Did you buy your bike(s) new or used?

[knary]

Admittedly, I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder in regards to money. I have, as the saying goes, "champagne tastes and a beer budget"....and I spend too much time with people with champage budgets. From time to time someone will respond to a thread about tires or oil or something with, "I don't undertand how people that spend $16,000 for a motorcycle...". The simple fact is that many (most?) of us don't buy our bikes new. And many of us couldn't afford a new one even if we wanted to buy a new one.

I've bought two beemers in the past 6 years. The most recent is an '01 I bought a year ago. I doubt I'll be buying a brand new bike anytime soon. And that's ok. :)

[lorazepam]

I have over the years had a bunch of bikes, non of which were new. I finally bought a new one in January for the first time, I just wanted once to be the person who put every mile on my Bike, or other vehicle, since I normally buy used cars too.
http://lorazepam.smugmug.com/photos/2116257-M.jpg

[kbasa]

After years of buying used bikes, for the last few years I've bought new.

See YB in IN's sig for an explanation.

[widebmw]

I had to have the new R100R. So I bought it new in 1992.

[Lobby]

Both of my BMW's I bought used. Both Y2K bikes, a GS and an LT.

The GS is "mine," while the LT is "ours," if you know what I mean! :)

Unfortunately, BMW's depreciate rather rapidly (at least the LT's do), and I couldn't see paying for that depreciation when almost new bikes are readily available.

Plus the new BMW's have those linked brakes. Not that I'm against safety improvements, in fact I love my ABS brakes on both bikes; it's just that it's expensive to get the dealer to work on these bikes. The simpler the better, I think.

(in that case, why don't I have an Airhead? Hmmm?) Time to warm up the checkbook?

[R100RS]

I was a starving college student that was only looking at one brand of motorcycle. I bought an almost ten year old bike. It's now fantastic and VERY reliable (not necessarily true when I purchased it) and I could easily sell it for more than I paid for it (though I could never part with it). Not bad if you ask me.

[CanadaDan]

My only road bike was made when I was 9 years old.

[JimVonBaden1]

I bought my 1986 K75S used a few months ago. I have had 2 new bikes in the past, but doubt I will again any time soon.

I imagine I will be looking for a newer K12RS next winter.

Jim :brow

[Rad]

I have had about 20 bikes.

Of that, only three were new.

A Honda 90 in 1966, a beautiful Honda CB550-4 in 1974 and an 1150GS in 01.

Knary, as for the chip on yur shoulder 'bout $. I've always picked time over money:clap

[crvalley]

I've owned both used and new bikes.

The last 3 bikes I've owned have been used. I enjoy looking for them in the paper or via the internet. I found my '98 K1200RS via the internet in November from a nice guy in Santa Rosa, CA. I still peruse the internet for used bikes, and almost gave Kbasa a call on his R1100S, but my wife would have killed me...So, I chose marriage over another bike in my garage...for now...

But, with any great deal, there can be some headaches. My K-bike recently required a major transmission overhaul for a $5.00 part failure (and 9 hours of labor) as it became stuck in second gear two weeks ago. Would this have happened with a new bike? Probably not...But, I still spent $10k less than one would on a new bike, and I've had the bike thoroughly checked for my summer trip to Graceland via Boulder with an old high school buddy. The bike, the trip to the Cal BMW mechanic, AND my trip to see Elvis' carpeted ceilings will still put me well under the price tag of a new motorcycle...

Still a head of the game to some degree...

[Cliffy777]

to the .9% financing on the Rockster. Looking at my statement from BMW Financial and the interest portion of my last $188 payment was $7.24. They gave me more than I owed on my 2 year old bike which was a "program bike" with 800 miles on it. When I bought that one they gave me a new warranty, but took off almost 2k from the sticker price.
I felt I was gettin' a good deal both times.

[RebeccaV]

I've owned two older bikes - a 1974 Honda CB350 that I learned to ride on, and the 1975 BMW R90/6 that I currently ride.

It's the perfect bike for me right now but someday I'd like to get a newer model. If I bought today I'd have a hard time deciding between the GS and the RS.

[YB in IN]

Originally posted by KBasa
After years of buying used bikes, for the last few years I've bought new.

See YB in IN's sig for an explanation.

:D New Beemers and a college budget ain't compatible. I know all about having the champagne tastes and beer budget like Knary. As a famous German opera singer once said "In the good years it was wine, women, and song, and in the not so good years beer, the phonograph, and mamma."

