How many miles do you ride?

[knary]

We, the holy BMW brethren are known as mile whores - there isn't a mile we don't want to ride. Some of the luckier/hardier/crazier amongst us push 50,000 miles in a single year, and a few well past that. But the average rider in the U.S. is lucky to put more than 2,000 miles in the saddle in a given year. Most of the high mileage riders that I know are exceptions and either 1. retired. 2. teachers. 3. have some absurdly long commute.

How many miles do you ride in a year?

Generally, I ride anywhere from 15k to 18k in a year. If I had a commute longer than 12 feet, it might be higher.

[BMWRich58]

You must also take into consideration that many riders are "snow-bound" several months a year. If a person replies,having them note their location would also be of interest.
I live in Chicago and average about 14K between two bikes. Some years 2-3K higher or lower.;)

[knary]

Originally posted by BMWRich58
You must also take into consideration that many riders are "snow-bound" several months a year. If a person replies,having them note their location would also be of interest.
I live in Chicago and average about 14K between two bikes. Some years 2-3K higher or lower.;)

Most certainly. But having a limited number of riding months doesn't seem to cut down on yearly mileage. Instead of riding lightly all year round, they seem to pack it into the warm months.

[oldcarkook]

I'm in the six to twelve group. Closer to 12 with maybe 10 on average. I'm in the saddle from May through October on average with sporatic trips in the "off season". My bike has been locked in for a couple of weeks due to salt slathered roads. If we get the snow-sleet-ice-rain that is predicted for tomorrow, then it may wash down the salt enough to ride over weekend. I don't mind the cold but I will definitely not ride in wet salt brines as they wreck havoc on everything. I'm a daily commuter in the "in-season" but my commute is less than 20 miles so it's barely enough time to get the oil up to temperature.

2k/month is about the limit. Touring is limited to a couple of times a summer, and only a few days at a time usually. But I also have other interests which cut in to riding time. I'm putting about another 8k of windshield time in the vintage stuff in the summer months.

[lorazepam]

I am in the 18-24k route. I am in Ohio, and have very little milage since november, maybe 500 or so. I ride every night, and every weekend when I can. My former job had me away for weeks at a time, but the new one will allow me to ride all the time in the summer, and I can even take the bike on some trips:D. I had over 15k between may and november this year, with march and april totaling about 2.5 k. I look forward to riding the new bike at least this much, with a trip planned from cincy to dubuque iowa the end of march. (work trip). I find riding to be the best therapy one can use to relieve stress. I used to ride a bicycle 4-6k every year, but knee and other joint troubles have made those kind of miles impossible for me now.

[jdiaz]

Used to be over 30K with some regularity, but now closer to 14K.

[RebeccaV]

2001:119 miles(Honda 1974 CB350)
2002: 1175 miles (BMW 1975 R90/6)
2003: 9967 miles (BMW 1975 R90/6)

Each year I've increased my mileage by approx. 8.5 times the year before. At that rate I will do 84,719 this year. Can't wait!

[BMWRT]

I know. Pretty sad. I got my 1150RT in Sept 03 and have put over 6,400 miles on it to date. I do ride it to work as often as possible and that is 70 miles RT (Round Trip) Maybe thats what the RT stands for!?

Have fun and keep riding!!

[donkey doctor]

Hello; I did nearly 9000 miles last year. I liscence the bike for 6 months a year from May to November and ride every chance I get, except Sundays which are set aside for flying. It takes a fairly estensive holiday to run up that kind of mileage, I get picked up at my house and dropped off every night, so I rarely drive the family car either. I can no longer convince my wife to get on the back, so it's all recreation miles. That should count for more.

[cgarr]

I generally put in around 10K every year. I use the bike a primary transportation, with the occasional road trip thrown in for good measure. Living in southern Arizona affords me the opportunity to ride pretty much year round:D

[cruisin]

I made just a shade under 31K in 2003 on the C and RT combined. Over the past 3yrs 9mos. have racked up 62K on the C (purchased new in April of '00)and almost 31K on the used RT purchased in Nov. of '01. Hoping to keep that going and maybe start averaging around 35K. I have a daly commute of 66 miles round trip and spend most of my vacation time on two wheels. Usually get in three week-long trips per year that tack on around 2K per trip. Then there are the weekends at least twice a month where I will knock off from 300 to 600 miles just out 'cruisin' around in search of twisty roads. :wow I guess I'm making up for that 19 year hiatus from bikes between the R75 and the R1200.

