Tell us about yourself and your bike!

[Ian]

This ought to be cool... patterned after the Members Profiles section of the BMW MOA site, this new forum is intended you let you introduce yourself to nearly 40,000 new friends.

Feel free to tell us about yourself, your bike(s), your theory about life... just like you would at a Rally.

If you'd like to make a post, just click the Post Reply button at the top or the bottom of this page.

If you're a real egomaniac, start a new thread about yourself... or your club.

Hey.... it's great to meet you!


:bliss

[Ian]

http://www.visian.nu/images/GSPDportrait.jpg

My name is Ian Schmeisser, #50592, and this is a pic of me and my favorite bike. I am 48, married with two grown kids and live in Lawrenceville, GA.

I've wanted a BMW dirtbike ever since I saw one of these at the Six-Day Trials, in Massachusetts in 1973:

http://www.visian.nu/images/70sGS.jpg

Too cool! When I saw that big german guy ride that bike down the road, sliding turns at way over 100mph, then blasting into the woods and throwing dirt and rock everwhere... I knew that was the bike for me!

I bought mine in 1986 with 200 miles on it. The original owner had put knobbies on it and didn't like the noise they made while riding on the street.

My G/SPD is a very special bike... it is actually an R100 set up to make TORQUE! I kept the R80 heads but dual-plugged them, added needle-bearing rocker arms, lightened wristpins, medium compression pistions, 40mm euro carbs, balanced & blueprinted the bottom end. It is smoooooth... and the ultimate weapon in the North Georgia Mountains, where I spend a lot of time wearing out the sides of my tires and touring the trails in the National Forests.

If you're ever in the area, send me an e-mail (ians@bellsouth.net) and I will be glad to show you roads you will never forget!

[Ian]

http://www.bmwmoa.org/art/membersprofiles/landis_mtcook.jpg

Lynn rides an R11S... and quite well indeed. You can read about her in the Members Profile section (http://www.bmwmoa.org/features/membersprofiles/landis.htm) of the BMW MOA site.

[Ian]

http://www.bmwmoa.org/art/membersprofiles/marco1.jpg

You can learn all about Marco, who is an incredibly talented photographer and GS rider, in the Members Profile section (http://www.bmwmoa.org/features/membersprofiles/memberprofiles_prozzo.htm) of the BMW MOA site.

If you'd like, you can check out some of the photographs he's taken for the BMW MOA:

Here (http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally2001/ride_antelope.htm)

here... (http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally2001/zen.htm)

and here. (http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally2001/backroads.htm)

[Ian]

http://www.bmwmoa.org/art/membersprofiles/Gifford_portrait.jpg

Johnathan is a Chain Gang kinda guy, and another person featured in the Members Profile section (http://www.bmwmoa.org/features/membersprofiles/gifford.htm) of the BMW MOA site.

[Ian]

http://www.bmwmoa.org/art/membersprofiles/suediaz2.jpg

Sue is a rider extraodinaire, and has a number of interesting BMWs. She may need one with a sidecar now, as her and her husband Jon have just brought a new little Diaz into the world.

You can learn more about Sue in the Members Profiles section (http://www.bmwmoa.org/features/membersprofiles/diaz.htm) of the BMW MOA web site.

[Ian]

http://www.bmwmoa.org/art/membersprofiles/jflood2.jpg

Jackie Flood is a special case. Nut case to those who know her. She just got a new F650GS, and took her first ride on a gravel Road.

You can read more about her exploits in the Members Profiles section (http://www.bmwmoa.org/features/membersprofiles/flood.htm) of the BMW MOA site.

[Ian]

http://www.bmwmoa.org/art/features/Mike_Traynor.jpg

Mike Traynor rides a Last Edition R100RS, when he's not on his beloved Honda ST1100 (and a new 1300 is waiting in the wings!)

Mike is one of the most fantastic riders you'd ever want to meet. 20 years ago, he and his wife Dianne dedicated their lives to helping find the cause and cure of brain tumors in kids. Through their Ride for Kids® (http://rideforkids.org) program they've raised many millions of dollars to further the efforts of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. (http://www.pbtfus.org).

Amazing guy, Mike... learn more about him in the Members Profiles section (http://www.bmwmoa.org/features/membersprofiles/memberprofiles_traynor.htm) of the BMW MOA site.

[Ian]

http://www.bmwmoa.org/art/membersprofiles/Vangura-web.jpg

Al is a long-time member of the BMW MOA and you can read more about him in the Members Profiles section (http://www.bmwmoa.org/features/membersprofiles/memberprofiles_vangura.htm) of the BMW MOA site.

[Ian]

http://www.bmwmoa.org/art/membersprofiles/membersprofiles_stark.jpg

Two very nice members who run a great motocycle campground in northeast Texas.

You can meet them in the

Members Profiles section (http://www.bmwmoa.org/features/membersprofiles/memberprofiles_stark.htm) of the BMW MOA site.

[Ian]

http://www.bmwmoa.org/art/membersprofiles/membersprofiles_jimcolburn.jpg

Jim is a talented rider and curmudgeon... read more about him in the Members Prfiles section (http://www.bmwmoa.org/features/membersprofiles/memberprofiles_colburn.htm) of the BMW MOA website.

[kbasa]

Well, since nobody else is gonna go, I will.

My name is Dave Swider and I have a BMW motorcycle problem. (rest of room - Hi Dave!) I've been in Marin By God County, California for about 4 years now, after living in Massachusetts for 20 years.

When I was about 18, my dad brought home a 1977 R75/7, which pretty much hooked me on BMWs. In about 1990, I hooked up with the Yankee Beemers (Hi guys!) and was honored to serve as president for three years. That experience got me hooked up with the BMWMOA and the BMWRA. I've worked in some capacity in a couple of national rallies with both organizations. I'm still more involved in the Yankee Beemers than one would suspect, given my location, and still miss hanging with those folks.

I'm currently riding a BMW R1100S that I truly love and a 1998 Honda VFR800, which is an outstanding motorcycle.

Tina and I have been married for nearly 19 years and spend a little less time crossing the country and a little more time exploring the west.

Always wear proper protection when performing motorcycle maintenance and never drink the mercury out of your carb stix
http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/124325/124325-Medium.jpg

[ricardo kuhn]

I go!!!!!!!!!!!

my name is Ricardo Kuhn,,my Ingles is not even close to perfect i'm from sur america specifically from colombia,,now i live in berkeley california.

I'm a industrial designer and this days I aplly my knowage to motorcycles,actually i have a little design company,(notice NO spam Here)and I gatter my years of education plus empical experince,to generate soluttions..no design and ergonomic problems.

for a hobby I design unbuildable things and just dreams..

here are some samples
this is "parodie" about the segway,,,the "NIKE" treat mill to go to the gym with out walking to go and walk on the treat mill that bring you to the shop...
Confuse,,,don't worry you are suppost to.
http://patineto.smugmug.com/photos/15891/15891-Medium.jpg

Here are some more others
http://patineto.smugmug.com/gallery/564/1/15891

this are drawings for a BIKE study,,Dream bike I quess,,,very pracmatic and totally buildable.

http://patineto.smugmug.com/photos/15886/15886-Medium.jpg

Here are some more drawings
http://patineto.smugmug.com/gallery/563/1/15886

when I live in colombia I divide my day in bettwen,,teaching at the university,,riding my bicycle(pro mountain bike racer) and managing my bicycle shop,that I made with my own hands

http://patineto.smugmug.com/photos/15911/15911-Medium.jpg

here I spend my days trying to the destroy my bikes the best ways i can(2002 49" rally photo thansk to mister fish)

http://patineto.smugmug.com/photos/33601/33601-Medium.jpg

[porterfish]

now that Ricky and Basa have gone i guess i will too.

my name is matt donnelly i am 31y/o and live in huntersville, north carolina(just a hair north of charlotte on beautiful lake norman). Moved to charlotte 2 years ago from golden, colorado on a whim. fun things can happen when you AND your wife both hate your jobs. I work as a paramedic in charlotte and am a full time student to boot, physicians assistant program in near future. I ride a 2001 1150gs, this is my first bmw but i have drooled over the gs since before my first bike, a 1984 vfr700. i turned 20000 miles on the gs today, far exceeding the milage put on all my previous bikes combined, and she just keeps getting better everyday. i have finally figured out how to post pics but all the ones i have are already up
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=16166
i am going to myrtle beach this weekend so i may have some new pics and story coming soon.

Matt

[Ron_B]

My name is Ron Barthelme. I'm an "instrument maker" (scientific machinist) and shop supervisor, employed at Northwestern University for the past 18 years. I just recently turned 50 and have owned about 16 bikes, (I think) starting with a 125 Yamaha twin purchased from a friend in 1968. I raced motocross for several years in the early-mid 70s, starting with a Bultaco 125 Sherpa "S". (wasn't very good but I sure had fun) Other bikes I've owned have included a CZ, a Maico, A Honda Elsinore and an old ratty Sportster when I was 19. My first Beemer was an R65 I bought in 1985, followed by a K1100LT.

I'm really still a novice at long distance riding, having been the typical "casual rider" most of my life. Maybe it's some kind of middle aged thing, I don't know, but starting about 4 years ago, I now find myself riding 25-30,000 miles a year and loving every mile. I've done the IBA SS1000, (a few undocumented ones too) and finished Team Strange's Great Lakes Challenge in 60 hours, including a Bun Burner 1500. I hope to do the Great Lakes again this summer to make it under 50 hours, and have tentative plans for a 50CC in October. (with a BBgold if I can make it to El Paso in 24) I guess it just seems like the thing to do to celebrate the big 5-Oh.

I'd tell you all the things I love about riding, but I suspect that I'd just be preaching to the choir. One thing I will note, is the countless friendships I've found in the last few years. This also includes myriad encounters with other riders I'll probably never see again. The Canadian guy on the ST1100 at a rest stop near Daytona, that old "rat biker" on an overladen Harley (w/300,000 miles on the odometer) south of Cheyenne, and many, many others. I'll be damned if I remember their names, but I can see their faces (and scoots) as clear as day, and remember everything we talked about.

I fell in love with bikes when my oldest brother came home with a Honda "Benly", about 1963. I intend to keep riding 'till I can no longer hold a bike up. Then, I'll slap a sidehack on it and go ride.

Hope to see you all on the road.

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/3fa7464b_b4d4/bc/Misc/__hr_/ron.jpg?BCY_kx_AOGUv1CmG

[fish]

hi ronb! :wave

[Beemn]

My turn!!! ;)
I'm Rich Wakefield....I have been riding about 30 years and I am on my 6th bike and my 4th BMW. I got my start in riding in the dirt with friends. Then I purchased my first street bike, a 71 Kaw 500 that I dragged raced in stock class...then I went to a Yamaha 650, and my first beemer was a '76 R75/6 and a R90/6. I currently have an 97 R850R (for sale) and my new love; a 2003 Silver R1200CLC. I love riding and will accept any reason to get on and go...I live in a very senic area of Ohio and so I get a lot of fun riding as well as city/highway in my work communting; I don't care what roads I'm on as long as I'm on my bike. I am married (24 yrs) and have 4, yeah count them....4 children, 6 horses, 8 cats, 1 Jack Russell and what ever else happens to pass by on our small farm. I support all of this as a Training Manager for SBC Telephone Company and as a MSF instructor...er, Rider Coach which I love doing as it provides me great personal satisfaction seeing people develop their skills and hopefully I can help reinforce the responsibilty of each rider to ride safely.
Oh, by the way May 4th is the BIG 50!!:clap ...so feel free to wish me a HAPPY ONE!!!
Check out my bike at...http://groups.msn.com/RichWakefield and click on Pictures on the left side.:bliss

[Ian]

:wave

Hey... celebrate the big 5-oh! with a ride down to the Georgia Mountain Rally.

Ian

[Ron_B]

Originally posted by Beemn
Oh, by the way May 4th is the BIG 50!!:clap ...so feel free to wish me a HAPPY ONE!!!

Gotcha beat by eggs-zackly 1 month (4/4)

Dang kids........;)

I was going to suggest that you take the day off and go for a long ride, but I see that it's a Sunday, and I betcha gonna be riding anyway. Have a happy one, Rich!

:cool:


Hey fishy, hi back! :brow

[BobbyK12]

Hi All,

My name is Bob Lilley. I'm in Easton, PA. and just bought my first BMW, a K1200LT-E. I love it.

I'm 40, married with two great kids.

I've been riding motorcycles since I was 8. I've raced motocross enduro, hare scrambles, flat-track and road over the years. I now enjoy long, long road tours. Did the IronButt SaddleSore ride in October 2001. Trying to schedule a BunBurner and BunBurner Gold this summer. Rode mostly sport bikes and sport touring bikes since age 16. Also had a Suzuki Cavalcade for the past 17 years. I liked to think of the Cavalcade as the infamous Suzuki Water Buffalo's in-bred, half cousin! The bike handled terribly, but, was extremely smooth on the interstates.....thousand mile days were no problem.

Getting my oldest daughter a Yamaha TT90 next week. It's time for her to know the feeling only a powered two-wheeler can deliver!

Regards,
Bob Lilley

[MrsKbasa]

Getting my oldest daughter a Yamaha TT90 next week. :clap

Jeesh, I wish I had a Dad like you. My brother got the Harley 90 to ride. I just got to borrow my other brother's horse.

You tell your daughter I said "You Go Girl"!

[brodon]

Finally broke the Honda habit. I found this 1200 LTI in the St. Louis Post Dispatch this Spring after looking all winter. Not many LT's on the market.

Reading about all the events and rides that everyone is taking, makes me a tad jealous. I've barely had time to get out for a Sunday afternoon ride, much less experience the adventures of these riders.

. . . . . . . maybe this year?


Don

http://brodon.mystarband.net/index.htm

[iirich4u]

Hello all,

Just a few lines to introduce myself. My name is Eddie Rich. Emerald Isle, NC is where I call home, 600 feet off the beach! The better half and me decided to come to the coast while we had the health. Living here is like be on vacation year 'round!

I commute to work back to Raleigh some 165 miles every week. I only work three days and then come home. I bought my KRS last June and have already put over 11,000 miles of smiles on it. Its my first BMW, but not the last. Might try the R/RT next.

Anyway, glad to have this forum. Should provide lots of info for everyone. Been a member of BMWMOA of five years due to the excellent magazine.

The only advice I can give at this time is if you have not taken the Experience Riders Course by MSF, you are missing some valuable lessons. If you have, then you know how fun it is. I try to take it every year. I always learn something new to make riding more fun and safe.

Ride Safe,

Eddie

[iirich4u]

Trying to post picture of K100RS.:dunno

[iirich4u]

Last picture.

Ride Safe,

Eddie

[bmwgs94]

Well I will try this.
My name is Kevin Frantz and I am from Warsaw, In. I am divorced for 15 years but I have been married to my bike or bikes for 26. :) I work for a hospital doing electrical and maintenance work for about 4 years.

I just bought my first Bmw ever. It is a R100GS and it is sweet:clap .. Never thought I would ever like a bike as I do this one. My father has owned quite a few himself. I wished he could come to this rally with me , but he can not make it to this one.

I have not been to a rally in a long time. The last one I attended was the one in Escanaba,Michigan. I don't really know anyone in the club but I hope to have a lot of new friends by the end of the rally. I will enclose a picture of me and my bike. If any one has a chance to read this and happens to see me please say hi. Hope to see you at the rally....:brow

[dkandersen]

Hi I'm Dave Andersen

I live in Tacoma, Washington. I Started riding in College (1990) on an old bike of my dad's. I started because I couldn't afford a car and the bike was in the garage. It was a 1981 Suzuki 400 single cylinder road bike. A forgettable and regrettable ride except that I got hooked and didn't even know it. I got a car when I graduated, but never forgave myself for getting rid of the bike.

Five years ago I started driving by bike stores that weren't on the way home. A little while later, I bought a K100RS and have been riding it ever since. It's got a little under 50K and runs like a champ. For mods, it's got a throttlemeister, a parabellum tall windshield and high rise bars. I'd really like to get some fog lights for it. If anyone knows of some decent yet not too expensive fog lights, post on gear thread. Sorry, no pics. It looks like iiricy4u's bike (above) but not as clean.

I commute to Olympia and back every day (25 miles or so unless I take the long way) My work takes me to eastern Washington on a semi-regular basis, so I enjoy taking my bike over when I can trust that the passes won't snow in. The longest trip so far was a trip to Calgary.

My favorite roads are State Route 112 from Port Angeles to Neah Bay and State Route 410 over Chinook Pass. I would also love to go back to the midwest and ride some of the roads I remember from there. Especially from Prairie du Chien, WI to Madison and from Hannibal, MO to St. Louis.:cool:

[MarkF]

I'm a 40 y/o married father of two boys. I've been riding since I was 20 with some brief time off. I was also a motorcycle police officer about 10 years ago.

