Tell us about yourself and your bike!

[mfifer]

MonteC , Welcome and hope you enjoy it here!!!

Mike

[Visian]

Hi All,

My name is Monte. I've been on a bike since I was six (~32 yrs). Mostly dirt bikes and short trips on my dads GoldWings (1000, 1200, 1500). I got my first street bike (an 85 K100RT) a few years ago and have had several camping adventures with my oldest son. Looking forward to many more trips with him and my other boys.

a lotta 85 k bikes here... finest year. ;)

welcome, monte. we'd be interested in hearing about some camping with your son adventures.

ian

[staciebug]

Stacia and Steve: WELCOME TO THE FORUM!

Wishing you many happy miles. :dance

Uh, Stacia, you aren't riding in Spokane now are you? :scratch


Sorry for the late reply, didn't see it til now. I haven't ridden since early november. We have gotten over 4 feet of snow so far, it finally melted off this week, only a few inches left. I miss my bike, and even though the roads are clear, I can't get my bike out of the shop with all the mud and snow in the way. It's even harder since I asked for new gear and accessories for my bike for christmas and I can't use them yet. Maybe in 2 weeks if the weather holds. :violin

So, since I have no bike, I can actually have a drink or two when I go out. So the snow hasn't bothered me too much.
:bar

[xp8103]

Yeah but you NW folks have it easy! It'll be 65 in March and we'll still be shoveling out over here!! :)

[staciebug]

hopefully we will have better weather than that. I almost took my bike out today, but had to restrain myself, there is a lot of sand, and junk on the roads from the snow melting. Maybe tomorrow. :dance

[barryg]

Just saw the local weather report for Marion, Ar./ Memphis, Tn. area. Low to mid 60's Fri. Low to mid 70's Sat. and low to mid 60's Sunday and clear all three days. Winter ridin in the Mid South area at it's best. :clap :bow :heart

[VanFrederick]

I rode solo till I got the dog then found myself riding a lot less and driving a lot more so I could take the dog. Then diesel hit $4.50 and the truck just wasn't working for us anymore. So...

http://www.bobaji.com/Blogspot/BobajiVanAndSidecar.jpg

Please...don't ask me to purchase an associate membership for the dog. Not that he's not worth it, but it's the principle of the thing.

"Neutered...And Lovin' It"
http://www.bobaji.com

[_RockZ_]

I am ANDY ,Last year I rode a R 2007 R loved it Just found my self with alot of miles so this spring I traded for a 2005 RT and so far rode it 60 miles ,can't wait to ride a weekend or so,by the way glad to be a part of this Whole thing. looking forward to meet and greet some of you on this big road of Life.

[DWR302]

Hello, new to BMWMOA, and the RT is my first BMW. Back on bikes again the last couple years after a decades long break. Owned some British bikes way back when. Got a Sportster in 06, then a V-Rod in 08. Found I like long rides now that I have the time so I took a test ride on an RT. It as all over for the V-Rod after that. The RT is outstanding. Can't stay off the thing. After just a couple months
it is close to needing new rubber. Too Much fun.

[TallPauls]

Just joined.

Been active at other forums, IBA and BMWST.

Own an 07 1200RT with 40K miles.

I'm married with nine children and eleven grandchildren.

I like to: ride, motorcycle tour, camp, fish, bicycle, play softball and basketball.

Teacher in Northern CA … Always busy but plenty of time to ride!

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/TallPaul07_bucket/2009-February041.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/TallPaul07_bucket/2008/2008-AlaskaTrip127.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq145/TallPaul07_bucket/2008/2008-AlaskaTrip470.jpg

[1995GS]

Hello All,

Just rejoined MOA after a year and a half absence. I was a member for 18 years and glad I rejoined!

My name is Don and I live in a historic cottage community of Bayside, Maine which is about 14 miles north of Camden and 3 miles south of Belfast. We are right on Penobscot Bay which is beautiful. You can see our village by visiting my wife's website; www.baysidecottagerentals.com

I've been riding motorcycles for 40 years. I got my first BMW back in 1987 which was a 79 R100RS. From there I purchased a 1991 K100RS which I didn't like nearly as much. When the US got their first shipment of R1100GS, I purchased that bike new and have owned it ever since.

The first trip I took with the GS was from Vermont to Prince Rupert, BC. Took a ferry from Prince Rupert to Vancouver Island and then crossed back to the mainland and headed back home. I was gone for 26 days. I've never taken on such a trip again mostly due to work and then a serious illness. My health is better now and I'm hoping to make a cross country trip in September.

I almost purchased a 2006 Multistrada about a month ago. I've always loved Ducati. I was ready to make the commitment and the sun came out one March day and the temp was 45. I went to visit my GS in a cold garage and turned the key and it started without much effort (no, the battery was not on a charger). Took a 35 mile ride and felt that smile come across my whole being. This bike "fits me" like a glove. I came to my senses and passed on the Multi.

I'm getting some work done on the GS with new Ohlin's, some good touring packs, and other basic maintenance. I hope this will be one of my best riding seasons.

By the way, when I'm not in Maine, I'm living on my 32' sailboat for about 5-6 months a year heading up and down the eastern seaboard.

If you find yourself in my neck of the woods, give us a call.

[john1691]

Welcome back, Don!

[SIBUD]

I rode solo till I got the dog then found myself riding a lot less and driving a lot more so I could take the dog. Then diesel hit $4.50 and the truck just wasn't working for us anymore. So...

http://www.bobaji.com/Blogspot/BobajiVanAndSidecar.jpg

Please...don't ask me to purchase an associate membership for the dog. Not that he's not worth it, but it's the principle of the thing.

"Neutered...And Lovin' It"
http://www.bobaji.com

Just found your videos!!!!!! Great job. You guys are having a good time on the road.

Please post more.

[SIBUD]

Hello All,

Just rejoined MOA after a year and a half absence. I was a member for 18 years and glad I rejoined!