[ian408]

You're missing a button. It's the "not nearly enough" for those
of us married to our jobs...

ian

[basketcase]

I fall into the 6 - 12 k bracket, but would also agree with "not enough."

Right now, 95% of my miles are recreational miles. I've considered commuting to work on two wheels, but am torn between making the commute on the K, or on my bicycle. The fitness benefit and sheer enjoyment of that option make it very attractive. But our roads are absolute horrors for bicyclists, and I value my life. So right now, the K is winning.

Anyway, kudos on a very revealing poll. This would be a great one to email to the entire membership and get their feedback.

[The_Veg]

Honestly, I don't have the slightest idea. My first couple of years riding was in fits and starts for a veriety of reasons. The nature of my job prevents commuting on the bike. But the overall reason is that I've never felt inclined to keep track. Mileage for me is not a status thing either way- I just want to get out and ride.
I've had my current bike for about three months and I've put a little more than three thousand on it, but I've had to go a week or more here and there without a ride due to winter weather. And then the road trips will be coming with the warmer weather! so who knows how many I'll do this year? I probably won't. or at least I won't know for sure. Curosity may make me glance at what the maintenance record reveals but I doubt I'd track mileage for any other purpose.

[knary]

Originally posted by The Veg
I just want to get out and ride.

Agreed. I was just curious. :)

Obviously, a rider that puts 60k miles on their bike(s) isn't a better person than a rider that puts 3k miles on their bike. As something that we all profess to love, it is interesting how much we ride.

[kbasa]

I'm about 20K a year between the various bikes I ride here.

[Rob Nye]

I am fortunate to have an employer who userstands that for all the time I bust my gut in the winter the payback is a little *extra* time in season. Within reason my employer will also let me take the bike instead of a plane for trips up to 1000 miles. They are also very supportive of my participation in endurance rallies. Last year the Iron Butt added 14k in approximately 16 days, on the Mason Dixon 20-20 I did approximately 3100 miles over Memorial Day weekend. Rallies really pile on the mileage! (and maintenance costs)

I can tune my commute to be anywhere from 30 to 80 miles each way (nice roads too) and I have family all over New England. Sometimes I will head to Vermont to see Dad for dinner, then ride home to be at work the next morning.

All this adds up to more than 30k per year for the last three years. This year is starting slow, we are having another snowy winter in New England. December 02 I dumped my KLT on some black ice and while I was not injured at all spending money on plastic for a 15 mile ride in December didn't seem to make sense.

Now I have decided to torment myself by purchasing a new bike in late fall, my new steed is sitting in the garage with around 3000 miles and it is driving me nutz. Team K basa would understand...right about now Ritalin Boy is bouncing off the walls. :D Just witing this post is gonna make me pace.

Salvation is just around the corner in the form of Daytona. I am so ready.

My mileage hero is Admiral Don Arthur. In 2002 he rode his K12LT over 175,000 MILES! :jawdrop


Best,

[basketcase]

:huh

Did Veg really say, "Mileage is not a status thing for me."

Yikes! Reading that, one could infer that beemerriders are guilty of indulging pecking orders ....

:brow

[The_Veg]

I didn't intend to imply a pecking order thing, but I do think some have a certain smugness about how many miles they put on, wearing it as a status thing. This becomes pretty irrelevant when you factor in what our different lives allow. I don't care. I ride as much as I can but I don't do anything special to gain miles. I want quality miles more than quantity, and if I can get a high quantity of high-quality ones then that's ideal. But I still don't get too deep into counting them.

[lorazepam]

What Veg said. When I traded in my Roadster in January, the owner of the shop was suprised at my milage, and made a comment to the effect that I was a "better" rider that a lot of customers. I replied that no, I wasn't, I just really like to ride, and a 3 hour ride after work on a nice back road is what riding is about for me, relieveing stress, and enjoying being one with the bike. I dont enter any milage contests, it isn't about the number of miles, but the quality of those miles.

[Rob Nye]

Originally posted by The Veg
I didn't intend to imply a pecking order thing, but I do think some have a certain smugness about how many miles they put on, wearing it as a status thing. This becomes pretty irrelevant when you factor in what our different lives allow. I don't care. I ride as much as I can but I don't do anything special to gain miles. I want quality miles more than quantity, and if I can get a high quantity of high-quality ones then that's ideal. But I still don't get too deep into counting them.

Hear Hear!