I live in Connecticut and when home I like to ride east of the river in those cute little Yankee towns and countryside. I also regularly take a 15+ mi ride to and from work through some back roads.

I love to travel and camp off my bike, usually with a BMW rally as a destination. My favorites are the BRP, Vermont, the Adirondacks and eastern Ontario.

See my website (http://home.cshore.com/markf/pagetwo.htm)

My other hobbies are HAM radio and NY Mets baseball.

MarkF

[goab]

Hello,

My name is David 42 single.I have been riding since 95'.I rode 3 different Harleys before finding BMW.I took a few nice 2 wk solo tours on the Harleys..New Orleans,Sturgis,Western Canada.Just enough to whet my appetite.In Nov 2000,after a few "life event changes" and finding on the web that true"globetrotters" rode a R1150 GS I sold the HD left MInneapolis and headed south on my new ride,"The Silver Beast".
The GS is"The Bike".
22,000+ miles and 10 months.I hit most of Mexico in 4 months.Circled the SW US and headed up the west coast.Western Canada via the inside passage and Stewart Ak.I think I hit almost every Natl Park.After 9/11 my heart wasn't in it and I cut the trip short after circlng the great plains.Man,I never felt so alive as during that trip.I am in SE Iowa now and new to the area.
I am always looking for riding buddies!!!
I kept a journal and took 1,000 pictures.I have some on my web page but I need to edit and upload the rest.
See you at the Iowa Rally June 12-15 in Kalona
goab(guy on a beemer)

[kbasa]

I'm looking forward to seeing some of your pictures, Goab. It sounds like you're digging the GS.

[eric2]

Hi, I'm Eric and I live in Austin, Tx, 44 and single.
My father also got me hooked on BMWs. He was the east USA
sales rep for butler and smith while they were
the BMW importer in the late 50's early '60s.
He also took me to my first daytona in 1974
where I saw Ago win on the TZ 700 and Reg Pridmore
on a BMW 750 (talk about a mismatch)

With the exception of a few lean years in the early '80s
I've only owned BMW bikes ever since; starting with a R75/5,
then an r65LS that I bought while I was in the army
and kept for 12 years .

In '97 I found the dark side when I bought a
FYKRS. I had trouble staying upright on it (no fault of the bike)
though so I decided to get something more expensive,
faster, and heavy than the FYK leading to my main
ride below;) I also have acquired yet another K10rs
that I'm doing some slight tweaking on........

I've made alot of friends through the IBMWR list
and the rallies I've made it to. I hope to
meet some more at the WV rally next month.

[HarveyMushman]

Hey, folks. My name is not in fact Harvey Mushman, it's Tim White. I'm 29, married to the lovely and gracious Lady Pamela, and the father of 3 fur-kids. Two-legged kids are probably not too far down the road. Pam and I are both graduates of the University of Georgia. She is a teacher and I am employed as a writer (technical and otherwise) by a federal contractor in Virginia.

I started riding in Feb. '01, on a '00 Kawasaki ZR-7. It was (and is--it's for sale!) a great bike and I put nearly 30K miles on it in two years. But I wanted something more broadly capable, something to take me wherever I wanted to go with ease. So I bought a '02 R1150GS this past Feb. and I'm very happy I did. In 12K miles I've found it to be a fun and capable commuter, backroad explorer, trackday weapon, and two-up wanderer.

Assuming there is no snow or ice, I ride to work every day and spend most of my free time searching for new roads (paved and non) in the Virginia and West Virginia hills.

Hello.
http://harveymushman.smugmug.com/photos/150623-M.jpg

Be careful out there, Pam says.
http://harveymushman.smugmug.com/photos/223682-M.jpg

[fish]

Hi Harvey! :wave

[HarveyMushman]

Originally posted by fish
Hi Harvey! :wave

Hi fish! :wave

[dizave]

Hi. I am one of the many Daves here. Actually I'm the best one of them. Kbasa and Fish are posers. I've been riding for almost 4 years on my first and only bike: an '00 R1150GS. Since I don't commute (except to cafes), most of the miles on my ODO actually represent fun.

I hardly rode the bike for the first couple of years. Then, right after 9/11, I decided to ride it (most of the way) across the country. Boy was I unprepared :) But after that I was hooked.

In the last year or so I've gotten into endurance rallies. Now my friends all think I'm crazy. I've started to explore the offroad capabilities of the GS, and have also been discovering its on-road abilities are more than I had previously thought.

But my favorite rides are to the Dunkin Donuts 1/4 mile down the street, to get coffee.

http://ferrance.com/albums/bike_equipment/cupholder2.sized.jpg

[MrsKbasa]

Hi Dave :wave

No fair posting pictures of Dunkin' Donuts. They don't have them here.

[dizave]

Originally posted by MrsKbasa
Hi Dave :wave

No fair posting pictures of Dunkin' Donuts. They don't have them here.

Now I know what my next ride report is going to be... I can probably string together a route of 30 or 40 of them within 10 miles of here

:rofl

EDIT: Update, there are 100 of them within 9.2 miles and 16 within 1.5 miles.

1: 275 THAYER ST, PROVIDENCE RI, 02906 USA 0.66 miles
.
.
.
100: 708 GREENWICH AVE, WARWICK RI, 02886 USA 9.2 miles

[MrsKbasa]

Originally posted by dizave
Now I know what my next ride report is going to be... I can probably string together a route of 30 or 40 of them within 10 miles of here

:rofl

That will be a pretty short ride....















report

;)

[BMWRider]

:wave
Howdy, Fish, Harvey, Mr. & Mrs. Kbasa and others ...
Name's Dan Pennell, a native of Columbus, OH where I still reside (luckily only about 4 miles from a BMW dealer).
I began riding in the mid-70s while in college. I'm not the type to casually jump into something, so I threw myself into motorcycling, reading everything I could get my hands on, learning everything I could. I did a little traveling but didn't have much of a budget. I rode Japanese bikes for about 12 years, got married, bought my first house - you can see it coming, can't you? - and sold my trusty Kawasaki KZ750. It was now time to be "responsible" and "safe".
Of course, that turned out to be quite boring, so I jumped back into bikes in a big way (literally) in 1993 with the purchase of a new GL1500 Gold Wing. But I had always secretly yearned for a BMW since reading the late Roger Hull's Road Rider magazine in the 70s.
A few years later - you can see it coming, can't you? - I got divorced and suddenly the Wing lost its appeal to me. It was time for something more sporting, yet still capable of cross-country travel. A lightly-used '96 R1100RT was my first dive into BMW ownership and it was love at first sight, sound, and feel. The fit, finish, quality, ergonomics and aesthetics of the Boxer Twin seemed to speak to me in a way no other bike had ...
Fast forward a couple of years and - you can see it coming, can't you? - I got remarried. The RT left a little to be desired 2-up, so I opted for the then-new K1200LT. Fantastic luxury tourer! I put 22,500 miles on the bike in short order, figuring I'd have it forever.
However, my wife didn't take to riding quite the way I'd planned and I was once again getting a serious hankering for another Boxer Twin, the GS in particular. That funky styling, the do-anything, go-anywhere spirit of the bike began to work on my soul again and before long, the LT was history, replaced by a black R1150GS.
I have my complaints about BMWs, mainly the expensive and too-frequent maintenance chores, but I have a hard time picturing myself on any other machines from this point on. Beemers are a quirky mix of tradition (the boxer engine), high tech (the Telelever suspension) and deliciously bold and ballsy styling. Plus the fact, when purchasing a BMW, the owner becomes a part of a very unique group of men and women who appreciate and even revel in riding something different than anything else on the market ...

Me posing near a famous road sign recently while in Missouri:


http://bmwrider.smugmug.com/photos/279517-M.jpg

And my bike:

http://bmwrider.smugmug.com/photos/290084-M.jpg

[fish]

Originally posted by MrsKbasa
Hi Dave :wave

No fair posting pictures of Dunkin' Donuts. They don't have them here.

There's one in Sacto.

[daver80]

Hello! My name is Dave Plogman, from Auburn, NY (Finger Lakes Region) this is my '86 R80RT. Converted from a R80 standard, repainted, including white Krausers and tailbox. 97K miles. Originally from Cincinnati, then Wichita, Atlanta, Nashville to Upstate NY. I'm 39, married with a 2 1/2 year old boy and a 1 month old girl. Been to 5 nationals and a few local rallys. 18th year riding- no accidents!

Favorite rides include NY Rt 30 to the Vermont rally, Adirondacks, Ozarks and Natchez Trace Parkway. Most miles these days are commuting trips, with occasional loops around Skaneateles Lake.

We are lucky to have such a great sport. My car driving friends don't know what fun they're missing!

[BMWGypsy]

Originally posted by daver80
I'm 39, married with a 2 1/2 year old future rider boy and a 1 month old girl. Been to 5 nationals and a few local rallys. 18th year riding- no accidents!

What? No predictions on the daughter riding? :confused:

I hope you knocked on wood when you typed that 18 year stat. :D

[Hacksaw]

Originally posted by daver80
Hello! My name is Dave Plogman, from Auburn, NY (Finger Lakes Region) this is my '86 R80RT. Converted from a R80 standard, repainted, including white Krausers and tailbox. 97K miles. Originally from Cincinnati, then Wichita, Atlanta, Nashville to Upstate NY. I'm 39, married with a 2 1/2 year old (future rider) boy and a 1 month old (future rider) girl. Been to 5 nationals and a few local rallys. 18th year riding- no accidents!

Favorite rides include NY Rt 30 to the Vermont rally, Adirondacks, Ozarks and Natchez Trace Parkway. Most miles these days are commuting trips, with occasional loops around Skaneateles Lake.

We are lucky to have such a great sport. My car driving friends don't know what fun they're missing!
Good looking bike.:)

[kbasa]

Hiya Hacksaw!

:wave

[Hacksaw]

Back at ya KBasa.:wave :1drink

[denny]

My name is Dennis Wyman, age 51, married to the wonderful Sharon. Two kids, full grown (?). Started riding in'72 once in a while. In '77 bought my own bike, Suzuki GS750. Kept it for about 6 years, till lovely bride wanted it gone. Turned to boating till '94 when urge to ride got big time (brother & step-father both had BMW's). Step-father made offer couldn't refuse; pay half the insuranace on the R80 and she's yours for the summer. Still have that bike. Before summer was done had made a great deal for it (thanks pops). Have a '91 K100RS which is my primary ride right now. Just starting to get into the longer rides and finding that I really enjoy it. Also get to ride my wife's Hondas. Haven't learned enough about computers yet for pictures, when I do I'll try to add some. Think this is really a great addition to the MOA site. Kudo's to the people who organized this. Forgot, live in Vassar, MI and work for Delphi as a skilled trades ldr. Maybe I'll try that picture thing.

[Brickhead]

Hey All,

I'm a new BMW owner and member. My name is Brodie Crawford, I'm 31 years old, and I live here in Brooklyn, NY with my lovely wife Marielle. I work in New York City as a Sales Consultant for an educational company, and Marielle is a botanist who works for the New York City Parks Department (apparently there are lots of parks around here). We don't have kids (yet).

I got my first taste of riding when I was about 18, on various mopeds and scooters, which friends of mine were stupid enough to loan out to me. I decided pretty quickly that I would someday own a motorcycle, but it ended up taking a while. I went to college, where I had no money, followed by grad school (some people never learn) in Scotland, where I lived for 3 years. After returning home to the States, I still had my dream, and pretty soon was enrolled in an MSF course to get my license. My first bike was a Yamha XJ600S (Seca II), and since it was my only vehicle, I put about 250 miles per week on it commuting, plus a few great little road trips. Meanwhile one of my old friends from the scooter/moped days had moved up to a BMW R100RS, and he talked about reliable and fun they were, and how great the community of Beemer owners was...

By the time I sold my Yamaha a few years later, I had gotten married, and I already knew that I wanted a Beemer, a super-reliable bike that could go a long, long way without a ton maintenance. Besides, after a few years of cleaning chain lube off the back of my jacket, I knew that shaft drive was King, and I wanted to get something that would be comfortable on the highway. My wife's only experience riding pillion had been on the 600cc Yamaha, and I needed to convince her that motorcycling did not have to be a painful ordeal, or I was going to have to be taking trips alone. So, a few months ago, while shopping for a used Beemer, I fell in love with a beautiful '85 K100RS, and a couple of weeks after that, I was riding it home, marveling at how incredible it was to be on a real road bike.

I have a few other interests, like running, WWII History, and a couple of beers in my neighborhood, but nothing will ever consume me like motorcycles. Part of why I enjoy talking with other bikers is that we all understand the incredible feeling of getting on a bike, firing it up, and letting the everyday stuff drop away as we live in the moment, at least for as long as the ride. I feel like if I had not followed through on my interest in riding, I'd be missing out on a more complete life.

Anyways, since I'm new to the club, I don't know anyone, but hope to meet some of you in upcoming rallies and such. I'm contemplating a certain career move that, if it goes through, would leave me with summers off for the duration of my career, so I'm counting on becoming quite a touring rider. I just bought my K bike a few weeks ago, so I don't have a picture of myself with it, but attached is a pic of the bike...

All the best,
Brodie
:)

[HarveyMushman]

Welcome, Brodie.

I provide you this at no cost to you . . . :brow ;)

p.s. -- When you're scanning a print you can crop the image before it is saved to your pc, thus eliminating the white space around the edges.

[Brickhead]

Thanks Harvey! :idea

[Visian]

Originally posted by Brickhead
Thanks Harvey! :idea

So Brodie the Brickhead... :p

Practice your newly-acquired scanning skills. How about a nice pic of you and your better half with the bike?

Ian

[Brickhead]

Hey Ian,

I certainly will, as soon as I have one...

All the best,
Brodie

[MarkF]

Originally posted by Eric Blume
My real desire at that time was a R65LS, which was way outside of my budget range.

I resurected nice motorcycle from a basket-case Moto Guzzi

Nice write-up. I, too, lusted after the R65LS. Went through a couple Suzukis then bought a left over Moto Guzzi. Not an LS but close enough. I sold that and bought a basketcase R75. But when I got it back together I sold it and stuck with the KLR600 I was riding in the meantime. Maybe someday I will get that LS afterall. Let's here it for retirement! 15 years, 3 months and counting.

MarkF

[awh1950]

Hell-o All,
My name is Alan Howard and I live in a little town in the SW corner of Colorado with my beautiful wife (she might read this) and the youngest of my 4 sons.

I love motorcycles (in a fraternal kind of way). My first experience on a bike was when I was around 14 years old - and a neighbor let me try out his Honda 305 (I think) in our yard. 1st gear - started ok- 2nd gear never let off the throttle - took off like a shot - missed several trees - drove full speed into the side of the brick house next door. I was hooked.

Later I bought a used Bonneville custom while in college and learned how to shift gears. Much Better. Somebodys grandmother pulled out in front of me at an intersection and I T-boned her (actually her car). Her insurance company bought me a new Bonneville and I strapped a cheap back pack to the sissy bar (ever seen a sissy bar on a beemer?) and drove north from Virginia and took a left at Montreal. Ended up in Rock Springs, WY. Now I'm really hooked!

Anyway, after an an old R75/5, Suzuki 850 GS, Yammie 175 Enduro and growing four kids I bought a new 99 Duc ST-4. Yee Ha! Which I have only crashed once! I'm kinda old for that face in the speedometer riding position and I needed a set of heated grips with a shaft drive, so I joined BMW MOA and got a R1150GS to triple the roads I can drive on in this country. Iv'e had it two months and I've only crashed once!

I've been skulking (lurking?) around the forum and thought I ought to pay my dues.

This is my GS in the Slick Rock country in Western Colorado.

(I hope that old guy don't crash my bike!)

[Dale]

Hello

My name is Dale Watts, I live in Shreveport, LA new to area orginally from Fort Worth, TX and new to BMWs. I started riding Dirt bikes in the early 80s. Got hooked to off rode riding but just was never interested in riding on the road. I then moved to England for a few years and gave up riding all tegether. Returned to TX in mid 90s and developed an interest in a street bike. My brother has been riding since he was 15 y/o, I got the bug late in life. Bought a new 1200 Bandit, great bike for comuting and around town. I started comuting to work every day on the bike from Fort Worth to Dallas, 55 miles one way, and the occacational weekend ride. My brother kept telling me stories of trips to Mexico, Colorado, and New Mexico, which got me to dreaming about a GS, He rides GS/PD. Then I crashed on I-30 doing about 65 and sled in rush hour traffic on my face about 100 ft, Thank God for full face Helmets. After this I just couldn't face riding for about 3 years. I finially sold the Bandit a few months ago, bought a beautful 92 R100GS, joined the MOA, went Charleston, and now ride every chance I get. I have Mexico in sights in about 2 years. I will be hitting the back roads and fire roads in New Mexico next spring, and my first long rode trip is going to be Spokan. Hope to see all of you there.