My name is Don and I live in a historic cottage community of Bayside, Maine which is about 14 miles north of Camden and 3 miles south of Belfast. We are right on Penobscot Bay which is beautiful. You can see our village by visiting my wife's website; www.baysidecottagerentals.com

I've been riding motorcycles for 40 years. I got my first BMW back in 1987 which was a 79 R100RS. From there I purchased a 1991 K100RS which I didn't like nearly as much. When the US got their first shipment of R1100GS, I purchased that bike new and have owned it ever since.

The first trip I took with the GS was from Vermont to Prince Rupert, BC. Took a ferry from Prince Rupert to Vancouver Island and then crossed back to the mainland and headed back home. I was gone for 26 days. I've never taken on such a trip again mostly due to work and then a serious illness. My health is better now and I'm hoping to make a cross country trip in September.

I almost purchased a 2006 Multistrada about a month ago. I've always loved Ducati. I was ready to make the commitment and the sun came out one March day and the temp was 45. I went to visit my GS in a cold garage and turned the key and it started without much effort (no, the battery was not on a charger). Took a 35 mile ride and felt that smile come across my whole being. This bike "fits me" like a glove. I came to my senses and passed on the Multi.

I'm getting some work done on the GS with new Ohlin's, some good touring packs, and other basic maintenance. I hope this will be one of my best riding seasons.

By the way, when I'm not in Maine, I'm living on my 32' sailboat for about 5-6 months a year heading up and down the eastern seaboard.

If you find yourself in my neck of the woods, give us a call.


Welcome. Did you build a "little house"? I had a link once but can not find it.

[MAINELYTRIUMPH]

Welcome back. I'm also on Penobscot bay, about 25 miles south of you.

[1995GS]

Thanks for the replies!

Actually no, I didn't build a "little house" but I did restore the one that we live in. If you visit the bayside website, click on "contact us" and look for the red cottage on that page. It used to be a boat building shed that produced 18' daysailors.

[njnomad]

New to the BMWMOA and to beemer bikes. Just picked up a sweet '99 R1100RT with less than 18k miles. Having lots of fun with it. Also have an HD Heritage Softail and a couple of Suzuki gixxers (GSXR 1000 & 1100). Been riding for 37 yrs and have had many bikes. You know what, I love 'em all. :bikes

This is a really cool club and it's fun reading the forums. I enjoy reading the different experiences riders go through when they're out and about, close to home or touring. Hope to meet some of you on the road, somewhere, someday.

I'm 54, retired and loving it. :dance I'm a combat vet, retired Police Officer, Commercial Pilot and former Actor. Worked a few Law & Order episodes (all three) first as a long haired, tattooed, multi-pierced bad guy (which I do have, except the bad guy part :whistle) . Then later as an NYPD officer (after I cleaned up my act) but since I'm out of acting, I'm back to the long hair, piercings, etc.

I love riding (naturally). I also dabble in music and astronomy but my heart is in the Rocky Mtns where I hope to go back to soon. I'll tell ya, there's nothing like it. I can't even describe the sheer beauty of the rockies as you're gliding by those "fourteeners" on two wheels. Oh heck, anywhere I ride I'm happy, as long as I'm riding. ;)

[mfifer]

Welcome back GS and welcome in Nomad!!
Glad to hear from all of you and happy your here!

Mike

[wwharper1636]

HI, I'm Walt, well I started riding when I first Joined the Navy in 72, my folks told me that as long as I lived under their roof, I would never own a bike. But I had watched "Here comes Bronson" in the lated 60's and always wanted one.

I was up in Connecticut on a Sub, and bought a 59 VW to get around and couldn't get insurance. one day I was at the insurance company asking about insurance. they wanted $600 every 6 months for liability insurance on the bug. about then another guy shows up and pays his bike insurance policy, $67.00. I ask the lady how much it would be for me, about $50 for a 500cc bike. sold the bug the next day and bought my first bike a Suzuki T-500 Titan. and I have been riding since. I have owned 6 hondas, 2 yamaha, a harley, and now I got a R1150 GSA.

I ride to work everyday when ther is no ice on the road about 10 months a year. I am going to put in for the further milage program this year. I am ready I think. should be easy to place in the top ten in oregon. I was riding last month when the temps were down to 27 degrees. I was wondering what the wind chill was at 785 miles an hour.

I am retired form the Navy, served on Nuclear submarines for 20 years. I think that is part of the reason I like to ride so much. being out in the open now...

I have riden in 46 of the 50 states and right now I am planning a trip to Alaska next year, I want to go to the Artic Circle. I have been under the ice many times on the boats. I also need to go to 3 more of the canadian provenses to get them all, but I have never been to mexico. Maybe someday.

I hope to see you someday on the road. Like Bronson, I'm heading down that long lonesome highway............

[mfifer]

HI, I'm Walt, well I started riding when I first Joined the Navy in 72, my folks told me that as long as I lived under their roof, I would never own a bike. But I had watched "Here comes Bronson" in the lated 60's and always wanted one.

I was up in Connecticut on a Sub, and bought a 59 VW to get around and couldn't get insurance. one day I was at the insurance company asking about insurance. they wanted $600 every 6 months for liability insurance on the bug. about then another guy shows up and pays his bike insurance policy, $67.00. I ask the lady how much it would be for me, about $50 for a 500cc bike. sold the bug the next day and bought my first bike a Suzuki T-500 Titan. and I have been riding since. I have owned 6 hondas, 2 yamaha, a harley, and now I got a R1150 GSA.

I ride to work everyday when ther is no ice on the road about 10 months a year. I am going to put in for the further milage program this year. I am ready I think. should be easy to place in the top ten in oregon. I was riding last month when the temps were down to 27 degrees. I was wondering what the wind chill was at 785 miles an hour.

I am retired form the Navy, served on Nuclear submarines for 20 years. I think that is part of the reason I like to ride so much. being out in the open now...

I have riden in 46 of the 50 states and right now I am planning a trip to Alaska next year, I want to go to the Artic Circle. I have been under the ice many times on the boats. I also need to go to 3 more of the canadian provenses to get them all, but I have never been to mexico. Maybe someday.

