website for the Hot Dog Ride schedule, do not forget to look at the rally schedules as well. The more
popular CRBMW attended rallies are there too. If your bike
came without saddle bags or a pannier system, which is de rigueur for long-distance touring, Touratech USA offers its new
Zega Mundo system. BMW used to make their own system but
now the R1200GS comes with the Touratech system. They are
roomy, light and nearly indestructible due to the high quality
aluminum construction, and stainless steel rivets and hardware.
A complete set retails for $1,199. Go to touratech-usa.com, or call
them at (800) 491-2926. There is also a Youtube video on them:
YouTube/wnN3ED6yYYM. When you arrive at the national
rally in Billings, Montana, you can trust this system to keep your
belongings safe and dry.
Speaking of rallies, The Hoosier Beemer Rally will be held from
September 25 through September 27 at the Muscatatuck County
Park in North Vernon, Indiana. North Vernon is about 70 miles
south, southeast of Indianapolis and is about 250 miles from
Chicago. The venue is an ex-Indiana State Park and the organizer, Jeff Kernen (JRKERNEN@yahoo.com,) tells me that there
is ample camping space and they look forward to hosting us at
this BMWMOA sanctioned event. Reservations are not required
in this beautiful park for us to participate. If there is sufficient interest, I will lead a ride there beginning early on September 25th,
or sometime September 24th. The plan is to meet at the Lincoln
Oasis which is situated on I-80/94 just west of the Indiana State
Line. We will exit the Interstate Highway System directly east of
there at Illinois 394 and not ride another Interstate until we get
back there on Sunday. We will use Indiana blue highways and
back roads all the way there. If you think that Indiana is flat, and
Northern Indiana is, Southern Indiana, due south of Indianapolis is not. It is mostly rolling hills and curvy roads. The goal is
to be in Bloomington for lunch at Nick’s English Hut or Café
Pizzeria near the Indiana University campus before the last 1
1/2 hour run to North Vernon. So mark your calendar if you
are interested. I will write a more detailed article for the July or
August issue of the newsletter. It will be a great opportunity to
add some quality miles to your machine, meet new people or
see old friends. Please feel free to email me with any questions
about the rally or anything I write in the newsletter. Bill Müllenholz, 196961, wemullenholz@hotmail.com
Say Hello to our New Members
Ben Alsip
Evanston, IL 60201
Rides: BMW R1100S 2001
Mark Wojciechowski
Glenview, IL 60026
Rides: R1200GS 2013
Phil Marshal and Ellyn Schmitz
Yorkville, IL 60560
Rides: BMW 1600 GTL 2011
BMW R1200 RT 2014
Thomas Kleiner
Mount Prospect, IL
R1100GS 1995
K1100RS 1995
What we dream about
when we’re not at work!
Motoworks Chicago
1901 S. Western, Chicago, IL 60608
312-738-4269
motoworkchicago.com
Now A Ducati Dealer, Still Doing The
Best Job In The Business On Beemers.
June 2015 Chicago Region News Page 2
Rockerbox Ride
by John Zolot
I will be leading a ride to the Rockerbox vintage bike event
at Road America on Saturday, June 6th. This is a motorcycle
show with all types and makes. There are awards given in
multiple categories. Here is a description from the event webpage: www.rockerbox.us
“Rockerbox is the premier Wisconsin motorcycle show featuring an eclectic mix of Euro, Japanese and American vintage
café racers, choppers, sport bikes, racing machines, super motos,
scooters, and sidecars. All makes and models of bikes are welcome; you’ll find a mash of bikes competing for space alongside
dealers and vendors of all things motorcycling.
The weekend-long festival centers around a ride-in bike show
and competition; entering riders from all over the country in
over several competitive award classes to showcase the greatest in classic style, fresh customization and all that which is unusual and incredible. Meanwhile, the Road America paddock
will be packed with local and national vendors, live music, food,
and beer.”
Simultaneously, Road America hosts the AHRMA vintage
motorcycle races. This event truly offers something for everyone
interested in motorcycling.
I will leave from the Full Moon restaurant at 8am on Saturday
June 6th. In the interest of time, I’ll follow a direct route. I usually take a more scenic route going home, passing through the
Kettle Moraine woods. Full Moon is at 1300 Skokie Hwy, Lake
Bluff, IL 60044. Many of us are familiar with the location due to
their Sunday morning gatherings.
Seymour’s BMW
BMW Motorcycle Service All BMW Models
Appointments are recommended.
