The Latest Cheesy K12 Pirates' Lair Newsletter

Latest Info and Pics of the New K1200GT!!! (info pilfered from www.K-bikes.com)

Here's the latest info on the upcoming K1200GT..Release date is scheduled for April 2006. Price starting at $18,740. 3 color options.. Dark graphite metallic, Crystal Grey Metallic, and Deep Blue metallic. An optional grey seat will be available. Glove box on right side of fairing opens with a push of the keyed button (when unlocked). There is no box on left side of fairing. Per BMW rep, there are "electronics" beneath/behind the left side panel and no room for radio. The left panel is one piece. The handle bars can be manually (with tool) raised or lowered about 1.5-2 inches in height. The tail rack is substantial and reportedly easy to mount a BMW top case.

Dealers are already taking deposits. I have posted what pics I can find in our Pirates’ Lair Photo Gallery or if that link desn't work.. Click Here for Alternate Link

BMW K1200S Sets New World Land Speed Record

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - November 8, 2005 - A 2006 production model BMW K1200S has set a world land speed record in the 1000 - 1350 cc stock, partially streamlined, naturally aspirated motorcycle class at Utah's famed Bonneville Salt Flats. The engine was bone stock except for a Remus full titanium exhaust system.

The "S", piloted by 56-year-old Andy Sills of San Francisco, CA, and sponsored by Max Moto and BMW of San Francisco reached an average speed of 173.57 mph and top speed of 176.789 mph after two runs on salt plains. Sills also clocked a record speed of 169 mph, riding the K1200S two-up with passenger Erin Hunter. The pair received a standing ovation from a cheering crowd of fellow competitors as they made their way into the pits.

Another record at Bonneville was achieved by Brian Parriott and San Jose BMW, on a BMW K1200R Power Cup bike, setting an AMA speed record for non-streamlined motorcycles in the 1300cc class at an average of 164.480 mph and top speed of 167.331mph.

Product Review: Moto GP Nitrous Gloves

For most of us not living in Florida or Kaleefornia, it's ass-bitin' cold (a technical term) out there. Many of us are looking forward to sunny days, warm breezes, perfectly paved tarmac, sweeping curves, track days, a pro GP contract with Repsol, large trophies, tanned scantily clad umbrella girls with firm pouting young breasts spraying you with oversized bottles of champagne, ah.. this is the life.....er...where was I... O, yea... warm riding weather.. Just before the weather turned bad I got to evaluate some very sleek and attractive summer gloves from www.motogp.com The Nitrous Glove. In a word.. sweet. Some of the features.. high grade cowhide leather, fiber reinforced knuckle and finger protection, performance fit with pre-curved fingers, foam padding outer shell protection, Schoeller Keprotec protective material, sticky-grip palm material, adjustable cuff with hook and loop closure, adjustable strap with hook and loop closure under wrist, and elastic at the wrist.

My size large fit wonderfully right out of the box and was true to standard "human" sizing charts. On my left hand the sticky-grip palm material tended to roll up when on the grip hard so I took a razor blade and removed about 1/4" of it, then epoxied the loose material back down.. perfect. These are some of the finest and most attractive gloves I've had the pleasure of owning in 30+ years of riding. Easily good enough for professional racing yet not so pretentious that you'd feel out of place at the local hangout.. Expect to pay about $110...While we'll never ride like Valentino...or share his umbrella girls (at least on the track.. wink wink.. nudge nudge..) we sure can get the same protection and without a GP contract or sponsors!! My personal thumbs up.

Product Review: KBC 2005 FFR Infinity Modular Helmet

Just recently I started looking for a replacement helmet for my 5 year old HJC Symax flip-up. Like Kofi Annan, it had exceeded it's useful life. I looked around for another flip-up. Once you've tried a flip-up... you'll never go back. I initially looked at the criminally priced Shuberth.. too heavy.... the Nolan N100E.. too Gort-like.. the Shoei Syncrotec Modular ... visually challenged...so after my usual anal research and palm readings, I decided to try the KBC FFR Infinity Modular Helmet .

I'll assume the masses are like me in that helmet buying criteria usually consists of evaluating comfort, appearance, weight, function, and price. The KBC Infinity LOOKS spectacular and the price is very reasonable at around $190.. KBC's advertising touts.. "Most technically advanced, feature packed helmet from KBC" and "Totally 3D engineered from the very beginning by an international design team." International design team? Most technically advanced? This doesn't bode well for the future of the company as this helmet is definitely disappointing. IMHO..while the paint looks spectacular...it's a horrible excuse for a lid. Worst interior of almost any helmet I've seen. You put the KBC on and it sounds like you have one of those $3 styrofoam beverage coolers (the kind you get at a HotStop) stuck on your head. It's so noisy that Marlee Matlin would complain.

It appears as though the design team had never actually seen a human head as the interior is lacking in every aspect. Has this international design team ever tried on an Arai? or a Shuberth? Do they actually test these on motorcycles? I wonder. Me thinks they should spend less $$$ on advertising and actually put some money into designing a better product. I ended up shipping the helmet back then buying another HJC Symax... sleek, attractive, durable .. and the second most comfortable helmet I've ever worn next to the kings of comfort.. Arai

What's New In the K1200RS/GT/S/R No-Spin Zone