I hope to see you someday on the road. Like Bronson, I'm heading down that long lonesome highway............

Welcome Walt. Glad to have you.
I had a good friend that has passed away but he was on sub's.
I will never forget , he used to tell a story about submariner's and flyboys in a bar.
After many barbs back and forth, it was pretty clear the sub had many advantages to the aircraft at which point the pilot said to "Bill" "Well all of that is true but there is one thing for sure , I bet I can get my bird in the water before you get your sub in the air"
The bar finally went silent and a round of drinks was shared by all.

Mike

[Ruben]

Welcome, Stacia.

It is great to have young ladies like you in our Organization.
Thank you for your contribution in the "First Bike" column. You got a really nice bike.
I hope to meet you in Tennessee, in the National Rally.
Next winter, if you have too much snow at home, try to aim South !

Warm regards.

http://bmr39.smugmug.com/photos/266142268_b6uDW-L.jpg

[PHMarvin]

Hi, Walt,
It's nice to have another ex-bubblehead on the forum. And if you do want to go visit Ruben in Oaxaca, let me know. I lived in Mexico (Aguascalientes) for a couple of years and worked mostly in Mexico for nearly 20 years. The only club rally I attended was in Tequisquiapan in 1986, but they do know how to have fun and the Mexico rallys are top notch. Now that I am (forcibly) retired, I have the time and wouldn't mind seeing some friends in Mexico City and making some new ones elsewhere in the country.
Ride Safe,
Phil Marvin - El Paso, TX
'95 K75RT
'94 K75A/3
ex-QM2(SS) USS Nathan Hale SSB(N)623G

[KTomLem]

[Hi, I'm Tom Lemke. I live in Westfield NY, which is about 10 mi. from the PA border just off I90. My frist BMW was a 1978 R60/7. After 2 years, I traded it in on a 1978 R100S in Luffmister touring trim. In late fall of 1984, I traded it in on a 1984 R100RS LE. It was on this BMW that I qulified fro the 100,000 miles on BMW's award. In May of 1987 on my way to the Squar Root rally in MD, I totaled it while trying to slow down from 55 mph on oily wet black top. I was highsided at about 50 mph, but was not injured due to being fully protected from head to toe with BMW helmet, leathers, gloves and boots. I replaced the RS with a 1987 K75S, which sold in 1992. I was away from motocycling until 2006, when I bought a 2005 Honda VT750 Shadow Aero. In 2008, I started looking online for a K100RS. I found one on the BMWMOA Flea Market. It is a 1991 Pearl White one, with 35k on the odometer. I put a set of Brigestone BT-21's on it, and I love the way it handles. The belly pan and both sides of the faring are scarred, and the right side mirror is also scarred. I intend to have these things repaired this year. I' also having trouble with tha ABS. the ABS light flashes and the brake light stays on; any suggestions?

I hope to get to the National and the Finger Lakes rallies this year; hope to meet you there.:german

[mfifer]

Welcome Tom, Glad you are back on a bike.
Mike

[njnomad]

Hi Mike & Robin. Thanks for the warm welcome. Hi Walt. Glad to see you here. Right off the bat Walt we have two things in common; we're both newbies here and we both started riding in '72 when we went in the military. I've been riding ever since. Did you happen to make it to Subic?

[FrankDee]

Hi! We are Frank & Claudia DelloRusso from the Boston, MA area, proud parents of 2 great kids and grandparents of 4 fabulous, very young grandchildren (the 10 month old is in my lap at this very moment desperately trying to help me type this entry). I spent 4 years in the Air Force right after high school (where I met Claudia, in Germany) and 4 subsequent years in college, then a whole bunch'a years working for the many different iterations of the then rapidly changing "phone company", from which I was forcibly retired 6 days after 9-11. It was painful at the time, but in hindsight, they did me a big favor. Been riding bikes for over 40 years and this 2003 R1150RT is our first BMW. We joined BMW MOA just yesterday at the advice of a friend, also a member and BMW GS rider.

We bought our RT used, two years ago, with only 6K miles on it (2 previous owners), and have had some unfortunate serious and expensive problems which resulted in limited use since. But all has been sorted out (thanks to MAX BMW in North Hampton, NH) and will, hopefully, remain so.... because Claudia is now spoiled rotten and because this bike needs to carry us across the country to CA and back between mid-May and mid-July, this year. I've done some long distance riding in my younger years (on a 1972 Norton Commando (to Iowa), which I still have, and a 1984 Moto Guzzi 850-T5 (to Illinois), now being ridden daily by our son. This little round trip, x-country adventure, a "test" or "testimonial" in celebration of our 40 years of marriage (July 5th) will be our "Mt. Everest".

The motivation for this ride has been the recent loss of too many relatives and close friends, some of whom were too young to pass. One (my closest friend) spoke his dying words to me and they were as follows... "There were so many things I wanted to do...". With that, Claudia and I decided that we didn't want to leave too many "should'a-could'a-would'a's in our closet... so off we go.

The plan is to head south through NJ and PA to Front Royal, VA and take Skyline Drive and the Blueridge Parkway all the way to the Franklin, NC area. Then head west to Denver, cross the Rockies and spend a few days at Lake Tahoe. Then north to Wyoming and Yellowstone and east to SD and the Black Hills, across MN and up to Grand Marais, WI on Lake Superior (near Thunder Bay, Ontario), back down through Green Bay (must check out Lambeau Field) and then take the S.S. Badger across Lake Michigan from Manitowoc, WI to Ludington, MI. Then probably through Ann Arbor, into Ohio, across PA on Rt. 6 and into NJ, and finally home. There'll be some stops along the way to visit some family old friends.

Part of the trip west from NC includes a stop in Blytheville, AK to visit the grave site of Claudia's mother. There's an amazing Rod Serling "Twilight Zone" kind of story that goes along with this visit, but it's way too long to deliver here. Maybe we'll get to meet some of you throughout our travels, and that'd be a good time to tell it over a few cold beers.