:clap

I consider myself very lucky that I get to ride as much as I do. Not every mile is perfect but every mile is better than being in the truck (unless its snowing) and definately beats the pants off walking. :)

Having said this the Sheepshagger and I will go to Daytona with the bikes in the back of the truck. I can't risk not getting back to work on time due to weather and I have done the I95 thing plenty of times both on and off the bike. We can split the driving and socialize on the way. What I don't get is the folks that jump all over someone for putting their bike in a truck or on a trailer, especially if they bring all the party gear. Wazzup with that? :dunno

As far as I am concerned there is only one pecking order, you are either a rider or not. Mileage has nothing to do with the distinction. I have a friend who will never ride again yet to me she is a rider and always will be.

Best,

Rob Nye

[knary]

Originally posted by Rob Nye
Hear Hear!

:clap

-snip-

As far as I am concerned there is only one pecking order, you are either a rider or not. Mileage has nothing to do with the distinction. I have a friend who will never ride again yet to me she is a rider and always will be.

Best,

Rob Nye

Man, that's just beautiful.:cry

:thumb

[knary]

One of the reasons I posted this is that I wanted the low mileage folks to come out of the closet. The high mileage folks become such heros that it can seem wimpy to only ride a few thousand miles in a year - when it clearly isn't. Rob filled in the blanks.

[BMWRider]

I average 10K to 12K a year. If I had more time off, had a better lower spine and lived in a warmer climate I'd do a lot better. But then if an elephant could fly, it would be one helluva big bird. :D

[ian408]

I fall into the low-milage rider category. But I think Rob hit the
nail square on the head.

Ian

[BMWRider]

Originally posted by Rob Nye

As far as I am concerned there is only one pecking order, you are either a rider or not. Mileage has nothing to do with the distinction. I have a friend who will never ride again yet to me she is a rider and always will be.

Best,

Rob Nye

Beautifully said, Rob. :clap

[kbasa]

:thumb

Nice Rob.

[Cliffy777]

Sometimes the emphasis on miles ridden in the ON and all makes me feel somewhat "inferior". Obviously it is possible to get all hung up on miles and lose sight of the joy of riding - no matter the distance. It was in that spirit that I came up with the Marshmallow Butt idea. A tongue-somewhat-in-cheek rebellion at the 1,000 miles a day stuff.
While I applaud those who can devote the time and effort to such massive rides as the Iron Butt thing, IMHO putting the hammer down on slabs while fighting exhaustion and fatigue is not my ideal way to enjoy my bike. I would rather do 30 miles on a state road than 300 on a slab any day.
That is one reason I enjoy this forum because not everyone on here is a high milage freak, or a chrome freak, or a wheelie-poppin speed demon, or a whatever. Seems to be a good mix of folks with riding two wheels near the top of their Favorite Things To Do list. Bravo for all of us: 3k a year or 3k a month!

[basketcase]

Methings I see a bit of indignant denial at work here.

Every year there is a Mileage Contest promoted in the ON.

Beemer riders who faithfully report their accrued miles in the mileage contest are awarded Mileage Pins.

Riders are recognized in their state newsletters for miles ridden.

It is more common to see an Ironbutt license plate frame on BMW's than any other bike.

I appreciate the spirit of Rob Nye's response. But I maintain that some (not all, but some) BMW riders indeed see themselves in a pecking order according to how many miles they rode last year.

Personally, I prefer the mileage slaves pecking order to the new one I see developing -- the one in which one's status (value?) within the group is rooted in how many motorcycles he or she can stuff in his or her carport.

... Yes, Johnny, the Emperor is indeed naked ... and all those people around him are crazy.

[Rad]

About 20+ a year; between 3 bikes, street and dirt.

Miles were much less, before my last kid went of to one of them higher learn'n places.:bliss

[DarrylRi]

I already wrote something about this on my web site, so I'll just point you there (http://darryl.crafty-fox.com/motorcycles/mileageawards.htm). I just got my 400k award from BMW, but I've been riding them for over 20 years, so the awards come along for persistance. I like to ride for the pleasure of it.

[Cliffy777]

Hope I am not being a hypocrite. I sent in my milage for the ON contest, but I am not a slave to milage. I just wanted to participate. The more I rode my bike to work the more I realized it helped me arrive with a smile on my face and it gave me something to look forward to at the end of the day. My commute is only 10-15 miles one way, but I make it six times a week.

Getting all hung up on miles is a trap. Like getting all hung up on horsepower, or add-ons, or whatever. I don't like being addicted to anything.....

[basketcase]

In the past, I have kept up with my miles, and have sent my mileage report in several times. Unfortunately, I went through several years of no BMW, and then missed the deadlines, etc., so I quit sending in the report. Right now, my total BMW miles stand at about 55k over the last 10 years, with my best year being a 12k year while I lived in another state.