[lorazepam]

Hello,

My name is Gale Smith. I live just east of Cincinnati, in generally the same area I have lived most of my life. I am new to BMW's, since May, but have been motorcycling for 30 years. I am a field service technician for a dry ice equipment company, and my job requires global travel. I find motorcycling a great way to relieve stress, and to forget about the day or the work trip from hell. I will ride most of the year, snow on the roads being the only limiting factor. I am single and the property of two cats, Ridalin and Dudley. I have begun camping again since I got my R850R, Uncle Sam pretty much made me not want to camp much after I got out of the service. If anyone is ever in this part of the country, and needs a place to crash, let me know, if I am home you are welcome. here is the bike.

[SCDorman]

Hello all - My name is Steve. I live in Cedar Rapids, IA, and have been riding BMWs for a year. Before that, I hadn't ridden since college (20 years). I am married with 5 kids (2 of hers, 3 of mine, ages 7 to 17...no more coming), a golden retriever and a cat. I work for GE in Risk Management. Hobbies (besides riding) including being a music fanatic (just about anything but what they play on Top 40 radio now), and going to whichever kid's athletic event is tonight. The wife and 4 of the 5 kids like to go 2-up as far as I'll take them. My 13-year-old son is already asking if he can ride the R65 when he's old enough. Here's a picture of the daily ride. I had to fiddle with the size to get it small enough, so hopefully it will post OK. Take care.

[Cliffy777]

Cliff Yankovich here.
45 years old. Married twice but produced no offspring. Starting riding when I was 18. Crossed the country a couple three times in my youth. Rode Honda 750's because they didn't need to be maintained. A mechanic I am not. Also had a real fun Kaw 250 enduro that I rode to work and on the trails.
Rode for 10 years and then quit for 14.
In 2001 I got a 1984 Honda 450 that was languishing in a barn up and running. The ease in which that was done is a testament to Honda. I put in new oil, plugs, emptied gas tank and put some Magic oil down the spark plug holes. It fired up and ran. Waaaay too small a bike for 6'3" - 225 lb me, but it got the bike lust flowing.
Spent two months or so looking at bikes. Bought a '01 R1100RL cuz I loved the retro look, the way the bike sat and the deal they offered me because it was a"program" bike with 800 miles on it. Put 12k on it and traded it in July 8th of this year for an '04 Rockster of the bronze variety. (Who could turn down .09% financing??)
Love the Rockster even more than the 1100RL. I ride in to the store 6 days a week and for fun on Sundays. I co-own a jewelry store/art gallery in Lowell, Michigan. Small town outside of Grand Rapids.
Outside the daily commute, I have taken the Rocksta on a 600 mile two day spin along the "West Coast" of Michigan where there are some great roads with great views of a Great Lake!
Also do some freelance writing (2 articles in the ON to date) and am almost as passionate about music as motorcycles.
Love my bike and enjoy this forum and the ON.

[SCDorman]

Here's a pic of the other bike. Gets ridden a couple of times a week.

[The_Veg]

Hey all,
Ben "The Veg" Lower here. The Veg is an old nickname I picked up in the Army and all my long-time friends call me that; maybe you will too someday.
I'm 35 and live in Dallas, TexSux. No wife or kids or pets but I do have a couple of plants in my modest apartment. I don't really claim any type of career since I've never done the same type of work twice (I generally stick with scientific/technical stuff though). Many non-moto interests, but main ones I guess are cooking and foreign/independent films and reading. That and of course trying to find the elusive cute yet brainy sweetie who'll want to ride to the ends of the Earth with me! :D
I came late to riding. Had a few expereinces on a friend's Honda QA50 (I think that's what it was) when I was 13. I was already way too big for it but who cares, I had a blast anyway! Rented a couple of mopeds while on vacations during the teen years, but that was about it- my mom tried very hard to keep me away from motorcycles! I wanted a Harley during college but got tired of that whole world quickly and mostly forgot about motorcycles for a while, but did make a mental note before doing so that a BMW would be the ultimate "anti-Harley."
Back in early 2001 I innocently asked a friend if he was still riding his old bike. He said no, it had sat for a while and he wanted to give it to one of those charities that take old vehicles. I volunteered to take it off his hands instead, which he thought was a better idea since I'm quite mechanically inclined. The bike was a 1985 K100RT. I spent several months doing a top-to-bottom refurb, including stripping it to the frame which was then powdercoated. I replaced pretty much every little bit of rubber, scrubbed all the castings until they couldn't look any better, and painstakingly reassembled my new pride and joy. In the meantime I also took the MSF course. When enough of the bike was together to start it and ride around the parking lot I did so, carefully practising what I learned at MSF- very carefully, since I was going from a 200-lb 125 to a 600+lb 1000. But The Brick was very forgiving and very rewarding. I should also point out that it was only after reassembly that I started its engine for the first time. See the project at : http://y42.photos.yahoo.com/flyinghy4u
I then spent the next two years riding to my heart's content and getting thoroughly hooked! I went to one small rally, rode 800-mile days between Dallas and Denver, daily commutes, grocery runs (*LOVE* parking on the sidewalk next to the door!), etc. Even got to ride around a NASCAR track once!
My riding has fallen on tough times lately though. Back in December '02 I had a lowside accident, thankfully at low speed and I was not injured beyond a big ugly bruise where my leg hooked the saddle. The bike's fairing was destroyed though, and to make a long story short I decided to repair it as a nekkid bike, but not as the OEM standard design. Shortly before the accident the bike was also diagnosed as needing a very expen$ive throttle-body replacement. So it has sat, ridden every week or so to keep the battery charged, since December. To make matters worse I lost my job in early August, and shortly after discovered that the bike is beginning to have the starter-clutch problem that early K's were plagued with. And I no longer have a workspace in which I can do serious disassemblies and repairs.
But I'm not down for good. Just a matter of time before I work again (had some encouraging news this week- wish me luck!), and I've got my eye on my next bike already! I think I may be better off cutting my losses with the K, and a few weeks ago I got to test-ride a 1994 R100R and I fell in love with it. So the tentative plan for now is to get me one once the paychecks are flowing again, and of course to ride it until I just can't ride no more! :bliss

"Nothing can stop you now!" -Rush, lyric from Ghost Rider

[Cliffy777]

Hey Veg,
enjoyed your slideshow on the bike fix up. Sorry to learn of your misfortunes of late, but thumbs up for your positive attitude in the face of doo-doo! hang in there - hope you are employed and the proud owner of the r100r you have your heart set on.

[The_Veg]

Thanks Cliff, on both counts! Only a matter of time and determination...!

[helliott]

I'm new to this forum and to BMW, but not to life -- I recently celebrated the 29th anniversary of my 39th birthday.

Got my first Motorcycle while stationed at Danang, RVN in 1970. It was a small Honda (I don't rmember the model) that a friend who flew to Okinawa regularly, brought me so I could get back and forth to China Beach. I flew at night, almost exclusively, and liked to spend the days on the beach. I enjoyed riding it so much that I bought another, little bigger, Honda when I returned. I then bought another, even bigger, Honda. I rode for about 15 years, total, and then, for some insane reason, quit.

Almost two years ago, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. That reminded me that I'm not here forever, so I decided to do the things I enjoy for the rest of the time I have and not worry about the risk factors.

I told my wife I was going to start riding motrocycles and getting recertified for SCUBA as soon as I recovered from the surgery. Bless her heart, she just smiled and said, "I think that's great." (I'm not totally sure she believed me.)

My son sold me his Harley FLHS at a "Daddy price" and I was off and running. I've put about 20,000 miles on it, but decided to retire it from any long distance riding so I started casually looking at other possibilities.

Stopped by BMW of Orlando because they're the local Schuberth dealer and I wanted to check out the Concept helmets. One thing led to another and, a week later, I had the new helmet and a new R1200CLC. I love it!

I still ride the Harley around town some, but the CLC is my travelin' bike.

That's probably more than you really wanted to know.

:bliss

[kbasa]

Congrats on your recovery, Hall!

[MarkF]

Originally posted by helliott

I still ride the Harley around town some, but the CLC is my travelin' bike.

That's probably more than you really wanted to know.

:bliss

Not enough!

Lets hear more about your CLC. How do you like it?

MarkF

P.S. Welcome aboard

[helliott]

The CLC is my favorite bike since my cousin's Indian that I used to get rides on at the tender qage of 10-12 -- almost 60 years ago.

For cruising, I don't think you can beat it. The only problem I've had is tire pressure. I have to check it daily and almost always need to add a couple of pounds. I've had NO surging, NO leaning to the right, nor any of the other compalints I've heard about the model on this forum and the BMWMOA forum. It may be that mine is a late 03 model and BMW have fixed the problems, but whatever the answer is, I couldn't be more pleased.

My first trip of any real distance will be to DC in early November. I'll post a short report of the bike's performance after that. I did the same trip on Memorial day weekend for the Rolling Thunder Ride to the Wall on my Harley. That's what prompted me to start looking for a more comfortable bike. My 68-year-old- bones deserve a little pampering.

Just got back from a little 130 mile jaunt over to Cocoa Beach, down AIA to Melbourne and back to Kissimmee. Hi yo, Silver!!

Hall

[The_Veg]

I've been asked for an update to my tale so here goes.

For those who didn't get a chance to look at my photo page, you may have to wait- Yahoo has just changed it around- scared me for a sec, thought they'd dumped all my stuff! Anyway, it is no longer publicly viewable, so I'll have to get in there and see if I can't fix it. At least I still have the original files.
Nothing else has changed since my original post in this thread, except that a user of another forum I participate in (www.boxerworks.com -*EXCELLENT* Airhead forum!) is interested in buying The Brick from me as he has the space and inclination to do something with it. Only trouble is the bike doesn't run, I can't deliver it, the cost of shipping is prohibitive against the bike's worth, and he lives 1000 miles away. But he thinks he can give it new life if we can work the logistics out. That will give me a down payment for the R100R I want, then all I'll need is a job (still hunting high and low) to pay for the rest. Although I am sorely tempted to commit some severe credit-card abuse and just go buy a bike right now! :lol
Doesn't look like such a bad idea after last night, when a friend related the story of another friend of hers who is 18 and dying of a previously unknown type of brain cancer. This has convinced her that the best philosophy is "have fun and get out there and do sh!t."
So keep pulling for me; sooner or later I'll be back and better than ever!!!!

[R75_7]

My name is Michael,I'm 33. I live in the Los Angeles area. This is my first post as I'm a new member. I just purchased my first BMW. I own a 1977 R75/7. It's black with what looks to be gold pinstripes. The paint is very faded and the stripes are nearly gone. While doing research on the motorcycle, before making the purchase, Iread two books:BMW Twins "The Complete Story" and BMW Motorcycle "The Buyers Guide". I've also looked through several other books at the store and none of these publications really go into depth about the R75/7. They treat it more as a segway from the /6 into the R80. Are there no real differences. Also I wanted to freshen up this great bike and wondered if anyone lived in L.A. or knew of a paint/mechanic for beemers in my area? Possibly even an MOA member! I don't know much about my bike or beemers in general,other than what I've read. I've just started to polish all the metal parts with some Brite Boy. It works well but the owners previously had spilled some battery acid onto the right hand exhaust pipe. Should/can I rechrome the pipe? If I do one should I do both? While they're off should I repack them? Would it be chaeper to replace with new ones if they're still available? Uh oh. The worms got out the can. I've got a lot of questions because I love old stuff and love to bring back to it's original glory. If I repaint should I just do the tank, fenders, and side covers or should I strip the bike down and start from the ground up? I live in a Condo so I cannot do the work myself. While the bike is being painted is there anything I should do while it's a part or semi a part? Is there a local club that I can visit one of the gatherings to see what others have learned from their trials and errors? Maybe there is some new technology that can be applied such as; flowing or any other new engineering solutions to old problems. Also I prefer to keep things more original than not will any upgrades such as different bars or new techs. destroy the value or strength of my bike. These bikes are supposed to be bullet proof so I would not want to do anything to weaken it. I've read almost every thread and reply in the las month and I'm honoredto be a part of such a diverse group of people who come together in the love of their BMW motorcycles and are proactive in the rights of all to enjoy the open road experience equally. Thank you again.

[kbasa]

Hey, Michael! :wave

You should post those questions over in the airheads tech forum.

When Tina and I were dating in the late 70s, we toured on a bike like yours. It was blue and was beautiful. It's kind of unusual as they only made them for about 6 months or so.

Welcome to BMWs!

[The_Veg]

Michael, welcome aboard! I think you're going to have some great adventures with that bike!

I know how you feel about not having workspace. Have you looked into renting a storage unit, or do you know somebody who might let you borrow or rent space in their garage/toolshed/workshop/whatever? With any of these options of course you'll want to have your work planned ahead as carefully as you can.

I can also give you some resources:
Dealer:
Irv Seaver Motorcycles
607 West Katella Ave.
Orange, Ca 92867
714.532.3700
www.irvseaverbmw.com
I visited Seaver while in the area on business once and I was quite impressed, and was told that if my local dealer couldn't get me something then give them a call. They seem pretty committed to great service and they do support older bikes (check out the 'museum' in the showroom!).

Forums:
www.boxerworks.com
www.airheads.org
www.motobins.co.uk
Boxerworks is an aftermarket Airhead-specialist shop in Athens, GA and the forum on their site is really excellent- lots of very knowledgeable users (including a former dealer form the '70s) and almost no moderation, lots of humour.
I've heard Airheads is a great site too but I have yet to check it out.
Motobins is a parts supplier in England (see their ad on p. 97 of the October issue of BMWON), and I've heard they have a great forum as well. They also have been known to beat US suppliers on both price and shipping time!

Misc:
www.ibmwr.com
This is a great site on which you'll find lots of useful information including tech articles and probably the best online BMW classified ads. They also have an email discussion-list but I understand that the daily volume is high enough to be for diehards only.
There's more out there too if you just go looking for it. Have much much fun and keep us posted on the project!

[lorazepam]

check out re-pcycle parts, they specialize in older BMW bikes and the owner is a straight shooter about condition and fair with pricing. Welcom to the BMW community:wave

[R75_7]

Thanks for the killer web sites and all your encouragement. I'm still looking for a mechanic a little clser to the westside so I can keep the bike closer to home. I'm also very surprised that a big city like L.A. doesn't have it's own charter. I'm thinking about visiting one of the South Coast events those guys seem pretty chilled.

Thanks again,
Michael
Black 1977 R75/7

[Wes]

Enjoyed reading everyone's posts.

I'm Wes Peterson. I currently live in Silver Spring, Maryland with my girlfriend, April. I'm a (happily) unemployed lawyer currently teaching part-time at George Mason University law school.

I ride a '98 R1100GS and a '77 R100S (my newest purchase). I've been riding since 1997 which I began while living and working in New York City as a way to escape on weekends. What began as solely weekend jaunts turned into camping trips, cross country rides and, finally, a six-month tour of Europe (Corsica is motorcycle heaven).

My girlfriend has tired of riding on the back and just recently purchased an old honda cb200 and is learning to navigate parking lots with skill. She hopes to master the small size and then pick up a F650GS in spring '04. Our aim is to ride on two bikes to next year's rally.

All the best.

[kbasa]

CB200? Those things are totally cool. :thumb

http://www.lne.com/lemay/essays/motorcycle/CB200.jpeg

[Wes]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by KBasa
CB200? Those things are totally cool. :thumb

Absolutely - though we are finding that obtaining parts is a bit of a struggle. She needs some new silencers.

[donkey doctor]

Hello My name is Larry Carter, 55 years old, have been up on two wheels for more then 40 years now. Let's see. . .

First motorcycle experience was a ride on an old Triumph TRX Army bike, rigid frame, 500 flat head.

First motorcycle was a 61 Cushman Road King, I bought it brand new from Woodwards Chinook in Calgary in '62 for $625

Then it was a Vespa GS, a Harley 45 Servicar, bought from the Calgary city police for $325, which I traded on a 61 Duo glide.

Then I moved to Banff and bought a pre-unit Triumph 500, then a Honda super 90, then a Dream 305. then an old AJS 500, then a 53 Ariel square four. then another Triunph 500.

Moved back to Calgary bought another Dream 305, sold that and moved to London, after a year I bought a new Triumph TR6.

Then a 33 Indian scout, a 53 Cheif, a Kawasaki Mach 3, a Comando, a commando "S", a CZ 250 trials bike, then a Montesa 247 trials bike, a Bultaco Sherpa T, another Commando, a fast back, a Ducati 750.