We have a trip route planned (very limited Interstate travel... mostly state roads), but it's not cast in stone, so any advice, re: special roads, sights, places to eat or lodge that anyone would like to pass along would surely be welcomed.

Ride safe,
Frank & Claudia DelloRusso (fdelloru@yahoo.com)

P.S. Being brand new to this group, the web site and this forum, I'm not very familiar with the "process". So... my apologies in advance in the event that I don't follow the proper protocol.

[john1691]

Welcome Frank and Claudia! No worries, we don't have much protocal, and somethimes not many manners either. :laugh However, you will see that there is a large group of great folks who frequent the website, although only a small fraction of our overall club membership. Enjoy the ride!

[mfifer]

P.S. Being brand new to this group, the web site and this forum, I'm not very familiar with the "process". So... my apologies in advance in the event that I don't follow the proper protocol.
There is a protocol?:stick :lurk

Welcome you guys and hope you have fun here. these are the greatest bunch of guys and gals on the planet.

Mike

[FrankDee]

[QUOTE=john1691;Enjoy the ride![/QUOTE]

Thanks folks... perhaps a BETTER request for advice regarding this trip would have been... "What state and local roads should we definitely NOT take?" But, I know that's an unreasonable request since I haven't provided anyone with any significantly detailed information regarding our planned route... it's a big country. Maybe I'll put something up on this thread once I finalize the general route and the states we'll be riding through.

Regards,
FrankDee

[WalterW]

I am a Security manager for a Pharmaceutical company. I am 56 and I have had my motorcycle designation since I was 18.
I really enjoy long distance rides 4000-5000 kilometers in 6 days so of thing.
My current ride is a 2008 BMW F650gs twin. Thanks to Curtis at Durham BMW.
my last two other ride have been 2001 Kawasaki Nomad 1500fi and a 2000 Honda Shadow. I really enjoy the lighter more agile F650gs.

I am retiring early this November so next year I want to do a ride from Toronto to Vancouver in June and then Vancouver to San Francisco then on to Toronto in July.

[John Brase]

Frank & Claudia,

It seems the timing of your trip just screams out for you to attend the National Rally (July 16-19) on your way home.

Welcome.
John

[womanridge]

You may want to consider U.S. 12 accross Montanna, North & South Dakota and Minnesota. I rode this last fall from east to west. A great ride.
Have fun!

[Joemac]

Hi everyone. My name is Joe McCracken, I live in Plano, Texas and ride a R1200CLC. I am 68 years young and have ridden, raced, and wrenched on my son's Grand National Dirt track bikes. I have been involved with bikes since I was 21 years old. I rode a Haaaaaarley for years and didn't think there was anything else, and didn't really care. Had to sell for financial reasons and done without a bike for nearly 10 years. I went in the local BMW shop, rode an RT and thought after riding it, that all Germans must be 6' 4" tall. (I am 5'8") I sit on a Montauk and a CLC and they felt great. I finally after about a year got my finances straight and went to the shop to buy the CLC. They had none on the floor and the salesman told me they quit making them. Woe is me. He then told me that they had acquired one from another dealer and was putting it together at that moment. He said he would have it sitting in front of the shop Saturday morning which was the next day. I bought the bike and 88,000 miles and four years later I could not be happier. I have it outfitted just like I want it, do my own wrenching and if the man upstairs will let me, I plan to test what the salesman told me and put 250,000 on the Silver Fox. The picture if I can get it added was taken last spring on the Indian Bridge north of St Jo Texas on the Red River. By the way, most people just call me Joemac. Hope to see you at the rally.

Joemac

17655

[mfifer]

Joemac , Welcome and that CLC is a beauty!

Mike

[AKBeemer]

Welcome Joemac. Grand National Dirt Track huh? The truely American form of motorcycle racing. Wish I'd had the opportunity (and guts) to try it. Hope to run into you on the road and hear your stories about the raci'n.

[sddinnh]

Hello, my name is Steve Downing and I'm a "semi" retired Mechanical Engineer who lives in New Hampshire. Although I once owned, and put almost 100,000 miles on a R100RT, I'm now a recent returnee to BMW's after a 15 year "diversion" with a couple of Honda touring bikes.

I first flirted with an ST1300 which I found to be a capable bike, but way too "tall" for me and it had severe heat problems in the summer months. Not in that the bike would run hot, but that the heat coming off the radiators was rather bad to my way of thinking. After that, I went to a Honda Gold Wing to get more "two up" comfort. That too was a nice bike, but after the death of my wife, I decided that it was just way too large for only me. I know that a lot of guys do run them "one up", but for the type of riding I now do, it was just not nimble enough on the back roads to suite me.

So, when BMW started making "lowered" bikes (I'm somewhat "inseam" challenged :blush), I went on down to look them over. It was a real struggle for me to choose between the lowered R1200GS and the lowered R1200RT, but I finally came down on the side of the RT since most of my touring is over paved roads.

Still, when I'm on some of these "frost heaved" back New England roads, I sometimes wonder about my choice. But after putting 3000 miles on the RT in the past month, I'm still really happy with my selection and it hasn't let me down yet no matter how rough the going has been. You see, thru the summers, I only work 4 days a week (Fridays off :p ) so I try to get out on a 200-300 mile trip somewhere in New England at least once a weekend (if not more). Plus I have an 80 mile commute to work for the rest of the week, so the mileage is really building up fast.

This August, I will take it on a two week trip up to Quebec and then on North and out thru the Gaspe Peninsula. I will return via the North coast of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, the South coast of New Brunswick, and then down the Maine Coast (just got to do Bar Harbor again), before heading back home.

Not that living and riding in New England is so bad, but there's hundreds of other places I'd like to get back to as well. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, Deals Gap, and Alaska to name a few (maybe Alaska will allow me to add a GS to the stable :whistle ), but we'll just have to see how the old body holds up. I'll keep riding as long as I physically can and, if the past two years is any indication, I'll rack up another 10 - 15,000 miles again this year. As my signature says "So many roads, so little time".