[SHAG]

I haven't bought any used bikes since back in the 70's when I bought a 1 year old Yamaha 125 enduro in 1973. 1 year old MX 100B in 1976 & a YZ250C in 1977. Other than that they've been spankin new! Here's a shocker for ya! I've never test ridden a street bike before I bought it & I've had 7 new ones since 1976:brow

[crvalley]

Originally posted by * SHAG *
I've never test ridden a street bike before I bought it & I've had 7 new ones since 1976:brow

I as well have never test driven a bike I've purchased...used or new...

[jdiaz]

We buy new bikes and used bikes. The problem is that we take our used bikes and try to make them new bikes.....bad idea.

[GSTom]

I have no qualms about purchasing a used machine. Let someone with a bigger budget take the hit on depreciation. I figure that even a VERY major repair to a used bike will cost much less than the depreciation on a new one.
Also, I enjoy having more than one type of bike, so I can choose the right bike for the moment. This is hard to do if purchasing new, at least on my income level.
My current collection: '71 R75/5 , 1988 K100LT, 1992 R100GS, and a 1994 K75RT I am rebuilding.
I enjoy wrenching on bikes nearly as well as riding them, so maintaining a stable is no financial drain to me.

[subvet]

I bought a new Rupp mini-bike with paper route $$ I'd saved...my 1st motorized, 2-wheeled vehicle.
I recently sold an HD I bought new in 2000. The circumstances were right at the time, so I went for it. Ditto the depreciation hit.
Every other bike in the past 30 yrs has been used

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by Cliffy777
to the .9% financing

Yup, same with me.

[lorazepam]

3 payments and the 0.9 financing is what I got. the 3 payments more than make up the interest on the bike. I couldn't resist.

[BMWRider]

I bought my first Beemer used - a '96 R1100RT with less than 4,000 miles on the clock and less than a year of warranty used up. Probably the best deal I ever got.
However, I couldn't pass up with excellent financing deals on a '99 K1200LT or an '02 R1150GS.
The smartest marketing move BMW ever made was to pump BMW Financial Services full of great incentives. If I had to pay the interest rates that were extant just a few years ago, there's no way I could afford one.

[Cliffy777]

Originally posted by lorazepam
3 payments and the 0.9 financing is what I got. the 3 payments more than make up the interest on the bike. I couldn't resist.

When I purchased the Rockster they forgave the first 5 (FIVE, as in one more than FOUR) payments. That amounts to $940; more than double any interest I am paying. Plus Blaine at Grand Rapids BMW let me take it for a looooong test drive and golly when it was all over there were 500 miles on the bike so he discounted it as a "demo". That was why I figured I had to have the bike.
How could I turn it down?

[Rad]

Originally posted by Cliffy777
.9% financing


My first BMW was a used R1100RS I got from BMW with .9 financing.

It’s called, Pool bikes.

Each year BMW sells off the used BMWs from the previous year that they kept at their North American Headquarters that were used by executives and such. These are sold at used prices with full new warranty and new financing. Mine even came with a bonus of $1500 worth of accessories of my choice from BMW.

Ya have to go through a dealer to get one.

[knary]

Originally posted by Rad
My first BMW was a used R1100RS I got from BMW with .9 financing.

It’s called, Pool bikes.

Each year BMW sells off the used BMWs from the previous year that they kept at their North American Headquarters that were used by executives and such. These are sold at used prices with full new warranty and new financing. Mine even came with a bonus of $1500 worth of accessories of my choice from BMW.

Ya have to go through a dealer to get one.

Is that more common in your neck of the woods? So far I've heard of three people buying pool bikes - you, brick, and someone who's name I can't remember.

[Rad]

Originally posted by knary
Is that more common in your neck of the woods? So far I've heard of three people buying pool bikes - you, brick, and someone who's name I can't remember.

I think it really is a dealer game. A couple of our local dealers, SJBMW and SCBMW really stay in touch with the pool bike market.

I did not know about the pool bikes and Bill, owner of SCBMW, told me about them and got the RS for me.

[kbasa]

Originally posted by knary
Is that more common in your neck of the woods? So far I've heard of three people buying pool bikes - you, brick, and someone who's name I can't remember.

Me.

[knary]

Originally posted by KBasa
Me.