Then I bought a part interest in a motorcycle shop and had any am0ount of bikes from which to choose,

Then I moved to B.C. and bought yet another Commando, and 850 this time, then a Yamaha TY250, then a TY175. then 2 more Montesa's, and an old Machless Typhoon. then a Yamaha SR 500E, then a Yamaha Vision.

By then my kids were riding age so I got a bunch of mini and bigger dirt bikes. I had a BSA 441, a Moto Guzzi V7, two more Triumph's, 2 more Nortons, one of them was a High-rider. then a Ducati 450 Desmo, a Yamaha 550 Seca, another Norton 850.

Then finally a BMW a 77 R100/7, which I put 7000 miles on thes summer. I now realisw that I have forgotten at least 6 or 7 bikes along the way, Honda's kawasaki's and British.

I surently work as an off-road logging truck driver, and have been doing that for 2 years, before that I was a Heavy duty Mechanic for 27 years working in the forest industry here on Vancouver Island.

[R75_7]

welcome. wow. what a lot of nice bikes you've had. how many do you still have?

[donkey doctor]

Hello; I sold a Honda 650F4 last week, so I'm down to just 5 now.

[The_Veg]

Here's another update. The old K-Bike is for sale (find it at IBMWR.com), and despite still being out of work I've bought the Airhead I've been lusting for, and I have fellow members of this online community to thank for helping make it happen.
I'm now the proud owner of a 1995 R100R that was very well cared-for by its previous owner and in really great shape. It's black with white pinstripes just like in the old days and came with some nice extras including an S fairing. I flew to the east coast and picked up the bike on october 27th and spent the rest of thath day and most of the following two riding it back to Dallas, and it was a most enjoyable trip despite my brand-spankin'- new rainsuit self-destructing after 200 miles and all the saddle-soreness that comes with jumping on an unfamiliar bike and taking it on a tour.
I've been slow getting in local rides since bringing it home due to other priorities, but I've gotten a couple of miles in and I love it more with every mile. A big thanks goes out to KBasa for referring me to the seller and an even bigger thanks goes out to BMWGypsy for being willing to part with such a great bike!
That's about it for now. I'll see y'all out there on the Great American Road!

[R75_7]

Congradulations! Glad things are looking up. I don't know much about K-bikes but I love my R. Maybe I'll get a chance too ride with you in texas next summer.

[kbasa]

:clap

Congratulations!

[JULIE]

Hello, My name is Julie. I am a motorcycle enthusiast and here is my story............................................. .......................................... When I was twenty one I took off with youthful enthusiasm to Florida. Youth is a synonym for stupid. And stupid I did in abundance! After 6 months I found myself broke and living in a tent. With a tax return check and the help of a good hearted person I purchased a salvaged 440LTD Kawasaki. We were perfect for each other, that bike salvage my down trodden heart. I returned to the midwest with my tail between my legs but with defiance, on a MOTORCYCLE!.............................Through the years, when things are at their worst and life doesn't seem worth living, motorcycling has continued to give me enthusiasm for life. Some people say you shouldn't ride when angry or depressed. They feel a poor mental state makes you vunerable and incautious, but I have found that it focuses my attention away from self pity, and suddenly without warning, without my consent, my mental state has become zen-like. ...................................I later had carb problems with that Kaw and being mechanically inept (also financially broke) I sold it. It was the greatest regret of my life. It took me 8 years to be in the position to buy another one.......................................On my 29th b-day I picked up my Shadow 600. Pretty, but not a very good motorcycle. A year or so later I traded it in on a Virago 750..............................Now that Yamaha was a trooper! Not only did I cross the country several times over the next 7 years, but also took Jason Pridmores STAR School at Heartland Park in Topeka and MSF courses. Later, on the Virago, while at an open track day in Hallett Ok. I passed a person on a Ducati in a corner they call the bus-stop (called so because of the tight off camber angle)......................................That Nov. I bought a 250VTR Honda.What a FUN bike! Red line on the tach was 14000 rpm. It was such an eager puppy and leaped out of corners. It didn't do so well on windy days.......................... In the spring of 2001 I Puchased a 650NT Honda Hawk. I was really starting to have a good time! Also, In March of that year a club member offered up his "crack" bike (250 Yamaha) to anyone in the club who was interested in trying vintage moto-cross. (The club members called it the "crack" bike cause the first time was free) I was one of the last to enjoy this special offer for he sold this bike soon after. No one should curse him for this impudent decision cause the guy he sold it to beat him at every race after that. Ouch!............................................. My first moto-cross race was in the rain and MUD! I crashed NINE times. The by standers were kind enough to pick the thing up, kick start it, and set me back on the track. Near the end I pegged my leg pretty bad with the handle bars and sunk the bike in 2 ft of muck. Boy did I feel great! Mike sponsered me the rest of the year with a 100cc Yamaha and another member joined us to create "Farts and Tart" Race Team....................................Sept 2001 I got my road race license in Hallett on the Hawk. That morning I placed 1st in one mock race, 2nd in the other, and got such a big head that I went out and crashed in the afternoon. Its a good thing I landed on my head or I might have broken some bones. Recovery from the concusion kinda took my edge off for a while............................................. ............... At this point I realized I needed a motorcycle that I could comfortably tour cross country on and still thrill me in the corners........................................... .... In 2002 I bought an F650GS...........I want to take a moment to warn everyone.. ......DO NOT buy this bike with a lower kit!!!! To make this bike accesable to short people BMW put a lower kit on it and this makes the thing UNSTABLE!!! See the thead about BMW listening. ...........................................Within 3 months the dealer applied 100% of my money to an R1150R. With the seat carved out , 'works' shocks, and handle bar risers it becomes a surprizingly light and easy to manuver motorcycle.................... This past Aug. while at the vintage moto-cross races in Chehlias Washington ( where I had the privelege to see Jim Pomoroy finally recieve his World Cham. Trophy, WHICH HE EARNED 30 YRS AGO) I bought a 1971 SL70 Honda. An impulsive buy, for I'm new to the Northwest and I don't have any way to get it to the woods and I know no one to go with............................................I sold the VTR and the Virago before the move so I only have 3 bikes, I do miss those 2 machines....................... I'd like to keep the SL70 if I can connect with any dirt bags,, Uh ,,I mean dirt bike riders in this corner of the world. .......................And a special thanks to this web site for helping me to stay connected with others who have the same affliction. Motorcycle obsession. :D

[ride4you]

picture

[kbasa]

Originally posted by airbiz
picture

That's a teeny, tiny picture, mang.

dave

[HarveyMushman]

Originally posted by JULIE
Hello, My name is Julie. I am a motorcycle enthusiast and here is my story............................................. ..........................................

That's quite a story, Julie. :clap

I don't think anyone could accuse you of being afraid to try new things!

Welcome.

[MarkF]

Originally posted by The Veg
I'm now the proud owner of a 1995 R100R that was very well cared-for by its previous owner and in really great shape. It's black with white pinstripes just like in the old days and came with some nice extras including an S fairing.

You lucky guy. Just what I always wanted! How about some pics?

MarkF

[JULIE]

Originally posted by HarveyMushman
That's quite a story, Julie. :clap

I don't think anyone could accuse you of being afraid to try new things!

Welcome. 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.

[ride4you]

the teeny tiny picture was my feeble attempt to re size a picture to fit the forum criteria. spent 4 hours to get that picture in.i couldnt do it again though.its a picture of a jelly fish that my 8 year old daughter took if you were trying to figure out what it was!:dunno

[Rob Nye]

Originally posted by JULIE
I'm discovering the BMW crowd is a different caliper of riders.

Yes we are. Once we get a good grip on ya there is no turning back.

:evil

Best,

[The_Veg]

I hear ya Mark; I've been quite busy lately and weather is iffy this week but I'm gonna shoot some soon, as I've several forums asking for them...

[manicmechanic]

Welcome to the "Family." Now are you coming to the rally, or not? Just show up, expect to enjoy yourself, and BE YOURSELF! Despite the pseudonyms extant on this web, you'll find that, in my experience, everybody in this group is what they seem, and very few put on an act as to what they are. We are BMW riders and we are not trying to impress anybody with who we're not. We do know how to have a good time, but for the most part it's done responsibly. The Beer Tent is just a central meeting place, everybody can find it, and, like CHEERS, everybody knows your name, whether they've met you before or not. See you there!

[kbasa]

Originally posted by Blue Knight
Hi everyone!

Mike Pageau
:wave

Hi Mike :wave

[ian408]

Originally posted by airbiz
its a picture of a jelly fish that my 8 year old daughter took if you were trying to figure out what it was!:dunno

Here are a couple of jelly fish pix that your daughter might
enjoy.

These are the real thing:

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/896571-M.jpg

And here's a glass version:

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/896573-M.jpg

Both can be found at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Cheers,
Ian

[jgr451]

Hi Mike!!:clap

[Gizmo]

Hi,

I started riding dirt bikes in junior high school although my parents, rest their soul never new it. Bought my first street motorcycle a Kawasaki 200 in 1983 which my first wife was never thrilled with so to keep the peace I reluctantly sold it two years later. Fast forward to 1997 a renewed life and a wonderful new wife who after numerous times hearing me ogle over various motorcycles, said "why don't you just buy the damn thing". So I purchased a Kawasaki 750 Vulcan and took the MSF course and with my wife's interest in riding with me I moved up to Kawasaki Nomad on which we traveled from Indiana to Arizona and through Colorado. After a horrendous accident where we were rear ended at a traffic light, I purchased my first BMW a 99 K1200LT. I had longed for a BMW since high school and a dream came finally came true. We logged many wonderful miles together and I still more on the LT. Since and concurrently I have also owned a 00 R1100S, F650 Dakar, F650 CS and now a 04 R1100GS.

The GS has been on my radar screen since moving to Arizona and wanting to explore the numerous backroads and fire roads in Arizona as well as through out the west. With a daughter in college I have scaled back now to just the GS which so far has been a wonderful companion. If you can only have one motorcycle this machine is it, a sport touring bike that can travel off the beaten path, the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles.

[Cliffy777]

Okay, right after all the Californy guys the NEXT group of people I don't like are all the desert rats out there in Arizona. I would never want to live there - and ride all year long. No way.
(Don't get your muffler in an uproar, I'm just kidding!)

[The_Veg]

Here's a pic of the R I just bought.

[The_Veg]

OK let's try that again...

[The_Veg]

Don't paralever Airheads look really cool? :D

[BMWGypsy]

Originally posted by The Veg
Don't paralever Airheads look really cool? :D

:wave Hi my old bike! Glad you are being ridden! Oh, hi to you too, Veg! ;)

[MarkF]

Originally posted by The Veg
OK let's try that again...

you are a lucky man! that's the bike I shoulda bought. at least it would be paid off for now! much envy dude.

MarkF

[JULIE]

Originally posted by Gizmo Bought my first street motorcycle a Kawasaki 200 in 1983 which my first wife was never thrilled with so to keep the peace I reluctantly sold it two years later. Fast forward to 1997 a renewed life and a wonderful new wife who after numerous times hearing me ogle over various motorcycles, said "why don't you just buy the damn thing".

Dear Bruce, You should have gotten rid of your first wife instead of your bike. Glad you eventually found a good woman. As for your closing salutation 'regards, ride safe' , My motto is 'Drive fast, take chances, and talk back to the cops' Living by this code has worked for me surprizingly well.

[Gizmo]

Originally posted by JULIE
Dear Bruce, You should have gotten rid of your first wife instead of your bike. Glad you eventually found a good woman. As for your closing salutation 'regards, ride safe' , My motto is 'Drive fast, take chances, and talk back to the cops' Living by this code has worked for me surprizingly well.

Hi Julie,

Yeah when I got the bike or me line, I should have said bye! Oh well hindsight is 20/20, but have not wasted any time making up for lost time. I like your motto, but suspect it will work better for you than me with regards to the cops.

[Rob Nye]

Originally posted by BMWGypsy
:wave Hi my old bike! Glad you are being ridden! Oh, hi to you too, Veg! ;)

Gee Stace,

You didn't always seem so enamored with the bike.

I bet this brings back some memories...

http://rpb.smugmug.com/photos/1327012-M.jpg

Best,

[kbasa]

*snork*

[The_Veg]

Cool picture Rob! What's the story it tells?

Despite the fact that all but one of the ten or eleven vehicles I've owned have been used purchases, it feels weird seeing a shot from my new toy's past (but I like it- got any more?).

Took a nice pleasant afternoon ride today and the bike says HI too Stacey :D!

P.S. That oil leak was dispatched with a new O-ring and shim.

[kbasa]

That picture actually appeared in the Aerostich catalog about a year ago.

[Rob Nye]

Originally posted by The Veg
Cool picture Rob! What's the story it tells?

Despite the fact that all but one of the ten or eleven vehicles I've owned have been used purchases, it feels weird seeing a shot from my new toy's past (but I like it- got any more?).

Took a nice pleasant afternoon ride today and the bike says HI too Stacey :D!

P.S. That oil leak was dispatched with a new O-ring and shim.

I took that picture a few years ago on the Black Fly Tour. I was riding an oilhead and Stacey was on the airhead. The gentleman in the leathers rides an r100rs with the Maine plate of oldphrt. There was good airhead / oilhead ribbing going all weekend as we had a great time riding together. At this stop something had rattled loose on Stacey's bike.

It was all in good fun and a great Memorial Day weekend tour.

Best,

Rob Nye

[Rich]

Hello everyone,

My name is Richard Pelton, from Killdeer, ND, way up here in the northland, where it is cold as much as it is warm! First off, hats off to the folks behind these forums, I think I have been through most of them and can't get enough, just like riding. I own a 2004 R1150RT, my second BMW, the first being an R80RT, 1986 model. That bike made me a fan of BMW forever. I have had 16 bikes to date, pretty much every brand there is. I am married with 4 children, and feel like the luckiest guy on earth. I am a master electrician, my wife is a nurse, and the kids are healthy and well mannered, what more can a guy ask for. Even though we live in the sparsely populated area of the states, to me it is the only place to raise a family, and my biggest worry is wondering when it will be warm enough again to ride. I have only been to one national rally, that being in Rapid City, SD. I have been through the years of "the kids are too young to leave for any length of time" and I am ready for some serious stuff. I plan on hitting some rallies next summer, with the national being at the top of the list. I was fortunate this summer with my job going to a 4 x 10 schedule, so with the wife working and the kids busy with their things, I had lots of time to ride. So much in fact I just had to buy this new BMW. Life is good, enjoy it to the fullest. Rich

[kbasa]

Beeeeautifulllllll..

Dual Spork too.

[jgr451]

Hey Rich good to meet you.I grew up in Winnipeg.We were very aware of the misile silos just south of us.We used to cross to Minot and Grand Forks just for weekend fun.
I am looking at a NEW new bike too.I presume you checked out the K's before plumping for the R.What helped you make up your mind?
I am a R guy too,but the K 's do not appear to be slouches@ 130 hp!!

[Rich]

Thank you, Mr. Swider! I agree with you 100 %!!

Rally Rat, I see you have a fine ride now, with the R100RT, I have a friend with that same year bike, and it is very fine indeed. Yeah, I did give a good look at the K's, especially the K1200GT. But like you, I am a twin guy. I guess one word says why. Simplicity. And I just can't develop a love for the K sound. I'm bound to hear it from the K fans, but to me you just can't beat the sound of the BMW twin. And when it comes down to it, why does a guy need 130 HP? The 1150 will do anything you ask of it. Just my opinion, of course. Good luck with your decision. And lets get together and ride next summer. We just don't live that far apart. Especially in BMW miles. Again, good luck.

Rich

[Scott]

Hi there , my name is Scott . Started riding in 1966 on a 1952 Harley K 45 (they went to 55 cu.in. a year or two later) Been riding ever since , except for my time with our favorite uncle, Sam. Logged almost 30 years on a 1967 shovelhead . went through a couple of Evo FLH's a 1988 and a 1995. Got a 1988 K-75 in 1996 and soon sold the 95 FLH. Got a 1998 R1100gs and rode the crap out of it. Last year the GS got traded off for a R1150R . I still have the K75-S and ride it daily, it is my commuter now. Ride daily rain or shine . Have been a MOA menmber for 6 years now. Live in what was once a sleepy farm town of Tracy ,CA.. It is now a hideous, bloated bedroom comunity. I work as a machnist/technician for a national labratory in Livermore Ca. I usually travel solo but may attend the Spokane rally if I am in the area. I have friends in Sand point and Nampa Idaho. Hope to see some of you folks there. I am opiniated , cynical , crotchety and tend to be generally difficult. Hope that is ok with everyone. SCOTT

[Cliffy777]

Hey Scott - didn't you read the fine print. NO ONE who is opinionated is allowed on any of these forums. Right.
From your discription, you ought to fit right in with the rest of us. Gotta question for you: Since you live in California, are we snow folks gonna have to put up with you posting pictures of your January rides in blinding sunshine by the ocean???
(Just took my honey's Duc 750 Monster out for a little spin in the 42 degree warm front moving through Michigan!)

