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News Archive: November 2008
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kymco is here!
we are now an authorized dealer!
November 29, 2008
WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE ARE NOW AN AUTHORIZED KYMCO SCOOTER DEALER.
We researched the affordable scooter manufacturers carefully and feel confident that KYMCO offers the best combination of VALUE, QUALITY & PERFORMANCE.
STOP BY TODAY TO SEE THE EXCITING AGILITY 125 - A GREAT SCOOTER WITH PLENTY OF PEP STARTING AT ONLY $1999! msrp
We've also got the hot SUPER 8 150 - with sportbike style and handling for $2299 msrp and the City-Savvy PEOPLE 150 - for only 2799! msrp
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san jose bmw wins open twins
November 15, 2008
San Jose BMW Racing's Brian Parriott has won the AFM Open Twins Series on the BMW HP2 Sport, with an emphatic victory at the 2.7-mile Buttonwillow circuit in California. After six months and seven race meetings of the series, the American BMW rider secured the title against a grid of race-tuned Ducatis at the very last round of the 2008 championship.
Arriving at Buttonwillow Raceway in southern California for the final race of the 2008 American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM) season Brian Parriott and the San Jose BMW Racing team knew they were going to need to everything they could get from their HP2 Sport to beat the other competitors, all of whom were on Ducati motorcycles.
This was end of a long season that had begun at the same venue last March. The team approached this the final AFM race of the season with the Open Twins championship still hanging in the balance. Just six points off the lead, they knew that they would need an outright win to prove what they had been saying all season long - that the HP2 Sport was a match for the top race bikes built anywhere in the world.
The plan for the weekend was simple in its inception, but very difficult in its execution - to help Brian find the best set-up to allow him to ride the bike to its limits. All the machine work on the HP2 Sport had already been done in the confines of the shop at San Jose BMW - massaging the engine for more power, reducing the weight of the bike and making the suspension more suited to racing on a circuit than the public roads. The results were impressive - 168 kg and 140 hp at the rear wheel, in an easy-to-ride package.
At the track it was all about the details - getting the exact tyre pressure for the best grip, the correct sag in the shocks so they respond to bumps without destabilizing the chassis and - of course - the best engine tune to get instant and useable power to the tarmac. With a demand for increasingly faster lap times on track and the varying demands of different circuits, the key to finding the best set-up is consistency, as San Jose BMW's Chris Hodgson explains:
"We always send Brian out with as few variables as possible," says the Principal and owner of San Jose BMW. "The tyres are always the same temperature, tyre pressure is accurate to within half a pound and there is always the same amount of fuel in the tank. Every time Brian comes in, we check the rise in tyre pressure, look at tyre wear and check the amount of fuel used. When these variables are controlled and the results are consistent, changes can be tried and results evaluated. As race day approaches the variables are reduced and the changes more subtle so Brian can become accustomed to the feel of the bike and the way it reacts at speed on the track. On race day, there are no changes made to the bike - just fresh tyres, enough fuel to make it to the finish line and a final check of all bolts, fasteners and cables."
For this final race of the season, Brian started in second place on the grid, because he was second in the points. The Buttonwillow circuit consists of a series of off-camber, undulating corners with a few bumps but no real elevation changes, making it a tricky track to ride fast. The Californian's start wasn't as good as he wanted; he was third off the line behind Tom Montano and points leader Matt Green. Diving into turn one he outbraked Tom, took the inside line and was in second place by the exit. On the way to turn two the track shifts to the left - not enough to be called a turn, but rather a place to set the bike up for turn two. Taking advantage of the huge midrange power of the HP2 Sport, Brian was able to gain enough ground to be in a position to outbrake and muscle his way past Matt to take the lead, before using the instantly available power to pull away a little on the short straight to turn three.
Once out in front, Parriott never looked back and laid down a scorching pace on the HP2 Sport that his rivals just couldn't match. As the race progressed, the tension in the pits was unbearable but finally the chequered flag came out to confirm Brian's first place and the series championship victory.
"I just have to say a massive thanks to the crew at San Jose BMW, who have made this season happen," said an elated Brian Parriott. "To be successful in racing you need three things: a great bike, a consistent rider and a dedicated crew. For the first time in the last few years we finally got there and the result followed - AFM Formula Open Twins Champion!
"As for the HP2, what can I say - the bike is flawless. Beating the Ducatis is always very satisfying. The paddock reaction has been huge and everyone just can't believe that this bike goes the way it does. It is great for me to show the capabilities of the HP2 to the other competitors because they didn't take us very seriously in the beginning but now that's all changed and it feels really good. Thanks to everyone involved for a great 2008 and I hope next season will roll just as smoothly. Every year presents new challenges and 2009 will be no exception."
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f650 gs in stock now!
November 10, 2008
We now have several of the new F650 GS in stock.
With an MSRP of only $8255 this fantastic new machine is BMW's most affordable adventure bike.
Featuring the smooth, torquey and very powerful 800cc twin engine, the GS is a very exciting machine for on-road and light off-road adventure.
Compared to the F800GS model on which it is based, there are a few changes to get the price down, but no real compromises - this is a great bike.
The engine is tuned for more mid-range torque and a bit less peak power via different cams and ECU settings. The numbers say the F650 GS delivers 71 hp and 55 lb ft versus 85 hp/62 lb ft for the F800, but the real world difference is very small.
The F650 is lighter by 15 lbs, lower by 1.3 inches and has cast alloy wheels instead of wires for the F800. A 19" front wheel on the F650 GS provides quicker on-road handling versus the 21" wheel on the F800, which is a bit better in soft off-road conditions like sand.
The F650 has a traditional fork instead of the upside down unit on the F800 GS and less ground clearance and suspension travel, but is still quite capable off-road. The F800 GS also has a skid plate, dual front disks and alloy handlebars.
Bottom line is only $8255 for the F650 GS against $10,520 for the F800 GS.