No wonder I couldn't remember who it was. :evil

[Motorad]

Dad bought me a new Honda mini trail 1969 vintage.
Next new bike was a Yamaha AT3 125 in 1973.
Then I got a used Yamaha DT 250 in 1974 and a Honda Elsenore 250 the same year. Raced the two yamahas and the honda in the desert. I had a blast on those bikes.
My next new bike I bought in 1983 a Honda Ascot FT 500. A single cylander thumper and dependable.
Then I went backwards and bought a 74 R60/6 in 91, and I was hooked on Beemers. Then I got a 91 R100 in 98.
Now I took the plunge and got a new R1150RS 2004 with one mile on the clock.
now if the weather will just cooperate I could get some riding in.

James

[ian408]

Traditionally, I've hung on to motor vehicles for longer than the
average. In my younger days, the used market was not so kind.
So, I've usually just saved and bought new.

Ian

[Jim Shaw]

All three of my bikes have been very low miles, used. All three were somebody else's "wrong choice" bike. Ignoring the Yamaha, one was an LT, bought by the original owner in an effort to get his wife to ride with him. That failed, and it became his wrong bike. He bought a GSPD.

The second BMW, my current GS, was bought new by a guy who was about 5-7. I don't know what possessed him to buy an R1150GS, but he did. I bought it from him with about 2300 miles on the clock, and got lights, system bags, etc. in the deal. He bought a new R12.

In both BMW cases, the sale was arranged by my BMW dealers, and they earned no commission on the deals. But in both cases, they got to sell new BMWs to the previous owners.

By the way, both bikes had most of their original warranty left for me.

I win. The owner wins. The dealer wins. BMW wins. All facilitated by a friendly, smart dealer.

[basketcase]

And like some others, I'm inclined to let someone else take the big hit to their wallet on depreciation.

I can think of a bike or two that I might want to acquire new -- if the price was right, the incentives were there, and all other things were equal.

[Fang]

TO: Jim Shaw
That 3-payment deal is singing its siren song in my ear, Jim, but
to be honest - well, I had my heart set on an R1200CLC, but
after reading several different beemer forums, I'm getting
scared, fast. First I read a zillion scary stories about expensive
breakdowns, but I could buy an extended warranty and other-
wise learn to live with that risk - but then I read about that
PTTR problem, and about how BMW acknowledges the problem
but pointedly says it will do absolutely nothing about it, and
that all beemers do it (!), and that all riders will just have to
"live with it," and so on. Something tells me that Goldwing
riders don't have to put up with that kind of corporate attitude.

I don't really want a GW, but - well, I want to own my bike; I
don't want it to own me! Especially at these prices! BMW valve
adjustments @ 6,000 miles; GW valve adjustments @ 32,000
miles! And the beat goes on......and the beat goes on......!

Then there's the top-heavy "pendulum effect" of the CLC at
slow speeds; then there's a vibration issue; plus the 61 HP
unpleasant surprise; I tell you truly, I do not know what to do.
I don't WANT to buy a lifeless appliance (GoldWing), but I don't want to be a fool or a masochist, either. Plainly I have much thinking still to do. Any input from you would be appreciated. TIA

[knary]

PTTR problem? as in Pull-to-the-right? I'd rank it a 2 on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being worst. Every beemer I've ridden did it to some extent and it was never remotely a "problem". Having said that, I've not ridding the R12CLC.

Have you ridden the R12CLC? That's the only real way to decide if the bike is for you. As Rad has wisely pointed out on numerous occasions, riding is about passion. What matters is that you buy a bike that presses your buttons. Whether or not it's the fastest or lightest or most teutonic or comfiest or whatever doesn't necessarily matter a whole lot. You gotta want to own it and ride it.

[Jim Shaw]

Originally posted by fang
TO: Jim Shaw
That 3-payment deal is singing its siren song in my ear, Jim, but
to be honest - well, I had my heart set on an R1200CLC, but
after reading several different beemer forums, I'm getting
scared, fast. I tell you truly, I do not know what to do.
I don't WANT to buy a lifeless appliance, but I don't want to be
a fool or a masochist, either. Plainly I have much thinking still
to do. Any input from you would be appreciated... TIA

Well, let's first get this in perspective: I drive a GS - a vastly different motorcycle than an R12 with a substantially different engine. Even though it is too tall for me, I love it, and it's not for sale.