[Scott]

Hey Cliffy , no , I will not post winter ride pics .I don't know how to even if I wanted to . However I feel your winter pain as I was born and raised in Milwaukee Wi. And yeah I did go for a spin today. Just a little 175 mi loop in the delta region near were I live. temp. about 52 and foggy . Two summers ago I rode to Milwaukee to visit my sister. Continued on up to the U.P. and into Ontario , FABULOUS country . Re entered the states in North Dakota. Spent a great evening in Williston N.D. Lot of Lewis and Clark buffs . Was I near you Rich ? Hey I'm starting to ramble and I HATE ramblers.
SCOTT

[Rich]

Originally posted by Scott
Was I near you Rich ?

You were 90 miles from me, Scott. I get to Williston very frequently with my job, and it does have a lot of history there. Next time you are through, swing my way, I'm always up for company. Glad you enjoyed the ND part of your ride, not too many people admit that!:p

[rapz]

After riding my new '04 RT since last August I traded it in this week for a new '05 K 1200 LT. I do a lot of two up riding so I decided to move up to the K bike. I had never even test ridden a K bike so when I picked up the bike this past week I was wondering if I made the right decision. The RT is a great ride so I wondered if I would get lost on the K luxury. I live about 350 miles from the dealer so I got to feel it out right away. When you get behind the wheel you feel like the front is way out there compared to the RT, but it steers very well after my fears about how it suppose to be a monster in the parking lots, must be the new trail extenstion on the 05. After about 10 miles I felt great. On the highway the bike feels great, moves great and the center of gravity feels lower than the RT. I can't wait to really strech its legs on a long ride. btw, my wife loves the ride!

My name is Ricardo and I live in Mission, TX (southermost tip of Texas close to Brownsville and South Padre Island). I'm on my third BMW, started with a 75/6 and now own a new 1150RT. I ride with the RTE Group (Ride to Eat) mostly on weekends ranging from 150 to 600 mile rides.:brow

[kbasa]

:wave

Hi rapz! Say hi to my dad. He's in Port Isabela. He's given up bikes for boats now.

[Cliffy777]

but I think I could join a Ride To Eat group!
Good to hear from you Ricardo - welcome to our special little group. or is it little special group?
Texas is one of my favorite states.

[rapz]

This is a small 15 or so members group of local south Texas riders who ride anything from BMW RTs, K Bikes, Honda ST, and other stuff. We mostly ride on Sundays with short rides being 150 miles or so and long rides being in the 600 mile range. Mostly in deep south Texas ranch country or South Padre Island or to the central Texas (Austin) area for BBQ. Membership is open to anyone wanting to ride and eat. Spring break plans will have us do a Bluebonnet & BBQ run around central Texas, a hill country run, or to Big Bend National Park. Get on the mailing list by emailing my brother (former BMW rider now on his second ST) at the following email address: tspst1300@academicplanet.com:brow

[rocketman]

Originally posted by Gizmo
Hi,

Bought my first street motorcycle a Kawasaki 200 in 1983 which my first wife was never thrilled with so to keep the peace I reluctantly sold it two years later. Fast forward to 1997 a renewed life and a wonderful new wife who after numerous times hearing me ogle over various motorcycles, said "why don't you just buy the damn thing".

Ha Ha! How many times have I heard that story? Heard it and lived it. I too gave up my ride to "keep the peace", back in 87 it was, for the same reason. Then in 98 made a promise to myself I'd be back in the saddle by 2000 (my 50th b-day) as things weren't going to well with the marriage at that point anyway, figured I didn't have anything to lose and a lot to gain. By spring of 99 I had found Tas Tier (my '73 R60). She had just been sitting forlornly in the back of a garage for several years, she needed me and I needed her! So I talked her owner out of her for a song (and some cash). She looked like hell, ripped seat, rusted chrome, little bits missing, but nothing important, etc. but I knew airheads and I knew I could get her running again, what can I say? The way she looked at me with her one big, cracked, grime encrusted eye. It was love at first sight. Put in new plugs, new points, gave her a tune-up and did a carb rebuild, and well... we've seen many a mile together since, with many more still to go. No longer have the wife, but my current SO rides so not worries there! Then in late 99 bought my second airhead, hey everybody deserves two, if not more, right? Got 12 lost years to make up for. Next in line will prob. be a /2 with earls forks.
I know now I'll never give up riding long as I can hold one up at a stop.
When I get too old for that, I'll get me a moped :bliss

RM

[Cliffy777]

My ex-wife was not too keen on bikes neither.

[HERRBAYEMVAY]

OK, we'll keep it short and sweet.....

My name's John, and I've been riding since 1971. At the tender age of 16, within a month after buying my first bike (a Suzuki 90 Savage Steet/dirt), a car pulled out in front of me while I was going 45 mph and I went right into the guy's passenger door. A broken left leg, broken left arm (in 2 places) three broken ribs, a collapsed lung and a concussion had me in the hospital for a month and in casts for about six more. However, you can't keep a good (or stupid) man down, and within two years bought another new bike, a 1973 Honda CB 450.

Since then, I've had about a dozen bikes, all the Japanese makes, and have just enjoyed riding in general. Having kids made it difficult to do any serious touring, but I'd get out on the odd weekend and ride all day on a Saturday to get my fix.

I joined the MOA in 1996, just before buying my first BMW, a 1981 R65, which I kept and enjoyed for two years before financial difficulties forced me to sell it. I regretted that move ever since. I decided to find another R65 last year, and found what I was looking for in the MOA "Flea Market", a 1984 R65 owned by a retired German Butcher living in Lynchburg, VA. I got a good deal on it and have been replacing this and that on it as needed. I named her "Britta" and she has been a good companion so far. I've even convinced my girlfriend to take up riding, and even though she doesn't ride a Beemer yet (she still is enjoying her first scoot, a '98 Suzuki 650 Savage), I might get her to "come over to the Deutsche side".

I'll figure I'll keep Britta at least until I can afford my "dream bike", a R1200C Classic. Then again, I may just keep her after I can get my "dream bike". It'd be a kick to have more than one bike in the stable!

Now that my kids are older (one is finally in college), it's a bit easier to get out and go places. Maybe I'll get to a few rallies this year. Hope to see you on the road!

Gute Reisen!

[sly]

Hello everyone! Im Gene Sly (the computer guy). I am 42 going on 21 and here is my story.

In 1971 i got my first bike a 1970 honda trail 50 (hard tail). 2 weeks after my 16th birthday I got my cycle endorsment and didnt own a bike, but I knew that one day I would. In 77 i got my first real bike a 1973 CT 175 (yamaha). In 78 i joined the marines and moved my bike to Beaufort SC (MCAS Beaufort) After a very short time I relised that taking my 175 off road in the salt water marshes was not a good idea. The salt water trashed the bike... oh well lesson learned. So i picked up a 1973 honda CB 175 for a song. rode it to the beach and around town but getting on the highway was not a good idea.... so in 1980 i sold it and bought a 79 KZ650 basket case (no frame). Got a frame and assembled the bike on a sunday and was riding it before dark. I put 26,000 miles on that bike from november to june the next spring. Including a trip to michigan in feb. ( a story in its self) Had a couple of very close calls on the highway and lost my nerve and desier to ride on the street and sold the bike. In 1985 I bought a 84 CAN AM 250 ASE. and put plates on it. Rode the 6 days of michigan in 1987 (750 miles off road in 6 days) and broke my frame on day 5. Sold that bike and bought another just like it with no miles on it. In 94 i traded it for a Yamaha 850 spec. with 8k miles on it. In 99 my wife left me and i lost intrest in the bike and riding (no one to share it with), so it sat. one day i pushed it to the curb with a sign "free to a good home" and it was gone.

in 2000 i got the bug for snowmobiling and bought a Ski-doo! Met a wonderful woman and we began snowmobileing togeher! I have some one to share with! So... we are sitting around with no snow and i said we should take a trip to key west. She said that was a great idea.... i said well if you want to make it a trip you will never forget we should do it on a bike. She explained that she had only riden once back in collage and the guy scared the crap out of her and she didnt think she could enjoy it but was willing to try. So we took a drive to the BMW dealer in grand rapids. (what great ppl). We took the 2003 K1200LT for a test drive. she said " i never knew it could be so fun! I smelled horses!" She was hooked! Well the K1200lt was just a little to heavy for me and so the sales person interdused me to a guy that had a K1100LT, and soon we will have a 93 K1100LT! :D .

We both learned very quick that the BMW comunity was one that we wanted to be a part of. So... Key West the end of the month... rally in july. Ski-doo factory in CAN in aug. are our planed trips so far and we havent even seen the bike yet ;)

Look forward to meeting new friends and volunteering at the rally!

Gene

[kbasa]

Awesome story, Gene.

[swleejr]

I'm 43, divorced, been living in the SF Bay area for most of my life. Got into riding as a "mid-life" crisis :).....
Started riding 2 years ago, for commuting to work. With the help of some friends at work, got into a MSF class and learned how to ride. Got a F650 GS (1998) used and put about 6K a year on so far. Been a lot of fun riding but haven't taken any long trips anywhere. Not geared up for that yet.

Got 2 dogs (see Campfire) live in a house near the SF airport. Just a beginner and still learning. Taken some nice rides out to the coast, but with my job taking me to Asia 40% of my time, I get limited weekends to ride.

Mainly communte on the bike as often as I can, up and down 101 or 280.

I'm looking to get a R1150RS...will be interesting how this differs from the F...besides having more power and being heavier. Thank you for all the information in the Oilhead Forum. I'll keep reading and learning.

[kbasa]

Glad to have you Puppyface! :wave

[frazz]

Hi, my name is Ed Frajer, and I'm more a forum reader than a poster....I took an early retirement in September while living in MT, hopped on my Heavy Cruiser and set a roundabout six week course for OH, while visiting friends along the way...I've ridden on and off since the early 80's around the country...got away from it while raising a family....then came back several years past....I had always wanted a BMW GS (especially when riding in the MT, CO and NC mountains)...so, I picked up a 2004 R1150GS when spring finally got to OH...since I've had it, I've wondered why I waited so long? What a machine! So I guess better late than never...I'm looking forward to attending rides and ralleys in the future and getting good info from the other members.

[Cliffy777]

Welcome to the mostest funnest forum on the net. Is this your first beemer? Did you post a picture?

[frazz]

Thanxs for the kind words....yes, this is my first...I've owned American, Italian and Japanese iron and years ago took out an airhead but it didn't take...after laying down many street miles..I began to see the limitations of the experience while yearning for the freedom of a dual purpose ride...the GS (for me) just gave me more smiles per mile than any other......I'll have to post a pic as soon as I can figure out the process (still new to posting + chatting).....edf:snore

[JetDoc]

Hello all, from a brand new BMW owner/rider.

I'm a retired aircraft mechanic, and live in North Idaho, just a few miles east of Spokane. I started riding motorcycles nearly 40 years ago, and my first bike was a well used and abused 1965 Ducati 250CC single. I've owned several other bikes over the years, but this is my first BMW.

MY S.O. and I wanted a bit more long distance touring capability than my metric V-twin cruiser offered, so we went with a new 2004 K1200LT. We're hoping to take several 1000 mile weekend rides this summer, and maybe a longer trip in the fall. We'll definately be at the rally in Spokane.

See y'all there!

JetDoc

[oldcarkook]

Hidy ho. I don't think I ever properly introduced myself so here goes....

My name is Rob English and I live in Sheldonville, Mass with my wife, two children, five horses, one dog, two barn cats, and countless unidentified four legged creatures. I'm an AARP member (over 50) and have been riding dirtbikes all my life and am a member of two off road bike clubs, one of which I serve as the "public relations officer" for; King Philip Trail Riders (http://www.kingphiliptrailriders.org/) .

I grew up in Conowingo, Maryland and left there in '72 for the great beyond. After a calamity of events I ended up taking a sales job in '74 with a chemical manufacturer and covered New England and New York. I moved to the Boston area from Hartford in '79 and have been here ever since. I had a ski place and season's pass in Killington Vermont from 1975 - '89, skiing in excess of 50 days/year for all of those years. While skiing was a big part of my life for many years, life demands have limited my skiing to an occaisional weekend or trip west for a few days now. Skiing is a natural compliment to a dirt rider and both use the exact same skills IMHO.

I have been an antique vehicle enthusiast all my life and have had more old cars and trucks than I can count; in excess of 60 at least. My interest of the last dozen or so years has been focused to a narrow bandwidth of vintage GMC haulers. I run a website (http://www.oldgmctrucks.com) and forum (http://oldgmctrucks.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x) for old GMC trucks and serve as a technical advisor for vintage GMC trucks for a national club and GM Media Archives department. I also write a vintage GMC column for Vintage Truck (http://www.vintagetruckmagazine.com/vt_frameset.html) magazine.

My personality is one which generally has about 30 projects running simultaneously. For my paying job, I run a wholesale distribution company which I founded fifteen and a half years ago. I am a strong believer in supporting clubs and organizations that advance things that I'm interested in, like MOA among others.

My biggest kick in life is resurrecting an old vehicle that has been given up for dead, and helping people. Most evenings in summer you'll find me skinning my knuckles in my garage on an old GMC or tapping away responses on my keyboard to questions from people around the globe on vintage GMC trucks. I have assembled a large library of vintage truck reference materials and "automobilia" relative to old GMC and my goal is to take over our horse barn and convert it to a musuem pretty much identical to the one featured in the ON a few months ago which the vintage BMW enthusiast had built in his backyard on Long Island. That is the ultimate dream for me. Right now though, horses have the superior position but that novelty will wear off as my kids are now teenagers and soon (5 years?) the barn will be mine...mine...all mine! Muuuh-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha
:lol
I bought my '96 RT used in '01 from my buddy and business associate, Russ Freed of Houston TX, who is fanatical about care and maintenance of his stuff; he gave me a binder and an Excel spreadsheet with the total history on the bike of everything from the original dealer papers, maintenance records, to parts and accessory purchases. I would meet up with Russ at conventions around the country and we would usually arrive a day or two early and rent bikes and tour the area we were visting. That gave me a great exposure to a lot of different riding (and bikes!)

Russ took a year off from life and spent a summer touring. He rode up from Houston in '00 and we took a week long tour from Boston to Canada by way of Vermont back roads and after switching off my H-D Road King on to his RT for a few hours, I was totally hooked on the two wheeled gyroscope! I told Russ that if he were to ever think about selling the bike, to please call me first. He called 18 months later to report he bought a new K bike and a Ducati 900 monster and he needed to unload the RT. A deal was struck, the bike was delivered, and the rest is history.

I don't have a picture of me on the Beemer, but here's my smiling face after returning from a day of playing in the mud!
http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/photos/bikes/KooknMud.jpg
Do I get the longest story award?

[Hodag]

Guten tag....
My name is mark, 33, living in the wonderful state of Wisconsin. Married with a 3 year old girl. I can still remember my first motorcycle ride at the age of 5 on the back of my uncles bike. I was hooked from the get go. He used to take me to get ice cream on the back of it.
I learned top ride on my grandfathers bike at 15, and got my first ride shortly after. I had the choice of a bike or a car, and chose the bike. It was a 1975 Honda hawk 450, and I thought the world of it. Rode it until winter, and then walked. Sold it after a year or so for a Suzuki 1100 GS, way to much bike for a 17 year old kid. Road that for a while, then moved up to a Honda VF1000F interceptor. Road that all through college, and then I saw a K1.
That changed everything, fell in love with beemers.
I bought a '93 K1100LT (Big Blue) 9 years ago. Bought because the wife was tired and scared of riding on the interceptor. She's ridin on the back of it once. She decided it wasn't the actual bike that scared her, but all bikes. Should have bought the K1.
The second BMW was a kids peddle GS, bought for my daughter when she was 6 months old. She is looking forward to when she can get a big bike, she wants a red one, or a vintage black one. She never complains when we go to the Dealer to look at bikes, also she agrees with me that harleys are just to loud.
Mark

[greywolf_03]

Hi...I'm Cathy McCorkle and I live in Columbia, SC with my best friend and companion, Gus. I have a daughter 24 and a son 20, who both live in Chester, SC. I have had my K12RS for a year now and I love it. I have only been riding (single) for about 3 years; started out on a 1500 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic, but was quickly converted to the BMW and a much more fun ride.

