Two experts on BMWs history have returned to the U.S. to show off the new parts and accessories offered by Mobile Tradition to help keep all of those classic BMW on the road. They’ll be looking for feedback on how Mobile Tradition can better serve U.S. riders of BMW vintage bikes. If you are a vintage bike owner and want your voice heard, now is your chance!

John Dunne, who has over 25 years experience in the oils & lubricants business with Spectro Oils of America, will speak on base oils; conventional oils; additives, synthetic motor oils and gear oils. Discussion will follow.

Mark McMahon, OHC, is an occupational hearing conservationist who, together with his wife, Linda, have owned Brite Ears, Inc. for over five years. Mark will discuss how to reduce and possibly prevent further damage to your hearing by utilizing the proper hearing protection when you ride. Discussed will be early warning signs of hearing loss and what you can and should do to minimize these symptoms. Focus will also be on what you can do to prevent the hearing you have left.

Inspired by Johnathan Gifford, this seminar will discuss the day to day dealings of juggling work, home, kids and family, etc., while trying to get some riding time in. So come and meet others near your own age and share your tips on how to get some riding time in. There will be a panel of members (all under 40) to help get the conversation started, but audience participation is encouraged.

Are you a passenger and want to be the driver? Are you contemplating owning your own motorcycle? Have you started to learn and need some support? Join Susanna Parkhouse, Marlene Hill and Shirley Faucher (our heroine who just overcame a very serious illness-who says you can’t keep a good rider down), three women who started their riding adventures in their mid to late 40s and now find that riding has become the prime focus of their lives. Marlene has her own MSF school. Susanna returned in January from riding for 4 months with her husband, Matthew, in Europe and North Africa. Shirley, before she was struck, has toured much of the U.S., including Alaska and other places. All travel extensively by two wheels. This seminar is for men and women. No question is too dumb

Join T.J. Tennent of Bridgestone, as he presents an introduction to motorcycle tire maintenance, construction and application. This will be an interactive discussion of tire maintenance, how tires are made, proper fitment and “what does that stuff on the side of the tire mean?”

An interactive approach to “How do I fix my broken bike?” or “I think my bike is broken, is it really?” We all have problems with out bikes now and then. How we approach the problems makes them simple or irritating beyond belief. This seminar is dedicated to making problem resolution simpler. You, the audience, will provide examples. While the presentation is K bike specific, the methods work on any model. Brian Curry has maintained and worked on his BMW motorcycles for 30 years. He has ridden K75RTs over 298,000 miles. He has done testing to verify or disprove claims he has professional experience in finding and fixing the real problem, not the symptom. His tech articles have been published on the IBMWR website “Frequently Asked Questions.” He will be joined by another K bike crazy, Don Eilenberger.

They’ve come a long way from the days of Pancho Villa Moto-Tours and running just tours of Old Mexico. For 25 years now, MotoDiscovery has been fulfilling your dreams. A new audio video presentation will highlight their most recent adventure, the Iran Recon Ride along with new clips from the Mexico’s Copper Canyon and other exciting destinations. Always informative and entertaining, don’t miss Skip Mascorro and his crew as they share their discoveries of the great roads and cultures of the world.

Join Scott Moreno, owner of Iberian Moto Tours, as he talks about motorcycle riding in the Pyrenees Mountains that separate France and Spain. These mountains are known as “The Alps without tour busses.” There will be a slide presentation and a Q&A period.

The Seasoned Rider Course is designed to acquaint participants with the general effects of aging on the skills necessary to ride safely and to encourage active steps to become increasingly safe and responsible motorcyclists. The course is primarily classroom discussion and provides opportunities for riders to share common experiences. The program is sponsored by the BMW MOA Foundation and will be an interactive and fun session, not a boring lecture.

With humor and anecdote, Bob Young, an investigator with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHSTA) Office of Defects Investigation, presents an entertaining program providing a behind-the-scenes look at how the U.S. Government conducts motorcycle defect investigations. Includes resource information you may use when you have safety-related vehicle problems or deficiencies.