Next: I have never heard anyone describe any BMW as a lifeless appliance. Further, I don't know any true masochists in our ranks, but I suppose they are there. What's more, several of my best riding friends ride R12Cs, and some of them have traded those bikes in on newer R12s.

I doubt many experienced riders out there on BMWs are unaware of the Honda Goldwing; they are ubitiquous. But I doubt that many BMW riders are likely to compare those two bikes, any more than a savvy cage driver would spend much time comparing a BMW 5 series with a Honda Accord, even though they are the same size and might be the same color.

Allow me to tell you the story of my first BMW. Many have heard me tell this before:

I had learned to ride at 46 on a Yamaha Seca 750 - a very good motorcycle in its day. I had gone on my first tour of two weeks, and the seat and suspension tried to kill me. It was not a touring machine.

I talked with some friends, and read some magazines, and I decided a Honda Silver Wing, used, would be about the right machine. So, I stopped by my nearby Honda-Yamaha-BMW dealer, and met their salesman after he found me wandering around the used Honda bike section. I told Joe what I was looking for, and he showed me some used Hondas - one a Silver Wing. He asked me what I wanted to do with it, and I said one-up touring over prospectively long distances. Joe asked if I'd ever ridden a BMW? "They make bikes?" says me. He says, "yep, and let me tell you the difference."

Joe says, "See that new Gold Wing over there? I can set you up on a demo ride on that bike, and it'll go right down the road nicely for you. All the controls will be exactly where you expect them. It'll do just what you ask, and give you a fine ride.

"Now you take that BMW tourer over there: take a ride on that bike, and it'll seem a little strange to you. It'll want to turn better than you want to. The controls will be a little odd, but you'll figure it out. As you get used to the BMW, it'll get better and better.

"And, that's the difference between them, Jim. With the BMW, the ride will get better and better. With the Honda, that first ride will be the best it'll ever give you."

I guess it was Joe's pitch that combined with BMW's singular reputation that caused me to buy a slightly used BMW K100LT. I tried to kill that bike a hundred times, in a hundred and thirty thousand miles, in maybe 45 states including Alaska. I loved it, but trying to kill it seemed to be the way it liked to go. Today, it's carrying somebody else around the roads of West Virginia, I hear.

Do you want a BMW or a Honda? Each one is very much a reflection of its manufacturer. For me, I want a Honda lawnmower but a BMW bike. I know it will cost more to maintain. I know it may have a couple of idiosyncracies. But I know it'll be a Quarter Horse to the Honda's Clydesdale.

I can't tell you an Arab is better than a Percheron. I can't tell you that a Porsche needs less maintenance than a Lexus. I CAN tell you this: If what you want is a totally trouble free machine that will carry your butt around in smooth comfort, and never challenge you to do Deal's Gap on a tourer, buy the Honda.

Just because they have two seats and come with gold paint doesn't imply any similarity in their heart and spirit. But you must decide. I have already done that.

Best regards, glad you asked, and ride far and with grace,

Jim

[Fang]

TO: Jim Shaw

Many thanx for the reply, Jim! One point of clarification - I meant to say that the GW is the lifeless appliance, not the BMW. In
other words, the GW is to the BMW as an older Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is to the 5-series BMW sedan of which you spoke.

Later,

V T L

[Fang]

TO: Knary

To answer your question, yes I did go for a test drive on a CLC,
and I did like the bike, but of course, a lot of that was emotion,
showroom glitter, and all that "romance." The fact is that I managed to drop the bike during an emergency stop, when the
left-side mirror snapped off in my hand while I was trying to adjust it! Dealer said I should have adjusted it before leaving the lot, and now I have to pay him $1,476.++, because my State Farm auto insurance won't cover the damage. I also noticed that
the bike is absolutely terrifying to U-turn at slow (walking) speeds
and that the acceleration could use a little (?) boost. On the
plus side, it's amazingly steady at high highway speeds in buffeting crosswinds, and the fairing and lowers do a great job at weather protection.

Your observation that I ought to buy that which pushes my buttons is spot on; the BMW does that; the GoldWing doesn't.
It's as simple as that. I DO want to own it, and I DO want to
ride it; I just don't want to be a complete fool, and am reluctant to drop big bucks on a bike that appears to be not very well
sorted-out (I'm being VERY kind, here). Maybe buying the CLC
and a long, extended warranty is the answer! Anyhoo, I'll keep
you posted, and I hasten to repeat what I said on another
thread, to wit: your photos, and your "artist's eye," are both
remarkable. You are very fortunate to have such a gift.