I put 38,000 miles on my K12 in the year that I have had it and in the process managed to take 2nd place in SC in mileage (lost 1st by 15 miles) and placed 16th in the Womens National ratings.

We have had some great journeys to wonderful destinations. Many, knowing where we were intending to end up, but not exactally how we were going to get there. Never knowing what was around the corner and we found some pretty interesting stuff. Believe me, with my partner riding a GS I was into a lot of precarious situations....mud, water, gravel, sand.... While attending the Winter Rally in Florida, we managed to get off the beaten path a bit...Gus said I looked as if I were in the Paris Dakar (there was so much sand flying) That's when I found that sand doesn't hurt (actually, it was a good cushion):p

But it has all been great. We have been to wonderful places and met alot of neat people. We are heading out to Spokane for the National this year and plan to do some major touring in the 2 1/2 weeks that we travel. We are going after our 1500 miles in 36 hours too. We did 1000 in 24 last year on our way to Sturgis and Wyoming and Montana, but did not document it, so we decided to do it right this time and get them both.

Hope to meet some of you guys at the rallys this year. Be safe and look us up...:wave

[kbasa]

I was just sitting here reading this thread, greywolf from SC, kook from MA and MarkLT from WI and was thinking about how cool it is that there are people all over the country who now know a little more about each other. I don't know about you guys, but I'm really looking forward to putting some faces with the names at the national.

[greywolf_03]

KBasa,
It is awesome when you get to places, whether its rallies or just on the road, and start talking to other riders and find out that you have already been talking to them off and on for awhile.

Hope to meet you at the National and I'm sure that I will meet alot of new people.

Be safe....

[docb]

As you can see, my first post on the board.

My experience is the reverse. It has been BMW to H-D. After riding BMW for about 15 years I switched to H-D for the simple reason that NA and my good local dealer parted company in about 1995. The result was the prospect of at least a 80 mile ride for routine service, something I did not want to do. I remembered how it was when I had to take the day off to drive to Indianapolis to have my old 356C Porsche serviced. That was for the birds and I vowed never to have to do that again.

The other problem I had was the styling of the "new" bikes. IMHO they looked like copies of what the Japanese were producing. They still do. So I'll still be "out of the fold", so to speak, unless we get a dealer in Terre Haute and we get distinctive styling from BMW (Yes, I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.)

The local H-D dealer is, of course, a boutique, just like the excellant dealer, Revard, in Indianapolis. More's the pity. I wish there was a place to kick back and argue bikes, politics, religion and smoke cigars but I guess those days are gone forever.

Retirement just provides too much time to think and rant. Maybe I'll relent and find me an old airhead and maybe Revard's will service it.

For your interest, my mileage log on BMW reads 180,000 and on H-D 90,000. The BMW roster has included :
'82 R65
'84 R80RT
'86 R65LS
'85 K100RS
'88 K100RS
'90 K100RS
'92 K100LT
'64 R69S
'85 R80/EML sidecar in both RS and RT configurations
'90(I think) K75C

The Harleys have been relaxing to ride and trouble free. Sure, they "appear" to be archaic in styling and engineering but I can tell you they are not. I still ride through all types of weather and ride all through the winter months and the bikes suit me. Still would like an old airhead in the stable, though.

Take care and ride safe!

[lorazepam]

I went from Japanese bikes, to British bikes had a couple Harleys, a '69xlch (possibly the worst motorcycle ever produced in the modern era) and a 48 45cuin. I should have never sold that bike. It was slow as hell, but ran like a top and was fun to ride. Went back to Japanese, then to BMW. I like my bike because of its great torque, stunning brakes, and the most advanced suspension system designs in the industry. Plunk 300 pounds of rider and camping gear on an R1 and see how much fun that is after about 800 miles.
I do a fair amount of 2 up riding, and the R1150RS is great for this. I may not have the fairing of an LT, but I normally have no use for it. Take off the bags and crank out the rear preload and it is plenty sporty for me. I hope the engine will last like the old bikes do, time will tell. I picked it up on Jan 14, and I have 5k miles so far. I have 0.9 financing, and I have yet to make a payment. (with BMW's permission, of course:D ) I have been totally satisfied with my bike and the service from my dealer. If I had a crystal ball though I have a feeling the RS would get some company in the near future.

[Stokes_R100RT]

My name is Paul Craven, I'm 53. I started riding when I was 16 on a Honda 305 Scrambler. Over the years I've owned a BSA, Ducati, a '52 panhead and a couple others. Bought my first beemer in 1979, an R80/7, and never looked back. Took that bike cross country for 3 months in the summer of '79. That was the best thing I ever did for myself. Rode it year-round in Rhode Island until my first child was born and my wife made me stop riding. It was a hard day the day I sold that bike, 32,000 miles in 2 years.

Every summer after that I would point out a beemer to my wife while we were in the car. Amazingly 2 years ago, she looked at me and said, "You really want another bike don't you." She relented and the next day I bought a 1981 R100RT with 36,000 on it. I guess she figures the kids are old enough now and I have enough life insurance.

The RT didn't have a fairing, so I pieced together parts on eBay and other places, had the fairing repainted black. Gary Van Voorhis, Yankee Beemers, worked on it for me. The bike was originally from California so it had all the emission control stuff on it. Gary removed that, adjusted the valves, balanced the carbs and it has run like a dream since.

I've added 10,000 to the Odometer over the last 2 years. This winter I'm planning a top end and tranny rebuild, maybe get the tank etc repainted. She's not the prettiest R100RT you'll ever see, but, she is a joy to ride and looking good for a 23 year old bike.

I work in Wash. DC but still live in Rhode Island. I fly home almost every weekend. Three weeks ago I rode the Beemer down here so I can explore the VA and W VA rodes. Did a weekend camping trip to the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Pkwy two weeks ago and had a great time.

Hoping to meet up with some riders in the DC metropolitan area, joined the local club.

Stokes

[mcholt212]

My name is Chris Holt and I'm 39. I'm married with 2 cats and live in Scotch Plains, NJ (about 20 mins west of Newark Int'l). I grew up in south Jersey and in 1977 got my first bike--a '75 Honda XR75. My friend Darrin and I beat the crap out of that poor machine. It was alittle on the small side for us, but neither of us could afford the YZ125 that we dreamed about every night at the time! When I was 17 I bought a Yamaha QT50 (Yamahopper as it came to be known) during the moped outbreak of the early 80's. In 1984, my friend John Brenner bought a Honda Nighthawk and I got my first taste of true road riding. I'll never forget that summer day in June when he let me ride for an afternoon and I found myself on I295 doing 100mph before I realized how fast I was actually going.

Fast forward to March of this year. Springtime is upon us again, and the yearly nagging of yearning for a bike starts in on me. I haven't ever owned a street machine. My co-worker of 6 years, Rob Lurz, owner of a '97 Yam YZ650, begins his annual heckling of me for not buying a bike and whining about it all the time instead. This year is gonna be different I tell him. I'm getting one. "Yeah, Ok.", he says.

Well, I did it. And I not only bought a bike...I bought a BMW, I told him. An '02 R1100SA. So there. What's more, I made Rob take me in his pickup for a 2 hour ride to pick it up!!

Then started the NJ "motorcycle permit to license" quest. Holy cow, what a pain in the butt it is getting a license in NJ nowadays!!! I have to constantly prove with 7 id's that I'm not a terrorist everytime I go to the DMV!!

I'm legal now, and even taking the safety course this w/e sponsored by the NJ Div of Highway Safety.

I'm getting to know my Beemer(thanks Cliffy!!) alittle more each time I ride. I hope to log lots of fun, safe miles on it. We bonded last Saturday night as I changed the oil for the first time!!! Soon, I'll take it down to Metuchen to Cross Country BMW for it's 6,000 mile service.

I hope to ride down to Pot-Nets Delaware (near Rehobeth) this summer to visit my Pop at his bay house and even on down to Virginia Beach to visit Mom if I can manage. Those will be my first real road trips!

Sorry this pic has me missing half my head...I'll take a better one later and replace it.....

[Cliffy777]

Good story. Nothing like making your first road bike a really nice freakin' bike. Might as well start on the good stuff, huh?
Good idea to take the safety course. Most of us on this forum are strong believers in wearing ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time) in refernce to helmets, boots, jackets, gloves. and such like. It is a pain in the ass sometimes to get all dressed for around town errands, but it sure paid off for my sister-in-law last fall when she swerved to miss a cage that "didn't see her." Even though it was a low speed crash, her boots, jacket, and full-face kept her pretty as ever!

FYI - "bimmer" is usually referring to the cars, while "beemer" is the motrocycle side of the family. Remember - they made motorcycles BEFORE they made cars!!
Happy Trails, enjoy that cool bike.

[rapz]

After riding my new '04 RT since last August I traded it in this week for a new '05 K 1200 LT. I do a lot of two up riding so I decided to move up to the K bike. I had never even test ridden a K bike so when I picked up the bike this past week I was wondering if I made the right decision. The RT is a great ride so I wondered if I would get lost on the K luxury. I live about 350 miles from the dealer so I got to feel it out right away. When you get behind the wheel you feel like the front is way out there compared to the RT, but it steers very well after my fears about how it is suppose to be a monster in the parking lots, must be the new trail extenstion on the 05. After about 10 miles I felt great. On the highway the bike feels great, moves great and the center of gravity feels lower than the RT. I can't wait to really strech its legs on a long ride. btw, my wife loves the ride!
:bliss

75/6 BMW
80 BMW RT
04 BMW RT
05 BMW LT

[GS Drifter]

Howdy ya'll. I'm 50, currently single, own a small business and I live off Hwy 50, east of Sacramento in El Dorado Hills, CA. Salmon Falls Road runs behind my house -- and that connects with Hwy 49. So, I have access to a bizzillion miles of great bike roads (paved and dirt) without ever seeing a freeway.

I can remember back in the early 70's, as a teenager in Santa Monica, there was this guy that commuted on a BMW with city cases. I remember how quiet it was -- barley audible in fact. And how tall it looked -- truly a unique machine. I said to myself, Self!someday, I'm going to get me one of them there!

Well, I ended up with a honda 50cc as a starter bike, then moved up to a Honda 350, then a bought a Norton 850 Commander. Then in 1979, I sold the Norton (my last bike for over 23 years), until I caught the bug again.

Naturally, the very next morning after the bug hit, I went down to the BMW dealer for a thorough check-up and to hopefully find a cure. After discussing the situation with the Sales Doc, he told me that I was no doubt suffering from a bad case of the dreaded lackomotoescapeus.

There was no question in my mind. Something had to be done -- and quickly! After a couple of additional tests (just to be sure) the sales Doc prescribed the R1150 GS with hard luggage. Finally, a cure! But not yet having obtained my motorcycle endorcement, I asked the good doctor if he could make a house call with my new bike. Yes, I bought the GS sans demo ride.

My 2002 GS ABS, is the slate gray with BMW top case and side luggage. I installed Motolights, Run-IN-Lights (front and rear), LED 'Back-off' brake lights, Throttle Miester and Corbin Canyon Sport heated seats.

I now have 21,000 miles on it and have ridden across 7 states. I avoid the Interstates like the plague -- and find much more riding pleasure when taking the back roads, and lesser traveled state and county routes. I consider myself an 'Adventure Touring' type, enjoying fishing, camping, photography, BSing around the fire etc.

Would be interested in meeting other GS Riders in the Greater Sacramento area.

[kbasa]

Hiya Drifter! :wave

[GS Drifter]

Howdy! Say, how do you like your new R1220GS?

[greywolf_03]

Just an update...We made it to the Spokane National Rally and it was great. Of course the trip there and back was awesome. We managed to turn about 7600 miles on this trip and saw some of the greatest scenery ever.

Started out by doing our Iron Butt 1000 mile run and then slowed down a little to stop in Spearfish, SD for a pre rally. It was a good resting point and we met alot of people headed to Spokane. Took in some more new territories and managed to hit another rally in McCall, Idaho. (KTM rally) my companion had just bought a new 950 Adventure and wanted to catch a Tech seminar. Then on to Spokane.

After the rally, we did a run down the west coast from Oregon to upper California and then across Utah, Nevada, Colorada, Kansas and then on in to SC again. SOme of the most awesome sights ever. If you've never been...."Do It!!! Just Do It!":wow

Until later. and hey...it's great reading all about you guys...Keep up the posting..:D

[GS Drifter]

Yeah, I did Southern Utah in Late April. Pretty much had the whole freaking place to myself for about 75% of the trip.

Sounds likeyou really put on the miles

[Burnszilla]

I'm Stephen Burns. Happily married for 3 years now, even though I'm told I spend more time working on my bike than with my wife.

I live off of Hwy 17 near Glenwood in the Santa Cruz Mountains. I'm a Web Developer for Topix.net - The Internet's Largest News Site and I commute every day to work to Palo Alto on my 1987 K75S that I purchased a year ago. I put on 14,000 miles in the first year, travelling to Vancouver BC, Ensenada, Mexico and northern Californa.

The bike was repainted in January with an original BMW color: classic black metallic. I've replaced all the bearings on it, replaced the brake rotors and had Brunos rebuild the drive shaft and spline. I love doing most of my own wrenching but leave the big jobs up to the dealer.

I'm Canadian, originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and I've lived in Toronto for 10 years too.

I started riding 3 years ago when I moved to California. First bike was a 1977 Kawasaki KZ400 and 9 months later I upgraded to a 1980 KZ750. That bike died on the last day of a trip back from BC, so I immediately found a K75s when I got back for $2100. My friend had one on our trip and I wanted one badly.

In November I attended the Keith Code SuperBike School and learned the Art of Cornering. I'll be attending my first BMW rally at CCBR's Beemer Bash in Quincy this September.

http://www.burnszilla.com/images/bmw/stephen_k75s.jpg
http://www.burnszilla.com/images/bmw/K75Sblack.jpg

[kbasa]

Originally posted by GS Drifter
Howdy! Say, how do you like your new R1220GS?

It rocks. It's in for its 6K service right now. I'm sure it'll be happy when I get it back tomorrow. :bliss

[GS Drifter]

Did you have an 1150 before? If so, does the performance of the 1200 blow the 1150 away? or is it slightly better in the get-up-and-go department?

[kbasa]

I'll see you at the BASH, Stephen! :wave

[kbasa]

Originally posted by GS Drifter
Did you have an 1150 before? If so, does the performance of the 1200 blow the 1150 away? or is it slightly better in the get-up-and-go department?

No, I had an R11S. We also have an R1150R and an R11RS. The GS is more powerful, which is nice, but most of all, it's lighter. I can ride this bike like a sportbike on the weekends, then pack all my junk on it and ride it damn near anywhere. It's simply the most flexible motorcycle I've ever ridden. When we were in the hills, I could get past the 1150s I was riding with without too much difficulty (right, Rob? :evil)

[BradfordBenn]

I think the reason you could get pass Ritalin Rob is that he had more stuff packed on his bike than even I did, he just packed it better.

Tank panniers!?

[ian408]

Well now, here's a picture of the new RT.

Some of you probably know the Grey Ghost disappeared just
after the National. To make a long story short, it was recovered
but I wasn't sure I wanted it back. A couple of problems indicated
it might (or might not) have been ridden hard and put away
wet. Not wanting to find out, I got rid of it and replaced it with
this:

http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/7330932-S-1.jpg

It's the same but different. It shifts better and is smoother and
I think the break in period will just make it better.

Cheers,
Ian

[BradfordBenn]

Swwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetttt new scoot Ian.

[MarkF]

Nice color, too. Amazing that BMW is getting ready to replace a true work of art.

MarkF

[kbasa]

:clap

Nice one, mang!

[Rich]

That is a beauty! Congratulations!

[edge51]

Hehee - been playing with this for 2 hours now. I am such a dummy when it comes to computers. Finally got a picture to post of me and Fritz. I hope this one is big enuff to see. Fritz is the good looking one.

This was taken near Delta Junction in Alaska.

[BradfordBenn]

Cool ride and location.

[ian408]

Nice riding location (nice bike too!).

Ian

[cbburrows]

hello,
my name is christian, i juts joined BMWMOA. i just got my first BMW, a 1997 R1100GS. it's way nicer than the 84 magna or 88ninja i had before. i'm about to depart for a cross country trip, destinatiion california, then onto central and south america if i think it's doable.
this is my first posting on this site.
there's a ton of stuff to learn.
see you on the road!!!

[greywolf_03]

Great to have you in the club Christian. :clap

We will be looking forward to hearing about all your adventures on your new bike; and I am sure will really love traveling on it.

Be safe on your trip and have a wonderful time.:p

[SNC1923]

Hey Everyone,

My name's Tom Moran. I teach American Sign Language, am an avid photographer, and really love to ride my BMW.

