N8

MrK · 07-30-2007, 04:20 AM

Well the battery went dead on my R1100S Boxer cup, so decided to give BMW of Atlanta a call to see if they had one. I called them and they had one in stock so I figured I would leave early from work on Friday and go by and pick it up. I got down there and while taking to the parts guy, I saw a familiar face walk by. It was Nate Kern. I stopped him and said hi with a handshake.
Great down to earth guy, we talked a bit and he showed me his Race bike and also the scar on his leg from the surgery. So after I got through with talking to him I went to get the battery well it turns out they didn't have the battery and they would have to order it. It was almost a total waste.

N8- Thanks for talking the time talking with me and thanks again for the invitation.
-Stephen

BMW Atlanta · 07-30-2007, 04:56 AM

Sorry about that, I'm sure we have batteries for an R11S, however the Boxer Cup(non ABS) takes a smaller battery which we do not always have in stock (very low volume) and the Parts Dept may have not thought to ask with R11S flavor battery you were looking for. Can we get one on order for ya?

MrK · 07-30-2007, 05:07 AM

Quote:

and the Parts Dept may have not thought to ask with R11S flavor battery you were looking for

Yeah Bobby and I didn't think of telling him at the time I called him. I'm sorry I forgot the guys name. (older gent)
I had him order one for me and have it sent to my house due to the pain it is to get down there from work during the week.

tm1100s · 07-30-2007, 09:22 AM

The BCR battery (at least in my '05) was a standard, wet lead-acid battery, smaller than the GEL batts in the regular R1100S's. For weight reduction, I guess.

Replaced it with the Exide GEL, fit in with no problems but needed the longer strap. The GEL was available from the local dealer without a wait, but otherwise I would have preferred a Westco or Odyssey. Both fit.

MrK · 07-30-2007, 10:58 AM

Yeah I went with a Odyssey dry cell.

on2wheels52 · on2wheels52's Garage

I didn't know the non ABS took a smaller battery. The Panasonic I ordered was the same dimensions, I may have ordered by cross-reference.
Jim

N8Kern · 07-30-2007, 06:36 PM

Hey there MrK, very mutual! It's just really cool to meet fellow riders that enjoy what our Boxer's are doing and can share in the fun. Stinks about the battery.

I rode at Barbers yesterday and had a blast. I did about 12 two up rides on the R1200S. Weights ranging from 100lbs to 240lbs! Just a great tie seeing everyone's excitement and answering all the pre conceived notions that they are not willing to find out for themselves, about how far a tire can go.

Im putting together some dates for Jennings GP. They will be Mondays and not more than 5 riders total for some great track time and training.

I am not racing World Endurance in Oschersleben, as I have informed BMW AG, and let them know that my grandfather is not doing to well. He really wants to come watch me race at Barber's in 2 weeks. They (BMW AG) respected that and also said it's the right thing. I may be testing the bike though (non race) later this season. I did let them know that I felt a teammate of mine would be an awesome addition/fill in....!

Ok, going to the range tomorrow to shoot a bit, and just try and aslo get back in better shape!

TTYL,

N8!

Guest24 · 07-30-2007, 07:06 PM

Hi Nate,

Sorry to hear about your Grandfather. have you got any intel sources that would know if the BMW powers are entertaining the idea of a GP bike(s) and the team that goes with them. With 2 GP races here next year Laguna and Indy, the marketing opportunities are over the top.

N8Kern · 07-30-2007, 07:14 PM

There will not be a GP bike. Unobtainable prototypes that really dont sell more streetbikes. WSBK, AMA SBK, British SBK,.... They are obtainable homologated streetbikes. The new Boxer and the new SBK are more marketable than a one off platform that would take years if any trickle down effect to a streetbike.

I have been to 10 GP races in various countries. I have to say there is one MotoGP bike that had a sound unlike any other. The Aprilia Cube. Yes a non front runner, but t had a sound that was just wild!

I have spoken with the rider that has tested twice the new SBK, has amazing things to say about it!

N8!

xgironx · 07-30-2007, 07:43 PM

N8
Yer a good man ... kudos to you and godspeed to your Grandfather ... I'm sure your commitment brings him much joy

Justin

JimMoore · 07-31-2007, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N8Kern

Im putting together some dates for Jennings GP. They will be Mondays and not more than 5 riders total for some great track time and training. N8!

Post up when you get the dates worked out. I love going over there on Mondays.

MrK · 07-31-2007, 04:18 AM

Quote:

I am not racing World Endurance in Oschersleben, as I have informed BMW AG, and let them know that my grandfather is not doing to well. He really wants to come watch me race at Barber's in 2 weeks. They (BMW AG) respected that and also said it's the right thing. I may be testing the bike though (non race) later this season. I did let them know that I felt a teammate of mine would be an awesome addition/fill in....! !

I hope your Grandfather gets to see you ride. I can see how that would be a big deal for him. I wish him the best of health. I wish I still had a Grandfather.

Quote:

Ok, going to the range tomorrow to shoot a bit, and just try and aslo get back in better shape

What range do you go to? I have one up by me that I visit reguarly.

N8Kern · 07:49 PM

Actually I have held out on getting a Ga. license, but now that I have one I am able to legally have a rifle to go target shooting. I do not hunt. I enjoy the self competition of shooting. Is the range you go to indoor or outdoor?! IM me when you have the time. There is an indoor rifle range near me. It's only 25 meters, gets boring after putting every round in 2.5 inch bullseye. lol

On the Jennings track ride together w/ instruction and 2 up rides on an R1200S, I will be setting some dates this week.

Thank you everyone for your ineterest and support. As I have said before. Riders are motivated by different aspects. ME, people.

Cheers,

N8!

scooter69 · 07-31-2007, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrK

Yeah Bobby and I didn't think of telling him at the time I called him. I'm sorry I forgot the guys name. (older gent)
I had him order one for me and have it sent to my house due to the pain it is to get down there from work during the week.

Shoot, i could have let you borrow my battery till yours came in. My next ride isn't till Sept. 22nd @ VIR.

Bob Hancock · 08-01-2007, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N8Kern

On the Jennings track ride together w/ instruction and 2 up rides on an R1200S, I will be setting some dates this week.
N8!

Please keep us posted on this Nate. I think BMW of Georgia club is still interested. If you take me two up on the track you won't go fast will you? I might git skeered.

jduke · 08-01-2007, 07:47 AM

Bob "skeered".... yeah, right.

scooter69 · 08-01-2007, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jduke

Bob "skeered".... yeah, right.

Yah, he just might if N8 can break that backend loose going into a turn. Something like driveshaft osculation. it's wicked to watch.

Bob Hancock · 08-01-2007, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooter69

it's wicked to watch.

Nah...it's fun to watch. Wonder how it feels though.

MrK · 08-01-2007, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooter69

Shoot, i could have let you borrow my battery till yours came in. My next ride isn't till Sept. 22nd @ VIR.

I appriciate that. As long as I have the battery by the end of this week I will be ok.
It has been way to long since I rode the bike, I'm starting to shake.

N8Kern · 08-01-2007, 12:51 PM

A fun part of the day, after many 2 up rides, I had on of the 3 guys that traveled up from New Orleans for the trackday on back. He was maybe 140lbs, and his buddy was on a ZX10 about 6 riders up from us.
Each lap just worked our way up to his pal on the 10 and outbraked him inot the Bama Coaster. Was alot of fun.

Everyone was dumbfounded by the BMW's handling, braking, and power they said.

Nate