Later,

V T L

[jdcoffman]

My first cycle Honda 175CL 1969 model bought in 1970.
Only new bike 1972 Honda XL250
Then a used loud Honda 450
In 1976 bought a 1974 BMW R90S
Traded it in on a Honda Accord First baby due ect.
August of 2002 purchased a 2000 R1100RS with 24000 miles, now has over 45000.

I did find it rather disapointing that after 25 years my 2000 R1100RS has the same clunky transmission that the R90S had and no longer had the little throttle lock screw but I had to buy a set of throttle miesters....Sure after I bought the throttle miesters I get into this BMWMOA club and read somewhere that you only need to use rubber bands to achieve a sort of throttle lock.

[basketcase]

Not to be forward or anything, but how did the best selling touring bike made in America become a "lifeless appliance?"

I've owned one, have you?

They are smooth, powerful, comfortable, and rock solid reliable.

If you are going to load up your significant other and take a 5,000 mile tour, it is the way to go. And they handle much better than the superstition that circulates on the grapevine would lead one to believe.

IMHO, which I greatly respect :brow

[Fang]

TO: Rick M: to answer your question - not only have I never
owned one, I've never even driven one! I speak, therefore,
from the perspective of one who has only listened whilst others
spoke. I've heard others refer to their GWs as tubs, hippos,
bloatmobiles and bovines on roller skates, to quote a few of
the more colorful analogies.

Is it your contention, then, that a GW is as easy to maneuver as
an R1200CLC? Have you ridden one of those?

All the foregoing represents a learning curve for me. I'll be
retiring soon and want a bike that "pushes my buttons."
On the other hand, I don't want to make a $17,000 mistake on
the basis of emotion. Any insights or personal opinions you'd
care to offer would be gratefully received. TIA

PS: "They are smooth, comfortable and rock solid reliable."
So is a 1986 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, but have you ever
driven one of those pigs? They plow, wallow, creak and groan,
sway and list in turns, and in general render their passengers
mildly seasick on anything but smooth roads. I've heard GWs
compared to that specific vehicle, repeatedly. If it's even half
true, then I want no part of it. On the other hand, if it's NOT
true, then where do I sign?

[basketcase]

I was just curious.

I have owned one Wing, and have ridden several others. They were all tight, and much quicker than I expected. Personally, when (whatever that means) I get off this K11, I will probably get another Wing.

No doubt there are some rattlesome, high maintenance, lumbering Wings on the road. But I've also seen some rattlesome beemers. Last weekend, I saw a K model that was birthed at the factory as an RT, but had been stripped of the lower fairings ... in part, when laid over in a curve. From any angle it was viewed, it was butt ugly!

Another particular BMW I recall is an 80's vintage R-GS, that reminded me of Fred McMurray's Jalopy popping and shaking at a stop light. Once in motion, it literally waddled and bounced to a stop, and the first thing the owner did every time he got off of it was take out a wrench and tighten up the luggage rack!

I've not ridden the R model "cruiser." My own experience on a Honda cruiser with the feet forward seating position (which resulted in my lower back taking a beating) pretty well cured me of cruiseritus. A lot of people seem to like them, but the cruiser (in any make) is not for me.

Last year, Honda was offering demo rides on the GL 1800. Perhaps you can find a dealer who will let you take one for a spin.

Next, you might find a rider who is on a GL 1500 and finagle a test ride. The thing will feel massive and heavy until you are in motion, and then it is perfectly balanced. I think you would be pleasantly surprised with how it rides.

[oldcarkook]

I bought my RT used (4 yrs old) from a guy who gave me not only every receipt for everything including when he spent $0.25 for air at a filling station, but it was organized in a file folder!

The previous owner was so festidious about the bike, that it looked brand new when I bought it. I can't say that my commitment to cleaning the bike's deepest nooks with long wooden Q-Tips and waxing the wheel weights is the same level as the previous owner's was, but I do try to keep after it.

I'm a happy used owner for sure.

[basketcase]

In Wing land, they would say you lucked upon a "Garage Queen."

Pampered, polished, petted ... you get the picture.

:brow

[JimVonBaden1]

Originally posted by oldcarkook
I bought my RT used (4 yrs old) from a guy who gave me not only every receipt for everything including when he spent $0.25 for air at a filling station, but it was organized in a file folder!