So if you're up here in the Northeast and you see my Silver R1200RT parked out there beside the road (with some "old" guy sitting there and enjoying an ice cream and smiling), just stop on by and say "Hi".

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c152/sddinnh/Dixville%20Trip/LakeWinnipesaukee.jpg

[Visian]

So if you're up here in the Northeast and you see my Silver R1200RT parked out there beside the road (with some "old" guy sitting there and enjoying an ice cream and smiling), just stop on by and say "Hi".

you're going to have to get over that ice cream thing... that's for wing riders. :ha

seriously, welcome here and thanks for posting.

after looking at your trip further north this summer, if you can fit in a trip around the cabot trail on the north end of nova scotia, you won't be disappointed.

oh, and... this year's national rally is a great opportunity to come down south and ride non-frost-heaved roads. :thumb

ian

[mfifer]

Welcome Steve , Very sorry about your wife but really glad your here and enjoying that beauty!!!

Hey I like icecream !!!! and I also hated my ST1300 for the same and more reasons.

;) :type

Mike

[ddorwart]

Well, I hope you have the opportunity to post the pictures so we can all live within your quest for the West!

[jsoque]

Tell us about your trip to the West Coast!

Can you post some pix?

Ride Safe.

[althotos]

Hi, I'm A.J. from Fort Lauderdale. I've lived in the Fort Lauderdale-Miami area for 7 years. I lived in the St. Petersburg-Clearwater area for 7 years before that. Previous to that I lived in the wonderful state of Maryland for 25 years. It was there in 1975 where I learned to ride my first bike, a Suzuki 125 Enduro.

Fast forward 30 years to 2007 when I bought a 1993 HD Sportster 883 to "relearn" riding a bike. I purchased a 2000 R1100RT early in 2008, which regretfully I sold in mid 2009. I bought a 1994 Honda CBR1000F, which I never ride. On March 3, 2010 I bid on and won a 2002 R1150RS on eBay from a dealership in Jacksonville. I flew up on March 6 and drove it down the 360 miles back home to Fort Lauderdale.

Back in 2007, I rode my Sportster to Key West during the Poker Run. I would really like to do that again this year. It would be very cool to have a bunch of BMW enthusiasts going to Key West for the Poker Run this year. If anyone is interested, now is the time to start planning. I've got a couple of websites below and pictures of my bike below that. Enjoy the ride.:wave

http://www.motorcyclemonster.com/petersons-poker-run.html

http://www.lightningcustoms.com/petersons-poker-run.html
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<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EgGHeOyYKW5UEgtdiQDfNw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-zmJ4PIuy9s/S5UDBMV912I/AAAAAAAAAM0/oIupFiJT2TI/s800/2010-03-06%2018.26.24.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/althotos/2002R1150RS?feat=embedwebsite">2002 R1150RS</a></td></tr></table>
my baby
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<table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wckEi5YQ1SEHZki-zINIlQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-zmJ4PIuy9s/S5UDBVhRgTI/AAAAAAAAAM4/Q_b3AxgF3dA/s800/IMGP0841.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/althotos/2002R1150RS?feat=embedwebsite">2002 R1150RS</a></td></tr></table>
proud papa
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[bedlam]

Hi, folks!

I've been active in other forums, but for some reason not this one...well, I guess it's time to change that. I'm Jill, and I'm an Airhead! At first, I was just "guilty by association" with an Airhead (El Hubbo has two), but I took the plunge last summer and got myself a 1990 R100GS. Love it! Well, love it except for the "left fall of faith" every time the kickstand has to come down, but maybe I'll get used to it. Eventually. Maybe. :heh

I also have a 2006 K1200R that I enjoy quite a bit on our twisty mountain roads. I call it "The Screaming Meanie".

My husband, Howard, and I are living our dream here in East TN. We have a large shop and just hosted our first Tech Day back in March since moving back to Tennessee from Texas about 2 years ago. The move was quite complicated and really put a crimp on racking up some riding miles these past two seasons, but we are working hard to get back to our old pack-up-and-get-going days. We are slowly getting more involved with our local MOA club. We can't get enough time away this year to make it all the way out to Redmond, but are looking forward to getting to the rally in Vermont at the end of next month...we want to see some old friends, especially.

I've had two other BMW's in the past...my first was a K75S, and I recently traded a Funduro F650. Of course, I'm always thinking about my NEXT bike...hmmmm....F800GS?....those look tasty!

[Visian]

Hi, I'm A.J. from Fort Lauderdale.

hey, A.J. i grew up in Hollywood, FL.

if you're looking for places even remotely interesting to ride (outside of the Keys) try the Everglades National Park or anywhere north of Lake O. :ha

My husband, Howard, and I are living our dream here in East TN.

bedlam - great username! interesting mix of items in your pic.

where in east TN? we have a place in WNC...

ian

[bedlam]

We live near Johnson City, TN...out in the suburbs of Unicoi;)

[Visian]

we'll have to meet at phil's dream pit (http://www.philsdreampit.com) some time for Q and a ride!

ian

[bedlam]

we'll have to meet at phil's dream pit (http://www.philsdreampit.com) some time for Q and a ride!

ian

Oh, I LOVE that place. Forget Ridgewood, Phil's gets my vote everytime!

[Gottago]

Thanks Tim, But thats not quite true. I'm afraid all the time, I just don't have enough sense to let my fears stop me. Usually when I'm trying the hardest is when I do something really dorky like falling over in front of my peers. I know I have a terrible addiction to motorcycles but they are better and cheaper than drugs. The only thing I can't stand about cycles, is when someone calls me a "biker chick". First of all I'm not a "biker", secondly I'm not a "chick". I'm discovering the BMW crowd is a different caliper of riders.

Julie - +1 my sentiments exactly.

[GlobalRider]

I've been riding motorcycles since 1975.

Since then, I have bought 16 motorcycles; 10 Japanese and 6 BMW motorcycles.