I'm still pretty new here, coming back to riding after 15 years away. Just bought an '04 RT and just broke 3,000. My dad bought me an XR75 when I was about 10. At 26 I bought a Honda Sabre with fairing and was adopted by Jay Cannon and the South Coast BMW Riders. Had too much fun with them and they were very hospitable to their token Japanese bike guy. We rode to SF, the 49er Rally, Mexico, AZ, just about everywhere. We rode and camped and laughed and drank beer. Really great bunch of guys. Life took a left turn and I had to sell the bike. Went to college for 10 years, was broke, and lived in one bedroom apartments. No room for a bike in that lifestyle.

Got married almost three years ago to my wonderful wife, Israel. We had a lot of trouble deciding where to settle, her home or mine. She finally convinced me to move to hers in Bakersfield, CA. I agreed, but only if she agreed to let me buy a beemer. A deal was struck and here I am!

There was never any doubt that I would by a BMW, or that it would be an RT. (OK, I looked at LTs and R1150Ss, but it was always the RT.) I actually bought it without ever having ridden one. As I drove it out of Irv Seaver's parking lot, I knew I had made the right decision. I'm enjoying it beyond all reason, and my wife seems to really enjoy riding pillion.

Thanks to this web forum I found a BMW rider's club (#80) right here in Bakersfield. They are good group, and are just as nice and welcoming as I remember the South Coast group to be.

Here's a photo from our first trip to the coast--taken not too far outside of Guadalupe.

Thanks for reading!

[ian408]

Hi Tom!

Welcome aboard. And I see you got the good color :D

Ian

[kbasa]

Hey Tom! You should watch for our own Gerg, who's riding around Bakersfield on his GS or his 950 Adventure.

[SNC1923]

Dave:

I'm looking for Gerg, have heard about him but haven't found him yet. I met a Greg (another blue RT) but not the same guy. Maybe I'll find him at a meeting in the near future. Bfield is a fairly small town--he can run but he can't hide.

Ian:

Yours is a beaut, too. Sorry to read about what happend to your previous grey. While perusing the brochure and website, I was convinced that blue was the only color I could rule out for sure. I just couldn't decide btwn red, silver, or grey. When I got to the showroom, blue was clearly the only choice. Brian Bell--the salesperson--insisted on wheeling it out into the sun and I was sold. And it was the only blue they had in stock with the cylinder head guards already installed. How could I say no?

Hope to encounter both of you on the road one day.

[ian408]

I'm off on a road trip tomorrow. Not sure exactly where but South is looking
pretty attractive :thumb

Just putting a couple of things in the bags now...

ian

[BradfordBenn]

Howdy Tom! :wave

[Bob_M]

I'm Bob Marshall, currently residing in Portland Oregon. I have been lurking around the forum for about a month and am having some fun with it. I have been nuts for bikes for about 45 of my 50 years. I currently have a silver 1984 R100 "S" and am in the process of restoring a black 1982 R100RS. Both bikes stray from stock for the sake of rideability.
I have owned and sold
a Kawasiki 100 (10 speed)
A Honda 350 Thumper (on which I toured the west coast to the Yucatan peninsula several decades ago)
A Yamaha SR 500
A 1971 R75/5 (I saw it a couple of months ago and it has been neglected)
A Yamaha "Euro-Virago" (really a handsome bike)
A BMW R1100RT.
I am convinced that the giggles per mile are as good on the airheads as with the faster, plusher (?better?) oil heads but I am willing to give them another chance.
In Oregon it is possible to ride year round and I do. One December ride on the R1100RT I had the warmth accessories going, drove into some fog, looked over and saw vehicles plowing into the I-5 median because the roads were covered with ice! My rear tire spun, but it tracked and stayed upright.
I think I took the rest of that month off.
I went to Redmond and Spokane and I am a Big fan of frothy, hoppy beverages. I am a landscape architect. Im' married with a boy who is a senior in college. When the black bike is done this summer I plan to put him on the silver bike and tour the rockies. I am Opiniated, liberal and frequently put my foot in my mouth. From the postings I have read this is par for the coarse (sp). I don't have a photo of me, but here is one of the silver bike.
See Ya ;)

[BradfordBenn]

Welcome to the forum.

What is that handlebar accesorry sticking straight up for? :p

[Bob_M]

My eagle rides on that :thumb

[BradfordBenn]

My eagle rides on that :thumb

Kewl :brad

[Visian]

I'm Bob Marshall,...

I have owned and sold a Kawasiki 100 (10 speed)

Did you own a Kawasaki Trail Boss? Cool!

I had one of those... absolutely hammered that poor thing into the ground.

Man, I wish I never sold it. It would have been a cool restoration project.

Ian

[bigfoot105]

OK, I'll give it a go. After spending the last hour and a half reading all the bios I feel as though I know most of you better than some of my relatives But then, we are all brothers and sisters right? My name is Randy Graham. I am 46 yrs old (for another month anyway). I'm from South Mississippi but I live in Anchorage, Alaska now. I have live here for 14 years. Yes it's cold and snowy here this time of year but, I will make up for it in the Summer, with 20 hours of daylight and lots of riding time! I'm married (again) this time for 12 years and counting, great women that Carole is. She lets me be me and keeps me on track during this mid life thing.

Bought my first BMW this past June, a '04 1150GS....I'm speechless...To tell you...My '01 RoadKing is in the garage with a cover on it and the GS has center stage. I am in the process of putting personal touches on it. Guess which one I'll be riding in the Spring? And to think, Spring is only a short 5 months away. The GS is my 12th bike. I starting riding at the amazing age of 11 on a '69 Honda Trail 90. You know...the step through frame. It was the beginning of a romance that has been a part of my life for 36 years. There has been a couple "no bike" years but that's another story. Yes sir, Hondas, Yamaha, Harleys and now a BMW...Man was I wrong about them BMWs. And this forum?...2nd to none. I am glad that I found this place. Oh, I almost forgot, this is suppose to be about me, I work in the oil industry, in sales. So, talking comes easy for me. 2 grown sons with kids of their own. Three grown step kids with kids also.

Life is pretty good for me and the family. I changed jobs 2 months ago and the new one is going to give me even more riding time this Summer. Yep, I left a company that I had been with for 26 years and lived in three different states. Hmmm, thats strange, 26 years, one company, three states and no BMW. There's got to be a connection there somewhere. I'll get back with you later on that one when I figure it all out.

Again, I'm glad I found yall.

[Cliffy777]

Welcome Bigfoot. You sound like our kinda guy. Any pics of the bike??

[BklynPete]

ohhh, ohhh (raising hand like a good sweathog should)

hi, my name is peter chuen and i live in ct. i was born and raised in bklyn, thus bklyn pete ( a few people have gotten confused about that in other boards :dunno ) i am 57 and i have twins that are finishing their senior year in collage :twirl i ride a 1999 r1100rt (i'm guessing the bmw is implied). this is my third bmw, the first bought in oct of 1976, it was a 77' 100/7 outfitted with a vetter fairing, wixom bags and a rack factory rack. sold that bike in 1983 when the twins were born (try telling the wife that you just want to go for a ride with the boys, with twins in the house). fast forward to 1998, the kids are in h.s. and don't need dad as much, soooo i get a 98' 1100r. that year i did the msf course and vowed in 1999 i would go to the bmwmoa rally whereever it may be. that was the year they had the rhinebeck ny rally. two hours backroads from where i live, yuck. i then went to the beemers in the bluegrass rally in kentucky. coming back from that rally, i decided i needed a bike with a fairing on it. that oct i picked up a leftover 1100rt and it now has 75k miles on it. i've been a moa member since 1998, but my number is an older number from my 100/7 days. it was a pleasant surprise that they still kept records of my old number after all these years. i am also an ama and iba member. i love riding my bike long distances. i've dont the three flags and this last year i toured the pacific northwest with members of the aol motorcycle boards. i did 8200 miles in two weeks, two days and loved ever minute of the trip. i've learned to ride long distances in a very short amount of time since i only get two weeks vacation. i'm looking forward to learning more about bmw motorcycles from this board and meeting and riding with some of you.

pete

http://hometown.aol.com/bklyn%20pete/myhomepage/profile.html

i tried to upload a pic, but my file was too big (never been told that before :p ) it's an older pic at the home of an moa ambassador in detroit. i no longer have the cb, the seat is a tan rick mayer seat now, and the wheels are powder coated satin gold.

[kbasa]

http://hometown.aol.com/bklynpete/myhomepage/petmotor.jpg

Neat color, man.

[BklynPete]

http://hometown.aol.com/bklynpete/myhomepage/petmotor.jpg

Neat color, man.

thanks, it seems this color was not even in the catalog here in the states. the two greens were boston and glacier. i've never been able to find out the name of this color. it seems this color was sent to canada and europe. i bought it right off the showroom floor at westchester bmw in while plains ny. they are a factory store. even they couldn't tell me the name of the color. :dunno

[exharleyscott]

well been hanging around a while with only a few posts, guess it's time to introduce myself. I bought my 04 RT just about 1 year ago this month. Fell in love with it and truly enjoy spending time on it. logged 12,300 mi. this summer and attended 2 events. Spent last 15 years riding H.D.'s boy what a differance. Biggest differance when you show up at an event there are no motorcycle trailers to fight with for parking spots. Spent to many nights in Sturgis S.D. hotels and could not park. The R.T sure makes one appreciate a crooked road. Looking forward to another great season. :clap

[cipher]

Hello, I’m Andy Nunn the proud new owner of a Light Yellow Metallic 2005 K1200LT that I have dubbed “Golden-Eye.” This is the 20th motorcycle I have owned and my first BMW. The longest I have had any bike is 5.5 years and that was my 1998 Honda Valkyrie. In just a week of ownership I believe that the LT will be with me much much longer, unless I have one of the odd ones that becomes a maintenance/repair nightmare.

I am 54 years old married with two children. I work for the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical System as a Computer LAN manager. I retire December 30th after 35 years. Originally from Texas, primarily the San Antonio area, we have been in Omaha, Nebraska for the last 16.5 years. I am looking forward to doing a lot of long distance touring after retiring including the Ohio national rally. Also looking forward to hooking up with some local BMW riders.

I celebrated 40 years of active motorcycling last September. This is a list of the motorcycles I have owned. I’m fuzzy on some of the actual year models of some of my first ones but the models are accurate.

1960 Sears Allstate 125
1965 Suzuki 120
1965 Cushman Trail bike
194? Harley Davidson WLA Trike
1968 Honda CL450
1973 Honda 500-4
1974 Suzuki GT 550
1977 Yamaha 750 Triple
1978 Honda Gold Wing 1000
1978 Harley Davidson Super Glide 1200
1978 Yamaha XS1100 Custom
1980 Volkswagen Trike
1980 Yamaha 650 Twin
1982 Suzuki GS1100
1996 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic
1978 Yamaha XS1100 Standards ( 2 ea.)
1998 Honda Valkyrie
2004 Victory Touring Cruiser
2005 BMW K1200LT

With any luck I’ll be able to add a few more before my riding days are over.

[noahjo]

Hello,

I have been floating around the forum for a couple of months now and made a few posts so I guess I should introduce myself. I live in Arizona in the Metro Phoenix area. I have been riding off and on for about fourteen years now. I always wanted to ride a motorcycle but my parents were always worried about my safety.

Well I showed them and became a police officer and three years later became a motor cop. I rode for about five years until I was promoted and thrown back into a car. I really missed the ride and after four years my wife gave me the nod to buy a motorcycle.

Honestly, I always felt BMW's were ugly and never considered them. But after learning the safety features and taking a ride on one, every other type of motorcycle is ugly now and I love my '04 1150rt (Blue).

I really enjoy the forum and appreciate all the expert help. Can't wait to meet everyone thinking about riding to Lima. Long way but maybe I can hook up and ride with someone from Arizona.

Later,

[Cliffy777]

Welcome aboard Noah. Glad to learn you have a great motorcycle to help you get through the nasty winters in Phoenix.

[millbert]

Hi All, I'm Steve from Northern Ontario,Sault Ste Marie, This RT is TUNDRA Greeen,one of the best colours.When I bought it (over the 'net) my wife and I thought the colour was Glacier Green and the camera colour was off....,went to Montreal bought it,everything turned out great.See you all in Lima

[BklynPete]

Hi All, I'm Steve from Northern Ontario,Sault Ste Marie, This RT is TUNDRA Greeen,one of the best colours.When I bought it (over the 'net) my wife and I thought the colour was Glacier Green and the camera colour was off....,went to Montreal bought it,everything turned out great.See you all in Lima

thanks steve,
your the first one able to tell me what color my bike is :twirl

[millbert]

Thanks,
Well,after 9 tries,I finally got a picture out...Steve,Tundra Green :doh

[cipher]

Blue Knight, a Sears Allstate was a rebadged Vespa 125 that Sears sold under it Allstate brand back in the 60's.

[dlearl476]

I brought my new Italian girl home to meet Gina today. Whaddya think? :wow
She's an '81 Guzzi V-50 Monza. With TWENTY-THREE HUNDRED miles!!!!

So now I've got:
250CC - Ducati Narrow Case Monza
350CC - Ducati Scrambler and Bultaco Alpina
400CC - 2 Yamaha RD 400 Daytona Specials
500CC - New V-50
600CC - R60/5
650CC - F650
750CC - K75RT and R75/5 (I like 750s)
~1000CC-Triumph Sprint ST (955CC)

All that's left is a 50CC (Probably an Aprilia RS50), a 125CC (I'm hoping a Euro 2 stroke SuperMotard like a Beta or a Gilera will come my way) and last but not least, an R80GS. (I'm drawing the line at a liter, otherwise I'd have to have a bunch of Harleys and a Triumph RocketIII)

I think I need help! :dunno

[Bob_M]

Great looking Guzzi. Quite a stable. I think a 12 step program and a couple of weekend follow ups and you will be cured. ;)

[BradfordBenn]

Very cool. So when I show up for a work visit in February, which one is mine?

[dlearl476]

Very cool. So when I show up for a work visit in February, which one is mine?

See the little pink Puch in the back leaning against the tree? I hope I can get that one runnin' by February. :thumb

Actually, I forgot about that one, I guess I DON'T need an Aprilia after all. Yeah right. I got the Puch in the M-G deal, along with two titled frames, two engine/trans's (matching numbers with the frames/titles) and boxes and boxes of misc parts. (Anyone looking for a Guzzi project?)

Seriously BB, get in touch when you're headed out.

[HadABabyItsABeemer]

Our BMW intro

This past Feb. @ the Maryland State Fairgrounds, my wife and I went to the bike show they had. I wanted to get back into riding, and we went to see what was good for both of us since my wife has back problems. I have had a few different bikes in my time but I seemed to generate to HD, and they were the first to meet you going in the door. They have nice bikes and we looked at all of the ones I thought would be good for long distance riding. We looked at the Road King Custom, Heritage Softail, and the Ultra's. Well, we founf out that although the bikes we were looking at were good bikes, they might not be comfortable for my wife with distance. My wife used to ride on her ex's Ultra and seemed to bother her when they went for the day.

Ok, so since we might not get an HD, my wife strolled to the BMW dealer (Bob's BMW) that was behind HD. She came up to me while I was still talking to the HD rep and mentioned that I should see the BMW (that I know own) that they have. So we go back to the were she was and BAM!!! when I looked at the R1200CLC in Capri Blue, that was it, I did not want to look for another bike. After talking to the salesman for a good 45 minutes, we went looking around the show and still talking about that beemer.

Before we left we went back to the BMW bike that cought our attention and just fell more in love with it. That was on a Saturday, that following Wed., I went to the Dealer and bought that bike from the show and the rest is history.

My wife and I went on the Ride the Ridge Rally in Asheville. NC hosted by The Biltmore Estate. I think they should have done a better job getting the word out about the rally, but it was a great time even with the rain.

We left June 21st for our trip, heading down I95 South to hit 81 South. Along the way we decided to go off the beaten path, as any rider should do, and took Skyline Drive that morning. What a beautiful ride that was, just as we entered the drive we were greeted by a deer just feeding at the sign. We also met a couple just entering, it was nice to have another couple to ride with.

To make a long story short, the trip took us through 4 states including our starting point, MD.

Riding through VA, Tenn and NC was the most beaytiful country we have seen. We went to Deals Gap and rode as well video taped, Tail of the Dragon.
The round trip total was 1950 miles which my wife did a great job as copilot and companian. The bike did great and with spending 17hrs on the bike the first day, my wife's back did not ache from the ride and that was a very important part considering that I want my copilot with me on as many rides as possible.

We are already planning to go to either the rally in Lima, Ohio or the one in Shelbyville, Tenn. She has not been to Ohio, so we might go there, not sure yet.

Have a great ride...