The previous owner was so festidious about the bike, that it looked brand new when I bought it. I can't say that my commitment to cleaning the bike's deepest nooks with long wooden Q-Tips and waxing the wheel weights is the same level as the previous owner's was, but I do try to keep after it.

I'm a happy used owner for sure.

Sounds exactly like the guy I bought my K75S from. An 18 year old bike that looked nearly new when I picked it up and am now driving 3000 miles cross country in.

Rock solid, and ready to ride on an 18 year old bike. Try that on most other brands.:D

Jim :brow

[kbasa]

I was at CLASS two years ago and chased one of the instructors around the track while he was on his Wing. I was on my S and couldn't get by him.

Those bikes, particularly since they finally moved to radial tires and a real spar frame, will haul ass.

[DarrylRi]

Originally posted by fang
On the other hand, I don't want to make a $17,000 mistake on
the basis of emotion.Without emotion, you might as well buy a Honda Accord.

[manicmechanic]

I've only bought one brandy-new bike. Everything else has been "pre-owned". I do get the opportunity to ride a lot of different bikes as a fringe benefit for working on them (road-tests). I could categorize a lot of bikes in the poor-handling group. Anybody ever ride a Suzuki Cavalcade? Or either version of Kaw's Voyager? They're kinda like riding a couch. Big and comfy, but no guts or road feel. Also like the 4-banger GW's. The 6-pack wings are better in the engine department, but haven't had the chance at the 1800 yet. Then let's not even get into the older ('70's and '80's vintage) bikes that had big motors and lousy suspensions. Gives "hinged in the middle" new meaning.

[Jim Shaw]

Originally posted by KBasa
I was at CLASS two years ago and chased one of the instructors around the track while he was on his Wing. I was on my S and couldn't get by him.

Kinda like a houswife in a Porsche and a kid in an F250?

Jim :stick

[Tinboatcapt]

I have had 4 bikes, 2 new, 2 used. My first bike was a new 200cc Suzuki. It was stolen:confused: Ireplaced it with a used Triumph Datona 500:cry , It wasn't long before i had a spanking new 1972 GT750J Suzuki:D. Well, times changed and I sold it in '85.

I bought a thoroughly used K100rt in august to get back in the saddle again. I looked hard at the new GT, but without knowing if I can get 'mama' back on the bike, I didn't want to spring the big bucks. Maybe next year.

Especially in Piedmont red!

[kbasa]

Originally posted by Jim Shaw
Kinda like a houswife in a Porsche and a kid in an F250?

Jim :stick

Funny guy......

[basketcase]

I bought a thoroughly used K100rt in august to get back in the saddle again.

My first beemer was also a "throughly used K100RT", and sometimes, I think I could have done as well to still have it.

Enjoy that ride, and welcome aboard.

[BMWRider]

Originally posted by KBasa
I was at CLASS two years ago and chased one of the instructors around the track while he was on his Wing. I was on my S and couldn't get by him.

Those bikes, particularly since they finally moved to radial tires and a real spar frame, will haul ass.

Yes it will.:wow
I can never find it in my heart to bash Gold Wings. For one thing, they've gotten more butts off couchs and out onto the road than any other modern motorcycle. They are stone reliable, handle much better than they have a right to and that motor makes stonkin' ponies. They flat-out move.
I had a GL1500 and have no desire at this stage to go back to a bike that big and heavy ... but if I ever do, I know what bike I'll buy.

[1969 R90/2 US]

I could not have bought my bike new.

It (or at least most of it) was manufactured two years before I was born!

All but the motor and front end started life as a 1961 R60/2. The engine comes from a 1974 R90. The front forks from a 1969 R60US, which the bike most closely resembles.

For lack of a better model name, I call it a 1969 R90/2. Although, I could make an equally good case to call it a 1961 R90US.

[deilenberger]

I actually didn't want to buy a new bike.. not that I could necessarily afford one (made the final tuition payment to Vassar - WHOOPIE! - for my son..)

The last bike I bought - THE K75S - was exactly the bike I wanted to buy. There was nothing new from BMW that attracted me as much as this particular bike.

It started out - when my FYK100RT ate it's transmission at the Land'O'Loon rally.. and I borrowed a K75S from a friend (Klaus from Run'N'Lites) to use to get around.

This was a somewhat special K75S - as the former owner before Klaus had spent a considerable amount of money on it (well over $10,000 - I have the receipts) - getting it exactly right for his wife. He could afford to do that.