Of those, I still own the:


1986 BMW R80 G/S Paris Dakar (bought used)
1990 BMW R100 GS (bought new)
2003 BMW R1150 GS Adventure (bought new and now my Alps touring motorcycle)
2002 Kawasaki KLR 650 (bought new)


Other BMWs I have owned:

1963 BMW R27 (nice to look at, but you can't really do much on a 250)
1980 BMW R65 (my 1995 to 2004 Alps touring motorcycle)
2004 BMW R1150 GS Adventure (my 2005 to 2009 Alps touring motorcycle till it was written off by a cell phone yapping teenager idiot)


I've done a few tours on this continent, but the vast majority of my touring has taken place in Europe, especially in the Alps which I have toured annually since 1995.

When it comes to motorcycling, Europe is hard to beat for countless reasons; attitudes towards motorcyclists are far better, the roads and scenery are near impossible to beat and the food and drink...well lets not even try to compare. I have yet to even get on two wheel locally this year...and it is August already...I'm enjoying my Porsche Carrera too much I guess.

Corsica...
http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Motorcycle-Tours/2006-Alps-Motorcycle-Tour/P6200095/151433100_G8jSA-L-1.jpg

Kaiserjaegerweg, Italy...
http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Motorcycle-Tours/2007-Alps-Motorcycle-Tour/CIMG0045/402773688_JMbbj-L.jpg


I like working in my reasonably well set-up workshop/garage where I create stuff and maintain my vehicles.

Future plans...early retirement and more riding in far away places.

[Bullet]

... by the term "Beaten Path"
In my mind, it's not necessarily off-road but the paved road less taken.

[mapperjay]

I just recently bought a 2001 F650GS to include with my 2007 Ural Patrol--which is basically a distant cousin to the BMW.

So now when it's not snowing I can ride on two wheels! Hmmm. And now I can't figure out how to upload a photo of the F650GS. I swear I'm not playing favorites here!

[disconnected]

Howdy Folks. I bought my First BMW about 1.5 years ago. It is a R1100GS. I like it... ALOT!!! I almost parted with it this winter to buy a "newer" one, then I relized my 1100 was sorted out perfect for me! I live in Pittsburgh and am currently working on a new Charter Club called "gs dirtbagz", check it out yo... www.meetup.com/gsdirtbagz


greg

http://disconnected.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/alt/Motorcycles/alt-tip-over/1047619027_wbgPV-M.jpg

http://disconnected.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/alt/Motorcycles/DSCF1530/1047646230_2Qos7-M.jpg

http://disconnected.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/moto-11/IMG1746/1153752801_qmxMy-M.jpg

Now just cause im a showoff!

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j104/disconnected_photos/meonthatlargecreekmiddle.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j104/disconnected_photos/meinthatbigpuddle-1.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j104/disconnected_photos/drop.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j104/disconnected_photos/DSCF1235.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j104/disconnected_photos/trip003-1.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j104/disconnected_photos/prestrom004.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j104/disconnected_photos/dragon.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j104/disconnected_photos/dealsgaprocksign.jpg

<a href="http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j104/disconnected_photos/?action=view&amp;current=biglean.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j104/disconnected_photos/biglean.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[Visian]

Howdy Folks. I bought my First BMW about 1.5 years ago. It is a R1100GS. I like it... ALOT!!! I almost parted with it this winter to buy a "newer" one, then I relized my 1100 was sorted out perfect for me! I live in Pittsburgh and am currently working on a new Charter Club called "gs dirtbagz", check it out yo... www.meetup.com/gsdirtbagz


greg

i've been warned about you... :evil

really glad you're here and looking forward to the dirtbagz coming to the GS Giant's Gypsy Tour. it is gonna be in your back yard. :nod

ian

[althotos]

hey, A.J. i grew up in Hollywood, FL.

if you're looking for places even remotely interesting to ride (outside of the Keys) try the Everglades National Park or anywhere north of Lake O. :ha



bedlam - great username! interesting mix of items in your pic.

where in east TN? we have a place in WNC...

ian

Great idea, I'll have to look into it. Sorry I've been out of the loop for a while. Moved, relocated to Central Florida for a new job. Ride the bike to work several times a week.

[RODNEY.ANDERSON@COX.NET]

Hello All,

My name is Rod Anderson and I live in El Cajon, CA.

I started riding back in the mid '70's on anything I could borrow for a few minutes and bought a used '74 Honda CB360G in December of '74.

I traded that for a new '77 RD400 Yamaha which I rode for about 10 years in Colorado, Connecticut and San Diego until trading it on a leftover '83 Yamaha 650 Seca Turbo in the fall of '87.

I put 58K+ miles on the turbo until I retired from the Navy in Jan. of '96 and took a job that required me to carry tools. The motorcycle mostly stayed in the garage until the summer of '99 when work took us to New Jersey. I sold the motorcycle because I didn't think NJ was anywhere I would want to ride a bike. As it turns out the weather in NJ was much more suitable than in Colorado where I started riding, but there are those crazy NJ and NY drivers...

At the end of 04 we moved back to San Diego and I started to get the itch for another motorcycle, but it just didn't make sense until the boss decided to move the office into downtown, which put an end to carpooling with the wife.

After a nearly 15 year absence I started looking for a motorcycle. Shaft drive was a must and a good sized fairing to keep the cold off.

I considered the Yamaha FJ1300 and the Kawasaki Concours 14, but they haven't been out long enough for there to be many on the used market at the price I was willing to pay. I wasn't certain I would really enjoy riding again after so long. I had ridden my son's Suzuki DR650 and GS550, but neither of them really appealed to me.

I was looking on the internet and I noticed that the local BMW store had a 90 something K75S. I went in on a Tuesday afternoon to test ride it and some rascal had beat me to it. He put a deposit on it and I didn't get the chance to ride it.

On the following Saturday I went in to see if, just perhaps, he had backed out of the deal and I could get a test ride. Not only had he not backed out, he was there picking up the bike. Drat!