Paul Johnson, is Consumer Affairs Liaison for MOA. He would like to meet you, followed by structured sections to listen to your general thoughts on vendor quality and service expectations, as well as MOA’s support to them. Segments will focus individually on BMW Motorrad USA motorcycles, BMW accessories and apparel, aftermarket performance, comfort and apparent. This will be general in nature and will not be a complaint session for a few unhappy players. Specific requests for assistance can be handled privately.

All F650 riders and other enthusiasts are invited to join Steve Johnson and the rest of the Chain Gang inmates for orange juice, donuts, doorprizes. There will be a wrenching demonstration as well as information about club rides and rallies.

See Fri., 4:30, Seminar 1

Join as many of the contributors to the Owners News as are available. Curious who they are in person? Here they are!

Helen addresses the questions: how safe is riding alone, what is different about it, what precautions should you take, is it fun or not fun? Helen Twowheels has ridden over 400k on motorcycles – most of it alone. Allay your fears……and your partner’s. Don’t give up the long planned ride because your buddy backs out at the last minute. Discover the subtle pleasures of a trip by yourself. The world is waiting for you. Gentlemen, and ladies, start your engines……

Brazil Motorcycle Adventures – Experience the Wonders of Brazil by Motorcycle

Come discover Brazil with its extraordinary scenery, world-class cuisine, unrivaled hospitality and fantastic motorcycling. Davis Bales, co-owner of BrazilMoto, former California attorney, graduate of Brazilian Studies from UC Berkeley and 10-year resident of Brazil with nearly 20 years of Brazilian travel experience, will present an audio-visual introduction to fascinating Brazil. Find out why a motorcycle vacation with BrazilMoto will ranks amongst your greatest trips ever.

Brits, Kevin and Julia Sanders, known as GlobeBusters, share their global adventures breaking two Guiness World records for the circumnavigation of the world by motorcycle and the Trans Americas Motorcycle, all ridden two-up on a BMW R1150GS and also their experiences on leading a multi-national team of 15 from Alaska to Argentina on the Trans Americas Motorcycle Expedition, a journey of 22,000 miles, taking 19 weeks and providing thrills and spills on a roller coaster adventure from the top of the world to the bottom .
 

Curious what’s coming next? Join BMW Motorrad staff and let them tell/show you.

Join David and Gail Riley from Massachusetts, who are actively involved in Accident Scene Management. Learn what to do at the scene of a motorcycle crash to see that more injuries don't occur! Secure the scene, make yourself visible, don't disturb evidence, and most of all, don't become another victim. 

Voni Glaves has ridden over three quarters of a million sMiles, many of them solo. In that time, she, a self-described NON-tech person has learned a trick or two. And, in the last year, she’s learned some more. She’s not mastered the foreign language of tech, though she’s tried, but she’ll share a few magic tricks that have kept her sMiling. Her interpreter will do his best to translate for those of you who need techspeak.

Join Greg Feeler, Brad Benn, Scott Conary, Vince Winkel and perhaps others as they discuss the Web Site and the Forum – what’s now, what’s new, where we’re going.

Jim Falk has chaired the Vintage Display at the National for the last 14 years. He personally owns and has restored ten vintage models, including five pre-war classics. Jim will talk about the history and preservation of BMW vintage classics, including pointers on restoration, insurance and various organizations supporting these efforts. Also assisting Jim this year (and in years past) are Bob and Naomi Lonergan. Even if you can’t make the seminar, do fit a visit the vintage area into your rally stay.

Discover New Zealand in a very special way with brothers John and Ian Fitzwater, co-owners of GoTourNZ. Their presentation will reveal the reasons why so many American motorcyclists are touring their beautiful country year after year and what makes their tours distinctively different and special. Come to their entertaining and humorous presentation and be included in a drawing to win a free 12 day best value tour with them (prize drawn at the seminar). You have to be there to win!