Monday thru Saturday
5 am - 1:30 pm
Shop: (773) 617-8061
Fax: (773) 279-9650
Email:
seymoursbmw@gmail.com
3510 N. Elston
Alley Entrance,
Chicago, IL 60618
Seymour Goldberg
BMW’s 282,000 Mile Award Winner
June 2015 Chicago Region News Page 3
June 2015 Chicago Region News Page 4
Photos from our last Meeting
Barnet Fagel, the
Red Light Doctor
CLASSIFIED ADS
How to Start or Renew an Ad:
Send classified ads or requests to renew existing ads to the
CRBMW newsletter editor at nledit.crbmw@gmail.com.
Ads run for three months then terminate unless you email the
newsletter editor by the newsletter submission cutoff (posted
under events in the newsletter). If we don’t hear from you by
then, your ad will not run in the following issue.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------FOR SALE: 1979 R65 BMW,
62.117 miles, auto start & kick
start, saddle bags & Vetter
fairing. New seat & stock seat
included. $3,500.
Call 708-841-6699
Note: The bike has a different seat
than pictured.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------For sale 1978 /7 600, dual
plugged by oak, 106,000, good
tires, one off fairing, $2,000.00
or B.O., contact; Stan Vorgias,
skvconst@foxvalley.net
_______________________________________________________
1978 BMW R 100/7, 45,000
mi., Luftmeister fairing,
BMW bags, new metzeler
tires, fresh battery, ready
to ride. stored in heated
garage. Contact Doug at
dgchez@gmail.com or call
in the evening 708-9031852.
Tina Dogget, Karen Jacobs from
BMWRA
CRBMW
P.O. Box 5429
Villa Park, IL 60181
CHICAGO REGION BMW OWNERS ASSOCIATION
JUNE 2015
Motorcycles - All Ages, Makes & Models
Collectable and Recreational Vehicles
WILSONCYCLESPORTS, CORP.
Mike Abt
IA - IL - WI
General Manager
Miriam Bruening, Insurance Agent
Tim Smith, Motorcycle Enthusiast
info@callriderschoice.com
www.callriderschoice.com
P.O. Box 14 Oregon, IL 61061
Voice 630-204-4178
Fax 815-732-1320
6070 S. LaGrange Road, Countryside, IL 60525
office 708.588.9900 cell 847.293.5842
mabt@cjwilsonbmw.com
bmwmotorcyclesofcountryside.com • dirtbikenation.com
June 2015 Chicago Region News Page 5
A ctivities C alendar
June 2015
Chicago Region Activities
Monthly and Weekly Events
Every Monday from Spring through Fall, CRBMWOA Goes to the
Dogs
See the activities calendar and the club’s forum at www.crbmw.com for
every Monday night’s Hot Dog Ride locations starting in March.
General Membership Meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the second
Thursday of every month in the Elmhurst Elks Lodge, 711 W. St. Charles
Rd., Elmhurst, about 3/8 mile west of Route 83. Newer members—if
you need directions, call a club board member or director (see box in
this newsletter for names and telephone numbers).
Tech Sessions every Saturday
Seymour Goldberg offers FREE tech sessions at his shop from 5:00am to
1:30pm. Seymour’s BMW Service is located at 3510 Elston Ave., phone
773-617-8061. Seymour will assist or advise you with your maintenance,
modification or repair project. Phone first to confirm Seymour’s availability.
2nd And 4th Saturdays at George’s, The Saturday Riders (southwest suburbs)
Have breakfast with a diverse group of riders at George’s, 990 N. State
St., Lockport Il 60441, 815-838-7225 (formerly met at the Purple Onion
restaurant) Breakfast at 8am, rides leave at 9am. This is truly an eclectic
group and all types of motorcycles are welcome.
Dekalb Breakfast with the Guzzis- Every 1st Saturday
Have breakfast at 9 am with the Illinois Moto Guzzi Club at Junction
Restaurant, DeKalb, 816 W. Lincoln Hwy. (Rt. 38)
Every Sunday At The Full Moon Restaurant (north shore suburb)
Enjoy brunch at the Full Moon restaurant on US Hwy 41 near Buckley
Rd. in Lake Bluff, 6 miles north of the Highland House restaurant. This is
a gathering of all types of motorcycles. Come and go as you please.
Every Sunday at McDonalds in Des Plaines (northwest suburbs)
Enjoy breakfast or coffee at the McDonalds at Rt. 45 (Mannheim) &
Oakton Sts in Des Plaines Rides depart at 9 a.m. All varieties of motorcycles welcome. Sponsored by Jerseypine Cruisers MC.
