New Tyres

Recently, I was dismayed with the disparity in price of Island BMW compared with the Internet retailer, FortNine.  My comparison was for the Michelin Pilot Road 5GT destined for my 2016 BMW R1200RT.  At the time of writing, the costs from FortNine are front (120/70ZR17) – CA$205.99 and rear (180/55ZR17) – CA$265.99 equating to CA471.98 per set plus tax and including shipping.  My initial quote from Island exceeded $700. 

I wholeheartedly believe in supporting local business.  Without this support, local businesses will decline and ultimately disappear.  Not only do I value the local dealerships, but also see considerable value in the backup service they provide post-purchase.  Dealing with a failed or incorrect product obtained from the Net can be a hassle, and often fail to achieve the desired resolution.  I value Island’s advice, knowledge and encouragement.

Being competitive with the Internet has to be determined by profitability and availability.  FortNine undoubtedly have considerable purchase power and leverage with the tyre manufacturers, whereas the volume of tyres purchased on the Island is relatively small.  However, Island could also choose to purchase from FortNine, but what is their time, effort and cost of storage worth?  I am of the opinion that a 10-20% markup over the Internet price is a reasonable cost of doing business locally, and am personally quite prepared to pay this premium.  This, at 15% markup, would make the combined cost for my RT CA$542.78 plus tax and fitting.

 

Bill Wallace has kindly aggregated a bulk-tyre order for BMWRVI members in the past, but apparent lack of interest in 2019 meant this was not done in 2019.  Most of us have some idea of their tyre usage per year – for me I expect to change once, and achieve around 15,000km on each set.  I would be quite prepared to commit to an annual purchase if it meant tyres could be purchased at a bulk discount and stored ready for me at Island BMW.

How do other members feel about this?  I’d like your comments and suggestions as they will add to the discussions I’m having with Island at present.  I’m sure we can reach an acceptable local solution that maintains Island’s profitability and is financially acceptable to members.

Drop me a line at cd.drake.1@gmail.com.

Vancouver Bike Show January 26th 2020

Some of us attended the annual show thanks to Island Motorcycles who arranged and staffed a coach from Wilson's for the trip.  January is always difficult to predict, weather-wise, so the coach was a welcome guarantee of staying dry and warm.

Personally, I was a little disappointed with the show this year.  I recall making similar comments last year too, so I guess there has been further decline.  I’m not sure about the purpose of the show anymore.  Several manufacturers chose not to be represented on the show scene anymore, and other OEM’s seemed somewhat indifferent on the stands.  Maybe battle fatigue as it was day three for them.  A paucity of parts and accessory suppliers and an almost complete lack of traditional ‘show specials’ detract from the overall experience.

BMW hosted the largest display of the show, but the lack of the R18 was disappointing for many.  I predict we’ll have our first view of the machine for ‘Demo-Days’ in April.  Discussing the R18 with one of the BMW Canada staff members revealed BMW Motorrad sees the cruiser market as remaining significant despite recent declines in sales.  There’s no doubt the R18 is a radical departure from recent tradition, but this in itself may be a good thing.  However, the cruiser-like ergonomics are restricted by the sheer bulk of the cylinders which will deny the rider of the foot-forward posture that defines the sector.

New for the show and 2020 is the F900XR.  Based upon the motor introduced two years ago on the F750/850 range, power has been increased to 105Hp/92Nm Torque which should make for an exciting and well-balanced middle-weight that I look forward to evaluating

The S1000XR now receives shift-cam technology allowing the machine to meet Euro 5 emission targets.  Output remains essentially similar to 2019.  Colour schemes and artwork are new for 2020.

Sadly, none of the OEM’s were putting on any presentations or new-product launches.  This was disappointing once more, and reinforces why I feel the show has lost direction.  I was keen to discover the fit & finish of the Royal Enfield range, and was surprised with the standards achieved. 

Sure, brightwork and finishes and not as good as the Japanese or Triumph, but for the price, I was impressed.  The new 650cc twin looks fabulously retro.  I love the twin pipes reminiscent of the 850 Norton Commando.  Retro bikes NEED multiple pipes (take note Honda – CB1100F and Kawasaki Z900) Royal Enfield also fits TWO horns – a common 70’s spec.  Most modern OEM horns, as we all know, are generally pathetic.

I was fascinated by the new Triumph Rocket 3 range.  Everything about this machine is super-sized, including the rear rubber.  I not make any judgements until Bill and the Island team have indulged me with a test.  The Yamaha Niken is as radical in the flesh as it has been in the media.  As an engineer, I understand the concept and objectives, and the front steering/suspension assembly is quite fascinating.  Style-wise, I’m not convinced though as I’s not exactly pretty.  My final observation was the Aprilia RC4’s single-sided swing arm – quite a work of art!

Thanks to Island Motorcycles for the organisation.  A Grand Day Out!

Happy New Year!

A great turnout at the annual TROC event at Island View.  Our thanks to Brian and Kim for hosting a memorable event.  Somebody managed to arrange for great riding westher too!

November Reader

A BAVARIAN SOULSTORY

https://crm.bmw.ca/emailImages/2019/2019_Motorrad_Newsletters/September/BMWMotorradCanada-September2019-EN.HTML