Like others who have posted, I ride for the fun of it, and mileage is secondary to the fun factor. That said, I do envy just a bit those who have the time and opportunity to ride big miles -- not because of the miles, but because they are seeing places and stuff I will likely never see.

I have a naturally gregarious personality, and people who get pompus about such things quickly become the target of my bent towards being a practical joker. :stick

So it is all said with an intent to harmless fun -- unless I see that someone is anal about it -- then I really have some fun! :bliss

[Gizmo]

Originally posted by BMWRich58
You must also take into consideration that many riders are "snow-bound" several months a year. If a person replies,having them note their location would also be of interest.
I live in Chicago and average about 14K between two bikes. Some years 2-3K higher or lower.;)

Where you live is really irrelevant, I use to live in the midwest and on the east coast and regularly racked up 20 - 30 K per year and yes I work. I know of others under the same conditions who have accumulated even more miles. I now live in Phoenix and some would say that it would be easy to pile on the mileage. Yes in Phoenix riding year round is essentially do able. But consider that 2-3 months of the year it gets to be 110 to 120 degrees regularly and many folks just simply do not ride when it is that hot. In addition during the winter months while it is very nice around Phoenix and Tucson the really good riding is north in the mountains where it is cold and icy snowing conditions can exist. All this to say it really does not matter where one lives if you want to ride you will.

[MarkF]

I agree that BMW riders tend to rack up more miles that many other riders. I also think that it's the quality of the ride and not just the distance. I would much rather do 400 miles a day on back roads than 1,000 miles a day on the slab.

I admit I might be a bit of a mileage snob when I hear the H-D riders brag about a 20 mile Saturday ride or a 500 mile week-long trip.

MarkF

[RebeccaV]

Originally posted by MarkF
I admit I might be a bit of a mileage snob when I hear the H-D riders brag about a 20 mile Saturday ride or a 500 mile week-long trip.

A guy bragged to me this past summer that he did 300 miles in one day while riding to Milwaukee for an Elton John concert ;)
I thought "puh-leez" until I considered what he was riding and that he was getting beaten up pretty good without a helmet or proper gear. So give'em some credit.

OK, so, maybe I'm a bit of a snob too.

Yes, quality is better than quantity, but I really wish that I could ride more. All of you who ride 20K+ totally suck and I mean that with the utmost jealousy and respect.

[mgraced]

I had fun last year and put just about 20k on my GS. Most of it was commuting back and forth to work. To make me even luckier, when I get to work, I get to sometimes just take an S out for a bit, or maybe a KRS. It's always fun to hop on an Adventure too and watch the guys in their cages do a double take thinking - "is that really a chick riding that thing"?:D

Having fun while I can!

[deilenberger]

Originally posted by Blue Knight
I'm with you on that one Cliffy.

I ride less than 12K a year due to work and long winters. More than half of that mileage is done during my summer leave with my wife. Lots of quality miles, many stops for pictures and sightseeing. No set schedules and no stress.

Mike

Yup - I fall right into the 6-12k rider pack. But - it's a LOT of hours of riding.

I rarely do slab - even going on longer trips I try to avoid the slab. So.. average speed is 1Ev (which is surprisingly accurate), ie - 37.5 MPH :) I can also spend 8 hours easily in NJ, never leaving the state on all back roads (some really great ones if you look for them).. not a lot of miles - mebbe 200-250, but a lot of great riding.

Made it to Charleston WV from NJ - doing a bit of slab in NJ just to get out of it, then all back roads to Charleston, and did at least 50% of the route back on the back routes (right past Thurmont MD - home of the Square Route rally, which is another great back-road ride from NJ..) Did get to wave at Rob on the way back.. that part was on the slab as he passed me (and we'll let Rob tell'ya what he was driving) :eek

I've plotted out a nice 2 day back-roads ride to the RA rally in Canaan Valley this fall - about 400 miles of back roads.

Sometimes quality counts over quantity (that's my story and I'm sticking to it..) :p

Ride your own ride - and don't let anyone get under your skin about it.

[Rob Nye]

[i]
Made it to Charleston WV from NJ - doing a bit of slab in NJ just to get out of it, then all back roads to Charleston, and did at least 50% of the route back on the back routes (right past Thurmont MD - home of the Square Route rally, which is another great back-road ride from NJ..) Did get to wave at Rob on the way back.. that part was on the slab as he passed me (and we'll let Rob tell'ya what he was driving) :eek


Now Don, I was *not* driving when we went by, I was riding shotgun in the big diesel. I hope you didn't get too much turbulence from the trailer. :burnout

You looked good and I can certify that you were moving at 1.5 ev give or take, we wanted to keep the coal on for the big grade so we decided not to pace you to confirm.