“Bench Wrenching” author Paul Glaves, past MOA President BMW Owners News Technical Editor, has accumulated over 500,000 miles on BMWs since 1977. His wife, Voni, has accumulated almost 800,000 miles. Paul performs all the maintenance on their several motorcycles. Paul will present very basic technical information for non-technical riders. This will be an easy-going question and answer format, intended to acquaint riders with the basics you need to know to understand the service requirements to keep your bike healthy and happy

Picking up where Very Basic Tech leaves off, Paul Glaves shares his experience and insight into the technical details of BMW motorcycle maintenance and repair. In an easy-going-format, he’ll discuss common and uncommon problems and pitfalls with BMW motorcycle maintenance. This session is intended to explore the common and uncommon maintenance and repair needs of BMW motorcycles.

Join Andrea Borella, a long time motorcyclist who also loves to run and practice yoga and meditation. She received certification to teach this form of Tai Chi in 2001 by Grand Master Foo Wei Zhong. Give yourself to the bright side. Remove the Dark forces of energy blockage that can prevent your life energy from circulating. Think of your motorcycle’s engine not getting oil circulated – you know it decreases your engine’s performance and can seize when totally blocked. The same can happen to you. Wear loose fitting clothing an bring and open mind ready for a new experience.

Though South America has long been the stuff of legends in the annals of two-wheeled travel, in many respects the continent remains one of the best-kept secrets in the world of motorcycle touring. Ayres Adventures offers five upscale South American trips that collectively include the continent’s most popular destinations: Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls, Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego, Torres del Paine, the Perito Moreno Glacier, and the lake and volcano districts of Argentina and Chile. The presentation consists of a discussion of what it’s like to ride inSouth America: riding conditions; non-riding activities; food; and, accommodations. The presentation is accompanied with a slide show and some short video clips.

See Thursday, 2:45 p.m.

Meet the Editor of the Owners News. Members can ask Vince Winkel, Editor for the BMW MOA and Owners News about writing for the magazine. We’ll also brainstorm on new features for the magazine, website and other publications. Vince has worked in the news media for 24 years, at the local and national level, in newspapers, magazines, radio, television and the Internet.

See Thurs., 2:00-4:00 p.m.

A short session with Airheads Technical Experts, wherein you get to ask your most burning technical questions. You may possibly even get a coherent answer. Think up the questions, come ready to learn something new. Join Oak Okleshen, Tom Cutter and others.

Gary Smith, who has written Tech Session articles, and Al Vangura, who has machined many BMW motorcycle components used as teaching tools, are teaming up again to offer a seminar on the removal and installation of seals used in the Oilhead engine, transmission, and final drive. Using a modified Oilhead engine, transmission and final drive, the session will cover both the tools and the techniques needed to do the job. If time permits, additional Oilhead maintenance subjects will be covered.

The Grandeur of New Zealand – Awesome Journeys in a Motorcycling Paradise

New Zealand is widely regarded as one of the very best motorcycling destinations in the world. Now Ayres Adventures offers three guided tours in this beautiful land. This presentation consists of a discussion of what it’s like to ride in New Zealand: riding conditions; non-riding activities; food; and, accommodations. The presentation is accompanied with a slide show and some short video clips.

Join Jerry Settle and Tom High, vintage road racers, who will talk about what it’s like to vintage road race and how you can get involved. Covered will be: how to get started; getting your racing license; gear; the bike; different tracks around the country; what to expect on the track; the adrenalin rush of going out on the track; and, common courtesy on the track.

Presented by staff of BMW Motorrad USA, come hear what BMW has planned for the future. And ask your questions!

Joan Horst, Apparel Manager for BMW Motorrad USA, will show you the latest in BMWs line of riding and clothing apparel. Interested in some new and snazzy riding apparel? Want to know about exclusive fabrics used by BMW? BMW apparel may be just the answer for you.