They did have an '02 K1200RS in a really pretty blue, but more money than I really wanted to spend and much heavier than I wanted and a bit more sporting riding position than I wanted, but man, did I like the color. I debated for 20 minutes or so and then asked if I could take it for a ride. I was hooked. I put a deposit down and finally took it home on Tuesday, February 1st.

I rode it 4350 miles in a bit over 3 and a half months, then dropped it off at a shop for it's 60K service and went away with the wife for a long weekend up at Crater Lake.

I had a voice mail from the shop late Saturday afternoon asking me to call, something about information about my bike. Cell phone coverage isn't very good up in that area, so with one thing and another, it was Tuesday before I called.

Saturday, after doing the service the mechanic had it out on a test ride and drove it into the back of a truck. The fairing, windshield and instrument panel were completely smashed.

To make a long story short, the shop's insurance carrier said the bike was a total loss and I have replaced the RS with an '01 R1100RT.

I've had the RT 3 weeks today and have put just over 1900 miles on it. It's not as smooth as the RS, but more comfortable and I'm very happy with it so far.

[bob814u]

My name is Steve Ayers. I bought my BMW R1100R from my best friend from School (Elementary - High School). He had wrecked it at 70 MPH without a helmet so his loving wife suggested he sell it. I replaced the Windshield (Thank you Jimmy Hayes) and the turn signal (thanks again Jimmy Hayes). Jimmy is the local BMW man. I decided to work on it myself then trailered it to North Dallas BMW to fix it. Thank you George. I love my R1100R. My daily commuter bike is a Yamaha TW200. When I want to let the wind blow through my hair (arm hair as I wear a helmet ALWAYS) I ride the BMW to work. It is nice in Texas when someone asks what kind of bike you ride and get wide eyed when you say BMW. Not everyone likes to kill their posture on a Harley.

[highplainsrider]

:clap I became interested in motorbikes, in the late fifties, when our paper boy had a motorized bicycle. Then a neighbor rode over on a Cushman (sp) to give me a ride. While at H.S an underclassman rode up on a Triumph, not sure of the displacement, and did a wheelie and almost biffed the pavement. I was definitely hooked.
I discovered my nephew had purchased a motorcycle and I went over to look it over and ask to take it for a ride. He said, "sure". I never shifted or clutched in the manner one does on a motorcycle but I got use to it in a few miles.

Forward to 1966 and I bought a small displacement motorbike to get off base and ride the beach roadways. I met a girl and we took a few short rides until I sold the bike. That same girl rides with me today.

In 1979 I bought a CB 100 to ease the wear and tear on my '78 Thunderbird, four barrel carbs and all. The 100 was perfect for getting down the road a few miles to work and back.
My children got older and larger, so I bought a CX500 and rode it for a year. My bride and I took a few rides on it but the add-on fairing didn't satisfy me, nor the high spin of the tach.

I bought a new Shadow 500 and realized that that bike was not much more comfortable than the CB 100. I sold it.

A high school kid came to my house selling magazines. It was a money making project for him so I felt I had to ease his pain and looked over his list of possibilities. I took delivery of Motorcyclist Magazine. In one of the issues was the first K-model BMW's. I was hooked, big time.

I bought a slightly used K100 LT '85. I finally got my bride to take a long ride with me to western South Dakota. It was very nice and she became enthusiastic for future rides and even suggested we get "outfitted" for our future rides with boots, jackets, rainsuits, proper helmets (with intercoms), and proper gloves. From my note you can tell I didn't have those things already.:D

Fast forward fifteen years and we are at Bike Week Sturgis South Dakota and we had just gotten off of a ride on a K1200 LTI. I was stunned at what came from my brides lips, after I had wondered aloud about buying just one more "touring class" motorcycle? She said, 'this one is really comfortable, perhaps this model might be the one for us?' I smiled broadly and stuttered out, "yes, good idea". That November I rode to Sioux City Iowa to pick up the ride I have today.

We have made several long rides since moving to western South Dakota: To Tenton, On for the MOA international rally, twice to Oregon and once to southern Illinois, and a few lesser trips to family events.

Yes, the weight and size of the beast has caused me to put it down, at slow speeds, in a turning mode, twice with her on it. she has never like that sudden stop after sliding off the seat.

I guess, if I get to the point where I cannot hold it up anymore, I'll opt for a CAN-AM.:nyah

Ride'um if you got'um
PT

[highplainsrider]

Hello everyone! I'm a 39 y.o Army veteran of nine years who's originally from Texas. I know reside in Georgia. .. Oh, before I go, is there a cure for looking at my bike every minute I get? God bless all of you and be careful out there on the road. I pray that angels encamp round about each and everyone of you as you ride. Remember to SEE!!! Ziphyr:laugh:bikes

New BMW rider, I've been there. Yes, looking at the Beemer, is just fine. I still do. Navy/USMC vet and riding motorcycles thrills the heck out of me. Folks ask me if am afraid I'll leave my spouse a widow? I tell them that was a possibility forty years ago. My chance of survival are much better today.
PT

[highplainsrider]

Hi all,

My names Simon and my wife is Lisa. We've been members now (thanks to a good friend) for about 2 months now and thought it was time we sorted ourselves out and starting posting here.

We're both Brit's and left the UK 5-years ago to travel around the world for 2-years. Yeah, you can see the dillema:D We've been diagnosed as having 'Geographic Dyslexia Syndrome', just cant seem to find our way home.

I'm riding a 99' R1100GS and Lisa's on a 2002 F650GS.

http://www.2ridetheworld.com/gsclub_images/bmwmoa/us.jpg

http://www.2ridetheworld.com/gsclub_images/bmwmoa/lago_us.jpg

Right now we're half way through our goal of riding to and through 122 countries and all seven continents. Actualy, I'm just following the wife, I havn't got a clue where I'm going:brow

Back in 1999 I was involved in a serious motorcycle accident which, bar a few tendons, took 'OFF' my right foot and crushed my lower right leg. The result was almost 18-months of no walking, months of agonizing physiotherapy and 5 major operations over a 2 year period. Learning to walk again was the next big challenge. It's not all bad...18-months gives a person pause for thought and a time to reflect on the 'big picture'...hence selling everything, and finally deciding to make a long dreamt idea into a wonderful reality.