For us the real entertainment was when we unloaded the R1100RT Police bike at Cherry Hill (the siren is loud!) but that is a story for another day. I will add that having a police bike in the trailer helped immensely in persuading NJ's finest that "we derserve a break today" and no it was not for speeding. More like a little u-turn. :doh

Best,

Rob Nye

[MarkF]

Originally posted by deilenberger

I've plotted out a nice 2 day back-roads ride to the RA rally in Canaan Valley this fall - about 400 miles of back roads.



Gee Don,

Maybe I'll follow you.

MarkF

[mgraced]

Originally posted by Rob Nye

For us the real entertainment was when we unloaded the R1100RT Police bike at Cherry Hill (the siren is loud!) but that is a story for another day.

Rob,

That's not entertainment. Try riding an '04 R1150RT-P police bike like I am so lucky to have the privledge of late. Now that's entertainment (sans the lights & sirens of course). Imagine an RT with no surging and the gearbox of a GS - YUP the New RT-P police bikes have a different transmission than a stock RT. More in line with a GS's gearing ratio. BIG FUN and you can stay warm on these brisk New England days.
I have also been tooling around on the F650GS-P Police bike.

Now THAT's ENTERTAINMENT!

[deilenberger]

Originally posted by MarkF
Gee Don,

Maybe I'll follow you.

MarkF

Well - you missed the Chowda Run at Last Chance, so.. be glad to have you along!

Not that we'd need your PBA card or anything.. :D

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by Rob Nye
I consider myself very lucky that I get to ride as much as I do. Not every mile is perfect but every mile is better than being in the truck (unless its snowing) and definately beats the pants off walking. :)

Having said this the Sheepshagger and I will go to Daytona with the bikes in the back of the truck. I can't risk not getting back to work on time due to weather and I have done the I95 thing plenty of times both on and off the bike. We can split the driving and socialize on the way. What I don't get is the folks that jump all over someone for putting their bike in a truck or on a trailer, especially if they bring all the party gear. Wazzup with that? :dunno

As far as I am concerned there is only one pecking order, you are either a rider or not. Mileage has nothing to do with the distinction. I have a friend who will never ride again yet to me she is a rider and always will be.

Best,

Rob Nye

I agree with you 100% percent Rob. People are riders or they are not. IMHO one can own a motorcycle and not be a rider (RUB) or one can be a Rider without owning a motorcycle.

The thing I have started to count instead of miles, is how many days I ride when it is safe to ride.

For instance, here is the next 10 days:


Tonight: Scattered flurries after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low near 23. West wind around 8 mph.

Thursday: A 30 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high around 29. West wind between 8 and 14 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 17. West wind between 13 and 17 mph.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high around 33. West wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. West wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31.

Saturday Night: A chance of flurries before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low near 7.

Sunday: Sunny and cold, with a high near 13.

Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 3.

President's Day: Partly cloudy, with a high around 26.

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 16.

Tuesday: Partly cloudy, with a high near 34.

Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low near 23.

Wednesday: Partly cloudy, with a high around 38.


I might get to ride next week, depending on the roads. With all of the blowing snow and schmeg on the roads, even when it was warm enough to ride I decided it was not safe to ride.

So instead I am looking at the chances I had to ride and if I rode. Not how far or how fast.

Also in terms of trucking/trailering there are times it is appropriatte. When we went to Rally 03 Mrs. Beemer Brad drove her car, but I carried all my stuff. She carried all the support stuff and the paranoid stuff I brought. Not one but three different suits and two helmets extra water.... well you get the idea. It was my first big trip and I did not know what to expect.

This year however, experience has risen and I am riding my vacation away going west to Rally 04 without a trail vehicle.

[The_Veg]

one can be a Rider without owning a motorcycle.
Sounds like what Dick Dale told me about surfing. I wasn't fortunate enough to grow up near surf country but still dug it.

[Harv Read]

As long as we're talking miles, there is something called "The Wisconsin Anomaly". This smallish, Very Northern state has been statisticaly over-represented in the ranks of High-milers year after year. I live there, and I don't understand it either.
I'm retired and put on about 30k/year.