Join Scott Moreno, owner of Iberian Moto Tours, as he talks about motorcycle riding in Andalucia, Southern Spain. This is the region of Spain famous for Flamenco dancing and bullfighting. There will be a slide presentation and a Q&A period.

Do you have a short inseam? Do you stand on tiptoes when your bike is not in motion? SKERT, aka Carol Yourorski, is 5’3”, rode in the Iron Butt in ’01 and now rides a K1200RS. Andrea Borella admits to being short and also rides any bike she chooses. Don Eilenberg is experienced in lowering bikes and finding other ways to help the vertically challenged. Join in anecdotal stories of situations that riders have found to be difficult: dips in the road, hills, gravel, backing up, parking, uneven terrain, areas where taller riders can put their feet down and guide the bike, etc. This will be a Q&A format with tips on things to make the bike easier to ride, where no question is too dumb.

SKERT, aka Carol Youorski, has put over 200k on BMW’s. Because of her short height and her original desire to ride a K75 as her first BMW, she need to learn how to pick the bike up, a lot, due to her beginning inability to balance the bike correctly while on tip toes. Since those days she has ridden several different bikes and has dropped them in some of the most interesting places. Having heard, as most of you have, that if you can’t pick up your own bike you shouldn’t ride, Skert has devised a technique for getting a bike upright that even the smallest person can do.

See Thursday, 1:00-2:30

Matt Parkhouse, author of the “Keep ‘em Flying” column for the Owners News , will discuss routine maintenance and trouble shooting of the air-cooled BMW charging, lighting and other electrical systems. Matt has worked more or less continuously, on BMW motorcycles (airheads) since 1977.

The Yankee Beemers and the BMW Motorcycle Owners of Vermont cordially invite riders under 30 for a get together Friday afternoon from 4-6pm at the YB / MOV tent across from the beer garden. If you are a younger rider please join us for a casual session of meet and greet. Refreshments will be served.

Helen Twowheels does it once again. Help is here for your month-long dream trip to Albania or that motorcycle weekend get away with your honey! Pack efficiently, safely and securely. Cut down on the time and the angst of repacking every morning…boost your time on the road. Packing doesn’t have to be a chore….well, ok, it’s still not fun but you can learn to do it in half the time.

Join Matt and Susanna Parkhouse as they share, through anecdotes and slides, their 10,000 mile trip on two old R60/5s that Matt refurbished. They started September 15^th of last year and returned home January 6^th of this. Would they do it again? What wouldn’t they do? So many places, so little time.

See Thurs., 7:00-8:00 p.m., Seminar 2

A get together for all forum users to meet each other and members of the Admin.Team

Join Andrea Borella, who is passionate about using movement in subtle and powerful ways in addressing techniques that have afforded her (running and motorcycling) endurance benefits over 30 years without injury and over 400,000 miles. Motorcyclists everywhere can benefit from strengthening and stretching muscles for minimizing tightness and increasing their riding capacity and comfort. Please wear loose fitting clothing and bring a towel for ground work.

Susan Galpin is a former mileage slave two years running, an MSF instructor, a vintage and production racer and the Queen of the Quick. She will strive to share the essential elements of sport riding that have kept her safe and sure through 500,000 miles of BMW riding. She has spent the past four riding seasons instructing women and men on the challenging mountain roads of North Georgia. Susan loves the ride.

David Mjolsness has had much professional experience in photography and is now a Senior Photographer at John Deere in Moline, IL. His photography has been used to illustrate corporate reports, brochures, advertising and billboards. David has also produced network television advertising. In this seminar David wants you to share your ride with the rest of us. Some reminders, tips and techniques for better photography, taken from your motorcycle, will be gone over. Incidentally, David rides a 1976 R90/6 and has been riding since 1968.