After riding the K75S for about 1/2 hour - in my mind the RT was for sale and I was looking for another S...

I got home from the rally (the RT in Klaus's trailer) - and immediately put my R65 and the FYK100RT up for sale. Sold the R65 rather quickly, the RT took a few weeks.

I then was on a Mission from God (Blues'Brothers..) seeking a K75S, with ABS, 3 spoke rims and perfect condition.

I didn't find any - or the ones I did find weren't perfect, or were sold as soon as they hit the market, or were WAY overpriced or across the country (although that didn't stop me from considering them - but it made it hard to see if they were perfect..)

Finally - Klaus - realizing that I was on a futile quest, asked me if I wanted to buy THE K75S - my immediate reply was YES. This was the first bike Klaus had ever sold (he has something over 75-80 bikes at the moment.. maybe more), so it was really an honor and a sign of his friendship that he'd consider selling it to me. The only condition was that he'd have "right of first refusal" if I ever decided to sell the bike.

So - what'd I get.. well, I'll let the webpage explain why this bike was very special and why I didn't even consider a new bike..

The page is:
http://www.eilenberger.net/K75S/K75S.html

And just as a teaser.. I'll include one photo..

[JimVonBaden1]

Originally posted by deilenberger
I actually didn't want to buy a new bike..

The last bike I bought - THE K75S - was exactly the bike I wanted to buy. There was nothing new from BMW that attracted me as much as this particular bike...

I didn't find any - or the ones I did find weren't perfect, or were sold as soon as they hit the market, or were WAY overpriced or across the country (although that didn't stop me from considering them - but it made it hard to see if they were perfect..)

Finally - Klaus - realizing that I was on a futile quest, asked me if I wanted to buy THE K75S - my immediate reply was YES. This was the first bike Klaus had ever sold (he has something over 75-80 bikes at the moment.. maybe more), so it was really an honor and a sign of his friendship that he'd consider selling it to me. The only condition was that he'd have "right of first refusal" if I ever decided to sell the bike.
..

Hi Don,

I read your web report on your bike when I first got my K75. I was smitten, and still am. I immediately started looking for a K75S that I could make like yours.

Although mine will never match yours, no ABS at a minimum, I believe it will eventually be a great bike.

Thanks for the inspiration!:clap :wow

Jim :brow

[Jim Shaw]

Originally posted by deilenberger
I actually didn't want to buy a new bike.. not that I could necessarily afford one (made the final tuition payment to Vassar - WHOOPIE! - for my son..)

The last bike I bought - THE K75S - was exactly the bike I wanted to buy. There was nothing new from BMW that attracted me as much as this particular bike...

Beautiful bike, Don. My favorite quote is, "Nobody doesn't like a K75."

Suggestion for increasing the K75S's average speed:

| Faster pilot :bliss :snore

Jim:rofl

[kbasa]

Don's will only achieve 1 Eilenvector at best.

[knary]

Originally posted by KBasa
Don's will only achieve 1 Eilenvector at best.

How slow is .75 Eilenvector?
is it...

http://home.earthlink.net/~terryr999/images/Trail3.jpg

or...

http://www.princetonfamilycenter.org/images/tortoise.jpg

:p

[deilenberger]

Ha I say to you! Especially since neither of you have ridden with me. Piffle. Phooey!

I think Dave missed the long debate about updating the Ev that took place at Charleston. I had the originator of the Ev along - since he'd followed me to Charleston.. :brow

It's that damn Mastovitch who is the problem. For some reason he thinks he's grand keeper of the BMW master standards, and he just won't be reasonable. I did a trip to Square Route last year with a witness (an official IB member) to verify the GPS average speed reading - which was WAY WAY over 37.5 MPH.. it was damn near 40!

Even Harold Gantz (originator of the Ev) has agreed it should be raised to at least 38MPH.

So poo on you Starving Artist and Time Wasting California Bucko!

:bliss

[Jim Shaw]

Originally posted by deilenberger I did a trip to Square Route last year with a witness (an official IB member) to verify the GPS average speed reading - which was WAY WAY over 37.5 MPH.. it was damn near 40!
:bliss

Would that be the same IB member who is still muttering to himself about last year's ride to Square Route? I believe he described the ride as "eternal."

Jim :rolleyes

[JimVonBaden1]

Can you imagine this level of intelligence on a "mumble" motorcycle forum?

Jim :brow