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by Harv Read
As long as we're talking miles, there is something called "The Wisconsin Anomaly". This smallish, Very Northern state has been statisticaly over-represented in the ranks of High-milers year after year. I live there, and I don't understand it either.
I'm retired and put on about 30k/year.

Is there anything else to do in Wisconsin? :stick

[jdcoffman]

:bliss
After twenty long years without a m/c I put 20k on my used R1100RS from Aug '02-Aug '03 My commute to work is only 2.1 miles the short way and 15 miles up and around local lake and back down into town, I ride every chance I get however this winter much snow and ice on roads I used good judgement and just take the 4x4. If the roads are dry I'll ride down to the mid 40ty's Looking forward to the snow melt and I will be at it again.

[HarveyMushman]

I rode about 14,000 miles each of my first two years as a rider, on a Kawasaki ZR-7. I bought the GS new in Feb. '03 and it now has over 25,000 miles on the odo. It would have been considerably more, but I biffed on a forest service road, breaking my collarbone and the bike. I lost all of August and September to healing and bike repairs.

Basically, I ride year-round. We get enough snow and ice here in Virginia to put me off two wheels for a few weeks in the winter, but the bike is never stored for the season. If the roads are passable I'll be riding. My commute is about 70 miles, roundtrip.

I have a few roadtrips planned for this summer, including a ~7,000-mile trip out west, so I expect 2004's mileage total to be well north of 30,000 miles. Can't wait!

[trmptrmrk]

Hmmm, people have different philosophies about riding?

I think it's great that the touring types love to rack up tons of miles. I got my bike six months ago and I'm just happy to be riding around town instead of driving. There are a couple of nice twisty back roads on the way to work that really beat driving down the interstate. My one trek across the state involved all state highways that added a couple of hours, though I live right off the interstate. Fortunately, a couple of those touring types helped me map out a route that was beautiful and fun.

Others love the challenge of making great time and racking up the miles... great. Who knows, maybe some day I'll ride a 1,000 mile day. For now I just think being out in the fresh air on two wheels is simply preferable to the alternative! :p

My $.02
Mark

[knary]

Originally posted by trmptrmrk
Hmmm, people have different philosophies about riding?

I think it's great that the touring types love to rack up tons of miles. I got my bike six months ago and I'm just happy to be riding around town instead of driving. There are a couple of nice twisty back roads on the way to work that really beat driving down the interstate. My one trek across the state involved all state highways that added a couple of hours, though I live right off the interstate. Fortunately, a couple of those touring types helped me map out a route that was beautiful and fun.

Others love the challenge of making great time and racking up the miles... great. Who knows, maybe some day I'll ride a 1,000 mile day. For now I just think being out in the fresh air on two wheels is simply preferable to the alternative! :p

My $.02
Mark

And it looks like most agree. So far the 6k to 12k range is getting the most votes by far. I'd ask how y'all think other brands would do, but that would be opening up a can o' worms. :D

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by knary
... that would be opening up a can o' worms. :D

When has that stopped us?

I'll put in my two cents. I did more miles in the first month on my first BMW than I did in a year on my Yamaha.

[kbasa]

:dunno

My VFR and my S have almost exactly the same mileage - 35K. They're almost the same age too: a 98 and a 99.

[deilenberger]

Originally posted by KBasa
:dunno

My VFR and my S have almost exactly the same mileage - 35K. They're almost the same age too: a 98 and a 99.

Interesting thought - what bike taught you that you could ride more than some arbitrary number of miles from home?

It took a BMW to teach me that - my former bikes were mostly Brit - and taking one more than 200 miles was:

1. Inviting a big towing bill
2. Painful to the butt
3. Fraught with danger

Once you learn you CAN go further than XXX distance from home - there are actually lots of bike that can do it. And some that have #1-3 above.. :p

[kbasa]

Originally posted by deilenberger
Interesting thought - what bike taught you that you could ride more than some arbitrary number of miles from home?



It was the first BMW I rode, a 1977 R75/7. Later, Tina and I rode our 82 CB750F to Niagara Falls from Boston and realized that we needed something with better accomodations if we were going to travel like that. The Honda never stranded me, but since it was a Super Sport, it wasn't exactly the best touring bike.

And that's what it really comes down to with the VFR and the S. The S has slightly better accomodations for touring than the VFR.

Strangely, the S is going to get replaced by an R12GS and the VFR is going to stay.

:dunno

[S Rider]

Never enough!

My current job situation gives me the opportunity every fifth week to have anywhere from 5 to 7 days in a row off to take off in whatever direction my front wheel happens to be pointing. Happily my yearly mileage total is increasing to about 24,000 miles annually the last few years. With retirement looking more likely within the next year or so I hope to be able to start averaging about 30,000 a year.