Sean Franklin is the founder and co-owner, with his wife, Laurene, of CycleGadgets.com, a motorcycle accessories business specializing in touring motorcycle accessories. CycleGadgets.com has been a Garmin GPS dealer for 5 years, and also carries Lowrance and Tom Tom GPS products.

They come in all shapes and sizes (their bikes, that is); they love to ride (no-they’re obsessed with riding); and, they are an inspiration to all riders but particularly to women who ride. Many didn’t think they could do it and others were sure they could and, in the end, did. If you’re interested in the Iron Butt as a competitor or just want some tips on long distance riding, these gals will share their experience and a few laughs too. Please join Jean Copas from Ontario, Canada as she leads this group.

Join Jim Ford of the Rider’s Workshop as he discusses the Art of Riding Smooth, learning to position your motorcycle, your eyes and your mind for safety and for the clearest view of the road ahead. While riding, your tachometer is more important than your speedometer. Discuss your motorcycle’s powerband and performance settings, plus precise throttle and speed control. Discuss the art of brakeless braking and seamless shifting-essential skills of the accomplished rider. Since Jim’s first motorcycle purchase 14 years ago, the pure joy of motorcycles has taken him by storm, as he closes in on 300,000 miles, making the Appalachians to the Smoky Mountains to the Ohio River his “backyard.”

Please join Klaus Huenecke and Duane Kerzic of Wilbers, USA and they discuss: how can I tell whether my current shocks are bad?; what type of shocks should I select for the riding I do?; how does a shock operate, and what do certain adjustments result in.; and, adjustments for my personal set-up.

Since his retirement in 1996, Werner Bausenhart has traveled the world with his motorcycles, a 1991 BMW R100 GSPD, and a 2000 F650 Classic. He has traveled on all continents where road travel is possible, having racked up some 250,000 km and has published four books on his travels. The presentation aims to provide answers to questions relating to adventure motorcycle travel: the motorcycle, money, documentation, problems on the road and problems relation to “getting away.” The second part of the presentation is an interactive quiz on “places you must see – on a motorcycle – before you die.”

Join Ray Zimmerman, Executive Director of the MOA, and Sue Rihn-Manke, who has chaired multiple national rallies (and may do another one, who knows) as they provide insight as to the selection of a rally site and the planning necessary to hold a successful rally.

Join Craig Bennett, Eastern Regional Manager of Gerbing and Karol Patzer, Central Region Manager of Gerbing, for a seminar on Heated Clothing. They’ll discuss 6 reasons to have heated clothing as part of your wardrobe and Gerbing’s answer to fit, function and options for the consumer.

Some previous Oilhead seminars have been focused on specific issues. This year, Bench Wrenching author Paul Glaves and well-known BMW tech expert Joe Katz will lead a broad discussion of the Oilhead motorcycles, their maintenance and repair. Questions are encouraged! Paul and Joe may be joined by others with specific Oilhead maintenance expertise. This session is intended to explore in depth the maintenance and repair issues associated with BMW Oilhead motorcycles.

Moderated by Deb Lower, Vice President of BMW MOA and a vintage road racer, join this group of women panelists to discuss riding experiences and concerns that may be shared by other women riders. Participating, besides Deb, will be Voni Glaves who finished third in last year’s mileage contest (though she finished first a few years ago with mileage that may be hard to beat), Helen Two Wheels (what needs to be said), Jean Copas, an Iron Butt Rider from Canada, and Susanna Parkhouse, who just rode over 10,000 miles in Europe and North Africa from last September to January of this year. We will also ask the youngest and oldest female riders in the group to join us. Audience participation is encouraged, gentlemen are welcome. You ride? You have a story.

The Ayres Adventures African Trilogy is an upscale tour of the southern portion of the African continent. The Trilogy consists of three unique trips that can be taken separately or “back-back,’ depending on a rider’s available time and budgetary constraints. Each of the trips provides riders the opportunity to experience the continent’s wildlife as well as a host of cultural activities. The presentation consists of a discussion of what it’s like to ride in Africa: riding conditions; non-riding activities; food; and, accommodations. The presentation is accompanied with a slide show and some short video clips.