Every Sunday on the Radio
Open Road Radio at 92.5 and 92.7 FM, Sundays 11:00 am – 12:00 noon,
630-833-9889 www.openroadradio.com
CHICAGO REGION BMW OWNERS ASSOCIATION
BMW MOA CHARTER #3
Officers & Directors
President
Directors
RICK KOSCHER
HANK BARTA
(630) 632-9111
(630) 294-3390
rickkoscher@me.com
hbarta@gmail.com
Secretary
SCOTT HELLEM
RICH FONTAGNERES
(630) 728-5411
hellem@attglobal.net
(847) 682-2163
john zolot
skibike3@att.net
(847) 254-3844
Treasurer (Acting)
rockerarmjz@gmail.com
HARRY GAPLES
Consumer ..Interest Director
(847) 996-9019
BILL MULLENHOLZ
gaples@me.com
(630) 854-3135
Membership Director (Acting)
wemullenholz@hotmail.com
CHRISTY LANGE
(847) 372-1568
Visit our Website
cflange200@gmail.com
Activities Director
to be announced
Safety Director
PETE WALTERS
(708) 343-8741
pw748mag@yahoo.com
Newsletter Editor
JOANNA BURROLA
(630) 986-7702
NLedit.crbmw@gmail.com
at:
www.crbmw.com
Please direct requests for membership information to the Membership Secretary.
CRNEWS is published monthly by Chicago Region BMW Owners Association and Printwerk Graphics &
Design. All articles, ads and other submissions must be in writing via E-mail, FAX, PC disk or by mail to
the Newsletter Editor. If you submit photographs and want them returned, please include a self addressed,
stamped envelope. The deadline is the 10th of the month preceding publication.
June 1 Hot Dog Ride N...Michael’s, 1879 2nd Street, Highland
Park
June 1 Hot Dog Ride S…Gemato’s BBQ, 6701 W. 111th Street,
Worth
June 8 Hot Dog Ride - Graffiti Grill, 715 Rockland Road, Lake
Bluff
Thursday, June 11 – 7:30 p.m. – Chicago Region BMW Motorcycle Owners Association, monthly meeting --Elmhurst Elks
Club, 711 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst.
June 15 Hot Dog Ride N...Huntley Dairy Mart, 10706 Route 47,
Huntley
June 15 Hot Dog Ride S...Ranch Frostie, 1259 N. Cedar Road (at
Francis Road), New Lenox
June 22 Hot Dog Ride - Shorty’s, 123 W. Irving Park Road,
Wood Dale
June 29 Hot Dog Ride N...Rand Red Hots, 1441 Rand Road, Des
Plaines
June 29 Hot Dog Ride W...Scooby’s Red Hots, 4319 Prince Street
(Ogden near Main), Downers Grove
July 2015
July 6 Hot Dog Ride - Steamer’s of Winfield, 27W213 Geneva
Road, Winfield
Thursday, July 9 – 7:30 p.m. – Chicago Region BMW Motorcycle Owners Association, monthly meeting --Elmhurst Elks
Club, 711 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst.
July 13 Hot Dog Ride N....Papa Gus Gyros, 454 N. Rand Road,
Lake Zurich
July 13 Hot Dog Ride S...Johnny’s Wee-Nee Wagon, 15743 S.
Crawford Avenue, Markham
July 20 Hot Dog Ride - Smokehouse, 1825 N. Main Street,
Wheaton
July 27 Hot Dog Ride - Heffy’s Hot Dogs, 1520 N. Elmhurst
Road, Mount Prospect
August 2015
August 3 Hot Dog Ride Paul’s Pizza & Hot Dogs, 3044 S. Wolf
Road, Westchester
August 10 Hot Dog Ride Hot Dog Night hosted by BMW of
Countryside, 6070 S. LaGrange, Countryside
Thursday, August 13 – 7:30 p.m. – Chicago Region BMW Motorcycle Owners Association, monthly meeting --Elmhurst
Elks Club, 711 W. St. Charles Road, Elmhurst.
August 17 Hot Dog Ride N...Luke’s of Lake Bluff, 203 N.
Waukegan Road, Lake Bluff
August 17 Hot Dog Ride S...A J’s Hot Dogs & Gyros, 342 W.
Maple Avenue (US 30), New Lenox
August 24 Hot Dog Ride N...Mr C’s Hot Dogs and More, 1350
E. Chicago Street (High Point Plaza), Elgin
August 24 Hot Dog Ride S...Pop’s Italian Beef, 14279 Wolf
Road, Orland Park
August 31 Hot Dog Ride Portillo’s, 134 E. Boughton Road,
Bolingbrook
June 2015 Chicago Region News Page 6