Hopefully this will keep my local shop and the tire manufacturers happy.;)

[Ironhorsecowboy]

And it looks like most agree. So far the 6k to 12k range is getting the most votes by far. I'd ask how y'all think other brands would do, but that would be opening up a can o' worms.

My previous bike in 02 was a Harley Electraglide. I rode 17,000 miles in 13 months of ownership.;)

[knary]

Originally posted by IRONHORSECOWBOY My previous bike in 02 was a Harley Electraglide. I rode 17,000 miles in 13 months of ownership.;)

Very cool. Ever since one of my best friends bought a sportster as his first bike, I've had to take a step back and rethink my view of HD. (he's not the "buy cheap sunglasses 'cause you know they'll just blow off your head" only wear a wife beater in the freezing rain because it looks cool kinda guy).

[kbasa]

I'd love to have one of these...

http://www.storzperf.com/images/883.jpg

Gotta have the high pipes, of course.

http://www.storzperf.com/images/dtbike.gif

I'm a total sucker for those things. But they're really hard to ride very far.

[knary]

For some reason, this bike has always caught my eye. A guy down the street in Georgia had one. yummm

http://www.motormania.pl/grafiki/weterany/big/Ariel-SquareFour-1955.jpg


Hell. I started this thread. I can hijack it if I want. Just found this site with lotso pics of bikes. (http://home.planet.nl/~motors-20th-century/motors.html) And this site (http://www.motormania.pl/weterany.php) with some more.

They're not fashion shots, but it's a good catalog if you want to browse the bikes of yesterday.

[kbasa]

Jeez. Quite a site. This one always gets me. Honda RC30. What happens when VFRs get an attitude.

http://www.2tausend1.de/motors/normal/Honda-VFR750R-1988.jpg

[knary]

I remember seeing one of these a few times in the north GA mtns. (ok, maybe not this exact model)
http://www.motormania.pl/grafiki/weterany/big/BroughSuperior-SS100-1930.jpg

And I know that this is THE bike gets many of my fellow beemer riders all steamy...
http://www.motormania.pl/grafiki/weterany/big/BMW-R90S-1974.jpg

But I've always thought the far less obtainable Rennsport was the thing...

http://www.motormania.pl/grafiki/weterany/big/BMW-Rennsport-1954.jpg

But if I were to get an old beemer, there's something about a plodding utilitarian /5 that makes me smile (I'll even take it in the puke green)...
http://www.motormania.pl/grafiki/weterany/big/BMW-R60-5-1972.jpg

[kbasa]

Name the BMW connection to this bike:

I'll give you a hint. One of the bikes in the previous post is a relative.

http://www.2tausend1.de/motors/normal/Suzuki-Katana-1000-1982.jpg

[knary]

Originally posted by KBasa
Name the BMW connection to this bike:

I'll give you a hint. One of the bikes in the previous post is a relative.


It's a Hans Muth design (under Jan Fellstrom?). Hans also designed the R90S (or parts of it), among other bikes, for BMW. You can easily spot the similarities between the fairing for the big Katana and another Muth design - the R65LS.

[trmptrmrk]

Originally posted by knary
You can easily spot the similarities between the fairing for the big Katana and another Muth design - the R65LS.

[trmptrmrk]

Originally posted by knary
You can easily spot the similarities between the fairing for the big Katana and another Muth design - the R65LS.

I find it comforting that it looks just as goofy on the "big Katana" as it does on my bike!

[knary]

Originally posted by trmptrmrk
I find it comforting that it looks just as goofy on the "big Katana" as it does on my bike!

I like it on both. Nice nice bike trmptrmrk.

Is that "Trumpeter Mark"?

[trmptrmrk]

Originally posted by knary
I like it on both. Nice nice bike trmptrmrk.

Is that "Trumpeter Mark"?

Thanks. I was fortunate to get such a nice little bike in such great shape for my first ride. One of those many stories of bikers helping each other out.

Yes: "Trumpeter Mark"
trmptrmrk looks a little nicer than bssstmrk or rcrdrmrk.
I guess fltstmrk looks nice and sounds more pretentious.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
fltstmrk
of the KC Horns

[MarkF]

Originally posted by KBasa
I'd love to have one of these...

http://www.storzperf.com/images/883.jpg

Are those commercially available now? Why 883 when 1200 is the same motor? Very cool indeed. Reminds me of the XR1000 I saw in 1986!