The Beach’s have been running tours in New Zealand for 18 years with Te Waipounamu Tours, whose found, John Rains, will give some info about what is available, interspersed with some amusing anecdotes and stories from the over 80 previous tours. Those of you who have embarrassed yourselves in New Zealand need not fear as no names will be used……………

Gary Sibley is a frequent contributor to the BMW ON and has given the Rider Wear seminar for five years. He gained his knowledge of the subject the old fashioned way……going broke buying clothes and riding motorcycles. Thus, a seminar designed for riders by riders. Discussed will be new technologies to keep you warmer or cooler or drier. Are any of the old standards obsolete? Also included will be a video showing some of the better garments in action as well as significant new features to enhance your riding pleasure.

Matt Parkhouse, author of the “Keep ‘em Flying” column for the Owners News , has worked more or less continuously, on BMW motorcycles (airheads) since 1977. He’s a certified BMW tech and one of the partners of BMW Ducati of Southern Colorado. He’s the co-Airmarshal (along with wife, Susanna) for Colorado. Matt has ridden over 400,000 airhead miles with plans for many more. He will discuss routine maintenance and normal trouble shooting of slide and CV Bing carbs.

Ray Zimmerman has been the Executive Director of the BMW MOA for more than five years. In that time he has been instrumental in the development and implementation of a series of new programs and the modernization of the operation aspects of the Association. Ray will be available to discuss related topics and conduct a Q & A session about the BMW MOA.

Scott and Christi Reynolds, having ridden motorcycles their whole lives, ditched the rat race July of ’04 to take off on an extended tour of the U.S. on their RTs. They spent the first part in the West and will be heading east before returning home in the summer of ’06. Along the way the decided to start a hosting organization exclusively for motorcycle enthusiasts. They will discuss MTN, an alternative to hotels, hostels or camping. They will also give tips on how to “budget travel” inexpensively.

See Thurs., 2:00-4:00 p.m.

See Thurs., 1:00-2:30 p.m., Seminar 1

Craig Vechorik is an MOA Ambassador, authors the “Life in the Past Lane” column in the Owners News , is the owner of Bench Mark Works and is the former technical advisor to the Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners, Ltd. In his presentation he will explain the importance of oil slinger service, give restoration tips and explain about new products that improve ‘Rideability.’ A question and answer session will follow to allow the audience a chance to ask specific questions.

See Friday, 1:15 p.m.

Frank Cooper has been involved in motorcycling since 1959 and has owned BMWs since 1985. He’s traveled to over 17 foreign countries and ridden in most of them. Frank is the owner of Adventure Motorcycle Gear and the importer of the Twinmax. He’s tuned over 100 motorcycles with the Twinmax and has developed instructions for motorcycles and automobiles.

Join Scott Moreno, owner of Iberian Moto Tours, as he talks about motorcycle riding in Morocco. There will be a slide presentation and a Q&A period.

Stefan Knopf discusses the following topics related to motorcycling in Europe: shipping a motorcycle as compared to renting or buying when you get there; motorcycle storage; what papers and insurance are needed; touring on your own or with a tour company; where to go, what to see. Stefan, owner of Knopf Motorradreisen, says he will answer “all the questions that people have about motorcycle touring in Europe.”

This seminar will be about sharing the experiences of fathers and sons (or any parent and child) and their riding experiences, motorcycle camping adventures, rally participations or anything else motorcycle related. This is an open discussion forum and audience participation is encouraged. Anyone, especially those looking forward to the day when their child may join them, are welcome to attend. There will be a panel, including Johnathan Gifford and his son, and Chuck Manley and his son, who ride together, to get the discussion rolling.

See Thursday, 1:00-2:30