See you on the road. Ride safe but ride far!

Cheers
Simon T


Simon and Lisa, :heart That is some serious gear!

PT

[highplainsrider]

You will all notice that my F650GS has mehr gelande als strasse on it. I use it on my Iowa farms because it is cheaper to operate than my diesel pickup. Only problem is mud mud mud.

I am planning to ride to Gillette around July 13 or 14 from Omaha...I have a HD 1200 Sportster too (kind of a pirty boy bike). But its not a mudder like the 650GS.

Looking forward to replies.

Fritz
................................
Fritz,
Sorry to have missed you on your pass thru. I live in Hot Springs and could have accompanied you to Gillette. However, I have not faithfully checked this site for posts or other notes.
I trust your ride to Gillette was a happy one? I hope you took a ride over the Bear Tooth Pass while you were in the country?
Off road stuff is not for me;)
PT

[rsbeemer]

Hi folks, :wave I have been riding motorbikes for the past 52 years, probably just like lots of you old guys . I started on a Cushman when I was about 12. I was lucky enough to live in the country and did not have to worry about traffic, license or cops. I rode that scooter all the way through to the 10th grade. After the military, (’66 to ’69) bought a ’74 850 Moto guzzi Eldorado which seemed very cool at the time but the first trip I took to the Rockies it broke down. Cost me about $600. to haul it back to Texas. Yes, I sold it. Then I found a sweet swb 75/5 in ‘75; that was one of the best bikes I ever owned and sorry I don’t have it now. I put lots of miles on it in the states and Mexico during the ‘70’s. Besides putting a clutch in it, I never had a lick of trouble. In 1980 I bought an almost new R100rs Euro mdl. So now I had two bikes and was living high on the hog. I also joined the BMOA either that year or the next. I was a member on and off over the next , well until now. That rs took me all over the states , to the East coast and West. I Circumnavigated Mexico and crisscrossed it twice, it was fast, dependable and sexy. Then I had a chance to buy my brothers r90s and I just had to have it, so then I had three , all different but all good at something different . The rs was my long distant fast tourer, the 90s was better in the mountains and twisties when I could find them in Texas and the /5 was just smooth, quite and dependable. It was the one I would jump on to go to the store , ride to work or just tootle around. I rode my bikes to work 60miles each way 5-6 days a week for 15 years and not because of gas prices. But, time and things change and I ended up selling the /5 and 90s and buying a ocean going catamaran. Put the rs in storage at my brother’s , loaded up the family and took off on the High seas.
That lasted about two years and then the wife abandoned ship…said she didn’t like camping out. I stayed on for another few months along with my youngest boy and then sold the boat and went back to the wife and land life. Of course I got the rs out of mothballs and rode the tires off of it for the next few years untill the wife left for good. I shouda kept the boat. The kids were out of school and in college so I decided I would make a major life change. I had a teaching certificate so I went to Taiwan and taught English for the next 10 years. I also taught in Thailand and China. Oh, I put the rs back in mothballs again first. While in Taiwan I bought a 1994 r11oo naked bike. In those days they were illeagal in Taiwan; the largest displacement bike you could legally have was 250cc. This one was smuggled in from Japan in pieces and then put back together and sold. Me being an American was like being a big fish in a small pond in those days. I would get stopped occasionally by the local police. They would walk around the bike checking it out,( the license plate said, “BMW”) , I would pull my helmet off and immediately they would say, no problem…go go….The bottom line is they couldn’t speak English and didn’t want the problem it would be to arrest me. Now is China, it is a different story…they would have put me under the jail. I spent lots of time in China and at one point was English director at a college in Jiujung, China. I rode a scooter all over the place there without problems. Anyway back to Taiwan. I rode the r100 for a few years until they made it legal to own larger displacement bikes. At that time, I was a member of the Rotary Club in Taichung , Taiwan and had many friends with money that decided to buy bikes at that time. (A note here: My Taiwanese friends always had a problem pronouncing my name so decided to nick name me Beemer, which was ok with me.) Of course I talked them into BMW’s but I couldn’t buy one for myself because of the cost. Taiwan has 100% import tax on auto’s and motorcycles, so you see the reason. I was used to smuggled bikes with no import tax. One of my doctor friends at the Rotary decided he would by two, so he got a 1150gs and a Harley Electra glide. He let me ride the gs and we got a club together and every Wednesday went riding in the mountains and had lunch and then went to work around 2pm each day. We had about 20 members when I left there in 2006. I had gotten married in 2005 to a much younger woman and in 2006 had my 5th child, the other 4 all being aged from 28 to 40. ( A note: I had to take a Chinese name there to put on my resident card, so I took my wife's last name “Hung” and my nick name Beemer which is pronounced “B’moa” in Chinese..I kid you not…and that is what is on my Taiwanese registration card) Anyway, I came back to the states at the end of 2006 and bought some rentals and commercial property where I could have a job. No one would hire me, I was too old, so had to buy myself one. Also for some reason I had another child, so now I have two under 6 years old at home. Back to motorcycles…. My rs burned in a fire two years ago…since then I have bought a ’87 k75s which is probably the smoothest riding bike I have ever owned and then a ’03 r1150rs which is probably the fastest bike I have ever owned. I rode the k75s to Montana this past summer without problems but it just didn’t give me the wind protection I like. The 1150rs had to much technology for me, quick fuel disconnects that break (when you are in the middle of no where) and oil sigh glasses that pop out for no reason. But even with the problems, these bike were pretty good, they just weren't the bike of my dreams or my past. So, in the last few months I have sold both of them and bought a beautiful gold 1978 R100rs . I have in a way come full circle, well almost. I’m now looking for the perfect pre ’74 or earlier to keep my rs and me company . I plan on being at the next National Rally and hope to see and meet some of your then. Well that’s my bike life in a nut shell up to now, what’s yours?