MarkF

[kbasa]

Originally posted by MarkF
Are those commercially available now? Why 883 when 1200 is the same motor? Very cool indeed. Reminds me of the XR1000 I saw in 1986!

MarkF

They are, but you have to build them yourself. You start with any 883/1200 Sporty and put all the Storz bodywork and performance stuff on. Notice the Ceriani USD fork, the Works Performance shocks, the rear sets that put your feet under your butt and the high pipes. I'm sure that with the amount of hot rod stuff available for Sportsters you could build it to just about any power level you want. It looks like they've got Dunlop 591s on this one, so I think you'd still have to use bias ply tires. For a sporting motorcycle with gobs of torque, I'd much rather have some sticky radial rubber under me.

[lorazepam]

Check these rides out that are for sale here where I live. I love going in this place and just hanging out, looking at all the neat parts and bikes and other "stuff"

http://www.domiracer.com/motorcycles.html

[MarkF]

Originally posted by lorazepam
Check these rides out that are for sale here where I live. I love going in this place and just hanging out, looking at all the neat parts and bikes and other "stuff"

http://www.domiracer.com/motorcycles.html

All I'm seeing is the text. No pics! Is it just me?

MarkF

[lorazepam]

Click on the top line of the description Mark, it will show you the picture of the bike. You have to click to get to each pic.

[TheSlashFiveTourer]

Originally posted by knary

"But if I were to get an old beemer, there's something about a plodding utilitarian /5 that makes me smile (I'll even take it in the puke green)...

HEY! BITE YOUR TONGUE!! :mad

How 'bout this "plodding utilitarian /5" in bronze, eh?

[knary]

Originally posted by SlashFiveTourer
HEY! BITE YOUR TONGUE!! :mad

How 'bout this "plodding utilitarian /5" in bronze, eh?

Beautiful. :clap

[knary]

el bumpo

[ian408]

el bumpo

I was just about to reply "all of a block to Zoom Cycle" and then I realized it was all year. Not just yesterday :D

But it was on the 530EXC and a whole block is like a million miles on a dirt bike...ha ha.

[knary]

I was just about to reply "all of a block to Zoom Cycle" and then I realized it was all year. Not just yesterday :D

But it was on the 530EXC and a whole block is like a million miles on a dirt bike...ha ha.

:ha

When did you get that beast? :eat

[ian408]

:ha

When did you get that beast? :eat

Couple of weeks ago. She's a beauty :D

[knary]

Couple of weeks ago. She's a beauty :D

We should go somewhere and fall down. :ha

(hmm... that kind of sounds a little inappropriate :D)

[ian408]

We should go somewhere and fall down. :ha

(hmm... that kind of sounds a little inappropriate :D)

It has a plate but I'm thinking 900 miles would be...well...a bit much on it :)

[knary]

It has a plate but I'm thinking 900 miles would be...well...a bit much on it :)

:ha

I was talking to a buddy and told him where a friend and I went for a ride.
"How'd you get there?"
"What do you mean?"
"How'd you get the bikes there?"
"Ummm... we rode them."
"Holy *&*#&^%*!!!! I'd have died!"

He's got a tricked out 525EXC. It was only 50 miles or so to the start of the off-pavement part of the ride. :D

[ian408]

It was only 50 miles or so to the start of the off-pavement part of the ride. :D

I'm ok with 50m. It's the other 1800 I'm a tad bit worried about :D

[crazydrummerdude]

A guy in Old Skool on advrider called everyone who rode more than a couple thousand per year "obsessive horizon chasers," in a negative context.

I think it's a cool thing.

I don't ride nearly enough, though.. about 15k per year.

[osbornk]

I don't ride far but I ride often. It makes a difference when you don't have to travel to get to good roads. I can be on some of the best riding roads in the country within a couple of miles of my house. It can take almost all day to ride a couple of hundred miles. I also run all of my errands on one of my bikes but I only live 2 miles from town. I'm in the 3001-6000 range every year (save one).

[BubbaZanetti]

hey, a thread from before i was here!

used to do 20-25K

that went down to 15K

since moving to this city, 5-10 MAYBE

[buckeye]

I ride all the miles that I enjoy. I don't ride because of a number, I ride when I can enjoy it. My neighbor rides his harley constantly and the first comment he usually has is how many miles he has for the week. I hope he enjoys at least part of those miles. I rode under three hundred miles last year due to recovery from leg surgeries. My '03 CLC has 16,000 miles on it, so I guess that averages over 3,000 miles per year.