As I sit and write this newsletter trying to find the right way to describe BMW’s new ConnectedRide Cradle a news flash just came over notifications on my phone……

It appears “The President” was finishing up a speech in an Iowa barn before corn farmers. He is touting his newest way to get the cost of gas down. All he had to do was announce he was suspending the maximum amount of ethanol added to our gas from 10% to 15%. He feels this should lower the cost of a gallon by 10 cents and the corn farmers would benefit with a larger market – a 30% increase. All I can say is a good stock tip would be a surge in fuel treatment additives to protect our fuel systems.  At about $7 a bottle for treatment all the savings evaporates just like the economy. And the price of corn for food goes???

By the way, should you happen to see a video of the speech, it appears a bird evacuated on the lapel of his blue suit.   No Comment!

Back to the ConnectRide Cradle:  a smart phone holder that acts as a charger and used as a navigation device during a trip, can also be used to access the vehicle navigation map and vehicle data in the field of view via your multiController (magic wheel). It accommodates smartphones of various sizes with individually adjustable arms and charges inductively or by cable. it can be locked on the docking station if the dock has locking options.

The bike needs to be equipped with factory Navigation (GPS) Prep. It is not compatible with bikes with GPS Prep that have an in-dashboard mounted docking station such as R1200RT, R1250RT and K1600 series models.  Must have Bluetooth Low Energy in V 4.2 to satisfy the safety requirements for connection. The BMW Motorrad Connected app is required for proper function (always install the current updates).

The conversion cradle comes with everything needed at $259. A specific charger adapting USB-C cable to Lightning, USB-C or Micro USB cable depending on phone is $30.  A little less than $849 for a Navigator 6.

Sales incentives are primarily on Heritage models – R9T and R18’s; a few exceptions; call if you are looking for something specific.

Riding weather is back, check your tires and brakes, consider an annual fluid change if it’s been a while and greet the wind from your bike – Best Rx ever.

As always, thank you for your continued support all these years.

the West Valley Cycle Gang