Dave & Phyllis Corbell

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=&stc=1

[Cliffy777]

welcome aboard. your story is just one more example of love at first sight! bravo.

[BradfordBenn]

Welcome to the fun...

[riderR1150GSAdv]

I brought my new Italian girl home to meet Gina today. Whaddya think? :wow
She's an '81 Guzzi V-50 Monza. With TWENTY-THREE HUNDRED miles!!!!

So now I've got:
250CC - Ducati Narrow Case Monza
350CC - Ducati Scrambler and Bultaco Alpina
400CC - 2 Yamaha RD 400 Daytona Specials
500CC - New V-50
600CC - R60/5
650CC - F650
750CC - K75RT and R75/5 (I like 750s)
~1000CC-Triumph Sprint ST (955CC)

All that's left is a 50CC (Probably an Aprilia RS50), a 125CC (I'm hoping a Euro 2 stroke SuperMotard like a Beta or a Gilera will come my way) and last but not least, an R80GS. (I'm drawing the line at a liter, otherwise I'd have to have a bunch of Harleys and a Triumph RocketIII)

I think I need help! :dunno

Nice bike!!! :thumb , but how about that Alfa Romeo GTV in the background????

[jackie]

Since nobody's posted in a while, I guess I'll step up and introduce myself. Hello, I'm Jackie and I ride a 1999 Glacier Green R1100RT named GiGi. I will get my 100,000 mile award in 2005 and am very excited about that. :D I live in the Portland, Oregon area and have attended the Redmond and Spokane national rallies.

I'll paste a little story that pretty much sums up my feelings about my ride:

I have a confession – I’m a looker. I can’t stop looking at my RT even after four years of ownership. When I park my RT in a parking lot and start walking away, I have to turn and look back at her, just to reassure myself she’s there. Riding by reflective windows causes me to glance over and see her reflection in the glass. Same with a sun hanging low in the dusky sky. I have to check out our shadow dancing alongside us on the embankment or wheat field – whatever we may be near. No matter where I go or where she’s at, I look. And I smile.

I look at other vehicles, too. I sometimes want to make eye contact with the driver to verify that they have seen me. The looks I get back are interesting to note; they definitely like looking at my RT, too. Little kids are also very often interested in looking at my RT. When I see their excited faces pressed against the glass I wave at them and get a frenzied wave back. I was once there – wanting to be on a cool bike instead of in a slow cage.

One time while walking out of a restaurant in Newport, Oregon, I looked at my RT in the parking space, and noticed an elderly man walking around her looking at her. He asked politely if she was mine and said “I can’t take my eyes off her!” I laughed and said “Neither can I!” In our short conversation I learned this man had walked from the eastern coast of the United States to the west coast, recently completing his trip in Newport. Even if their feet hurt, they’re not too tired to look her over. I have met some of the most interesting people while being with my RT. And I had to smile.

I sometimes go out to my garage to look at her and admire her color and her lines. Sometimes I just sit on her and polish her. When I back my car into the garage next to her I look over and comment how beautiful she is. She’s my earth-based rocket ship, tapping her tire, waiting for us to go out again.

I love to look at other motors as they ride by, and I wave. I like having the common bond of riding and acknowledging them. It’s our own family with many different people in different places of their motorcycling journey. I enjoy meeting people like Dan Rogers, who rides for a worthy cause; or Ken Wood and Zeke, from the national rally; and Dick Frantz with his seemingly infinite wisdom on so many things. And Leonb, my international RT connection, who has shown me the metric side of riding. Who wouldn’t smile?

I read a few motorcycle magazines, and according to the recent poll of BMWON I am too young, don’t make enough money, and am the wrong gender to own this fabulous machine.

I think I’ll go for a ride.

And I smile.


( I would post more, but I'm trying to get that drunk guy to walk further than 37m without falling down!!!!)

~jackie
'99 glacier green RT GiGi aka "PSYCHL"
PDX
well behaved women rarely make history...
Blue Knights Oregon I, IBA #16940

[Bob_M]

Hi Jackie (and GiGi)
Portland Oregon (and Southern Washington) seems to have a strong representation in the MOA. I hope to see you around. :wave

[Cliffy777]

yo jackie. so, where is a picture of GiGi? we likes to look at purty bikes, too!
welcome aboard. good intro stories. hope you get as much out of this forum as i have. congrats on all the beemer miles.

[BradfordBenn]

Welcome to the fun Jackie. We want to see a picture of GiGi :clap

[jackie]

I'd be happy to post a photo of my girl if I only knew how!!! :dunno

[BradfordBenn]

Check out the How Do I? thread there is one on posting pictures... http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2021

[ian408]

Welcome Jackie!

Ian

[BmwDuc]

I live in Hampton, VA with my wonderful wife Laura and the 6 cats and three dogs that own us... What can we say, stray animals show up and our vehicles don't know the way to the SPCA. We're into the usual camping, canoing, motorcycles, etc. Focus is our land off the Blue Ridge Parkway we purchased 4 years ago.

Started out on a 1975 Yamaha DT100 as a teenager. Next bike I ever rode was a friends R75/5 when I was 16. Since then a Suzuki GS1000, R65, R100RS, R50/5, K100RS, K75S, Suzuki DR350, R1100RT. Sold the RT, RS, and DR to get down to one bike - 1100GS. Not shortly after a friend was selling a Ducati 900SSFE and I was going to think about it, until my wife walked up and said, "That bike is beautiful, you should buy it." So much for one bike.....

I'm a daily, year round commuter on the GS and use if for business trips (hey they pay mileage and I get to ride - DC a lot, Boston, Dallas, Tennessee, GA, and other places).

Didn't ride many miles last year due to clearing brush and building buildings on our property. Hoping to catch the MOA and RA rallies this year as well as a ride to Goose Bay, Canada (my birthplace, how many people can say that!).

[Cliffy777]

sweet looking ducati. dang. julie claire (my honey) had a 750 ducati monster for about a year. scared the pants off her and she sold it. i got to ride it a few times (you know, so nothing would seize up or get rusty) and even though it was a tad small for me (6.3 225) it was a gas to ride.
welcome aboard.

[BmwDuc]

It was a lucky find - saw it in the back of BMWON magazine and it was owned by an aquaintance.

This thing will put a smile on anyones face! Granted it's not an all day ride or commuter, but I dare anyone to go out and ride some back roads for a few hours and not come back with a huge smile on their face!

For all the distance and daily stuff I'm happy with my GS.

[jackie]

If this attached correctly, it will show a photo of my GiGi on the far left, Leon's RT in the middle, and my uncle's Goldwing on the right. They are posing in front of the Canadian Rockies last July. :D

[RebeccaV]

Now THAT is a pretty picture! The Canadian Rockies rock. Thanks for sharing. :thumb

[BmwDuc]

Jackie, good color choice on the RT! I really enjoyed my '97 - was flawless for 48K miles.

Somewhere in West Virginia........

[censor46]

My name is Carroll Ensor. I am 49, and live in Maryland, North of Baltimore. Bought my first BMW in March of 03, and absolutely love the bike, which is a R1150RT. I took a 20 year leave of absence from motorcycling to do the family thing. Kids are pretty much grown and wife approves. She does ride with me, but only on shorter trips.
When I was a teenager my family was involved in Motorcycle racing. We participated in both Motocross, Dirt Track, and Enduro racing. My interest and passion for motorcycling never wained, but other obligations kept me from it.
A couple of years ago I was lusting for a Harley Road King, and actually came real close to purchasing one. My good friend Tim from Durango, CO suggested that at the very least I should test ride a Beemer. I took his advice and know I made the right choice. Both great machines, but vastly different in there characteristics. The BMW is more suited to my needs.
The first year I rode about 7,000 miles, and this year I put close to 9,000 on the RT. Mostly short trips, rallies and weekend get aways. I joined BMW Riders of DC (www.bmwbmw.org), and have really enjoyed making new friends, and riding with club members.
I really want to do a ride out West to visit my buddy in Durango this year. Thought I would ride out to Durango, then North to Yellowstone, the East to the Black Hills, and home. I figure on taking 15 to 18 days to do this trip. Any words of wisdom from the Long Distance Touring guru's would be appreciated. Hope to make a lot of new friends here.

Carroll

censor46@hotmail.com

2003 Silver R1150RT

[Cliffy777]

caroll - welcome aboard. if you search around the forum you will find some threads with traveling tips. nice to have you join us, looks like you have the biking/camping thing going strong.
jackie - many of use are eagerly awaiting the disappearnce of the ice!

[SheRidesABeemer]

Welcome censor46, may I offer BMW Motorcycle photography lesson#1,
the bike goes in front of the tent for picture taking purposes! Unless of course you are posting in the "What tent should I buy" thread! :p

[censor46]

Gail,
Thanks for the photo lesson, and the Welcome.

Carroll

[johnnyquest]

I said hello in the Kbike tech forum, but I reckon I should introduce myself here as well. I'm John, I'm 33 from Tucson AZ, an active duty member of the Arizona Air National Guard, and I'm a newbie in every sense of the word. I grew up around bikes but never bought one for various reasons until last year. I took the MSF beginner's rider course in September and bought my 1990 K75s in October after test riding a co-worker's 87 K75s. When I bought my bike it only had 19,400 miles on it. When I got home today I noticed it has 21,998 on it now. I've been on several local rides with friends and recently took the MSF experienced rider course since it was offered at my base for free. I'm looking forward to the roadrunner rally in Heber, AZ in May....my first motorcycle camping trip.

JQ

http://members.cox.net/johnnyquest71/P1010438.jpg

http://members.cox.net/johnnyquest71/P1010436.jpg

[jackie]

Wow! Very kewl bike and photos! Welcome! and thanks for sharing!

~jackie
'99 glacier green RT GiGi aka "PSYCHL"
PDX
well behaved women rarely make history...
Blue Knights Oregon I, IBA #16940

[John Ephlin]

My name is John Ephlin, I live in Los Lunas New Mexico, have lived here for about 13 years, prior to that I lived in Las Vegas Nevada for 23 years. Baught my first bike in 1947, an 80CI flat head harley 1938 model. kept it for 3 days the 3rd dime it put me in the celing of the garage (kick back) I traded it for a 21CIIndian scout. I spent 20 years in the Air Force and 20 years at Titanium Metals Corp of America in Henderson Nevada, retired from there in 1990 and moved to New Mexico in 1992, couldn't stand the heat in Nevada any longer. I have had so many bikes I can't remember them all, at one time I had 13 of all kinds. My present rides are an 03 F650GS and an 05 ST1300, and will go for a ride at the drop of a hat.

[wvcajun]

My name is Matthew Guidry and I am 29y.o. I currently live in West BY GOD Virginia, but I was born and raised in Lafayette, LA. I have wanted a BMW motorcycle since I was about 10 y.o. when I learned that they had a drive shaft. I thought that was the coolest thing. School and work and life got in the way until we moved to Charleston. I figured out that WV is a great place to ride a motorcycle and I needed a BMW. Once I learned about the BMW culture and how you guys(now me too) really RIDE, I had to get my own. I decided that getting a bike from the year of my birth (1975) would be great, but I ended up with a 1977 R100RS instead. I feel I have fully indoctrinated myself into the BMW fold by attending several rallies including the Finger Lakes and the VIntage Days last year. I have met some great people, many who are now good friends. The only bad thing about living WV is that I am relatively isolated from other riders and clubs. Check out the pictures and let me know what you think. I send another picture of me with my girl next.


Matthew Guidry
'wvcajun'

[wvcajun]

I think this one was taken when I was leaving for the BMW riders Campout at the Laurel Highlands.

MG

[SNC1923]

Hey Matthew,

Sweet ride--and you look good on it, too. Send us some images in a ride report and let us all see how good that WV riding is.

[Cliffy777]

you look ready for bear. nice scoot. we want to see a big beemer smile in future pics!

[wvcajun]

I don't know exactly what a big beemer smile looks like. I was trying to go for that "I'm a BAD mamma jamma, don't mess with me" face.
I would be happy to provide ride reports for the rallies I attend this season. I only started last summer with the rally thing because I bought that(my first) bike in Oct 03. I realize now that I didn't take nearly enough photos of rides, rallies, scenery, people, or bikes. This summer, it is my mission to get something (photo, story, letter) in the ON.

MG

[BubbaZanetti]

i can't believe i never posted in here, sorry about that!


so it was a quiet day in downtown boston on April 28th, 2004. I was working a Celtics playoff game and they were down 0-3 to the Pacers in the first round, so it was one of those lazy days where you knew you were done at the Fleet Center for the season. I took a walk over the 7/11 after setting the mics and picked up a want advertiser. fortune was smiling on me for in that want ad was the key to my happiness. you see, for about a month prior to this, i'd been fiddling with a 1980 CB750F ($420 on ebay, needs "minor work"):

http://www.retr0.com/dkhirons/img_0634.jpg


well, that minor work turned out to be 2 cylinders w/no compression and some burned valves. i never really felt good about the bike and i just wanted something cheap to get started with (this was my first motorcycle, i'd had a 63 vespa back in high school, but you know........). anyway, i'd always loved the look of the airheads, but felt a bmw was out of my price range at the time

till i picked up that want ad!

1984 R100, runs great, needs cosmetics:

http://www.retr0.com/dkhirons/IMG_0777.JPG

cosmetics for sure! but it did run nicely, even if the starter button was missing and i had to rub a wire on the handlebar for a week (not to mention i HAD to get rid of those attrocious handlebars) anyway, $1500 bucks and i had a running bike who's only immediate concern was it's front tire, which i quickly replaced. over the course of the summer i also put bar ends on my new /5 euro bars, dismantled and cleanded the carbs, painted the frame and engine and did various other mechanical things in preperation for THE BIG TRIP.

a friend of mine had recently purchased his first bike as well, a 2001 ducati 750SS and we'd been talking about taking an extended cross country trip. so thats what we did, i quit my job and headed west, hoping to find some place i liked enough to settle out there, details here : http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3947&highlight=boston+seattle

greetings from new mexico, my spaceship is parked over that hill:

http://www.retr0.com/dkhirons/R100.jpg

well, long story short, after 2 months of riding, i hurt myself bad enough to warrant going back home for possible surgery/rehab (dont' worry, i didn't do it on the bike) got home and realized the move out west wasn't gonna happen and managed, somehow to get my old job back. i thought about my airhead, and the good possibility i'd never see it again. so i took the no money i had and bought a 99 R1100S:

http://www.retr0.com/dkhirons/R1100S.jpg

i managed to sell the airhead to my friend on the west coast who was holding it for me for an even sweeter deal than i got it for (it badly needed the top end re-done, the exhaust valves were hurting by the end of the trip) so now i've got my oilhead and the world is at peace w/itself

bio: my name is derek hirons, i'm 24 and have been motorcycling for a little less than a year. i work in the educational field as an A/V tech/part time unofficial audio professor, i also do sports tv audio freelancing on the side. i have no kids, no wife, no dog and no comitments, aside from spending all my money on motorcycle related stuff and having fun. defenetly refusing to grow up, hahah :drink

[kbasa]

Derek,

You, Chace and your peers are the future of BMW motorcycling and it makes me smile to consider that.

:thumb

Dave

[BubbaZanetti]

Thanks Dave!

i may actually get to meet Chace for the first time tonight, she just got back from D-land..............

[MoroCycler]

Hi Im MoroCycler, here´s a pic of my noble GSA over the mountains near Guadalajara.

www.morocycler.smugmug.com/gallery/383741/1/15698130

I just bought a new RT and am anxious to ride it, in 30 minutes more I will pick it up.
Yeah :clap

[Cliffy777]

nice pictures. very nice pictures. welcome to the funhouse.

[kbasa]

Eeeeeeexcellent!

http://morocycler.smugmug.com/photos/15698133-M.jpg

[BradfordBenn]

Coooooooolllll :thumb

[bwright]

I've been riding for 35 or my nearly 50 years, mostly sport and road racing. Took up sport touring 3 years ago and ride about 20k per year with about half of that 2-up with my SO, the Amazing SheLaLa. I collect maps, books, motorcycles, and memories. Currently serving as VP for the Greater Cincinnati BMW Club, Charter #18 and am responsible for leading the monthly club rides. Really enjoy this organization, the people, and the functions. Rapidly turning into a "Rally Rat" tempered only by the recent arrival of my first grandson and newest hobby, Ben. Ride an '03 1150RT tricked out for long distance and endurance riding. Hope to see more of you 'out there' this season or at Georgia Mtn next month. L8R

[TBonesR1100]

Hi All:
I finally succumbed to my annual, late winter "I think I need a new bike" bug and bought a new '04 R1100SA - Pacific Blue Metallic...Great time to buy, bad time ride as we (here in SW Connecticut) experienced a few more significant snow storms...I was found by my wife, on more than one occasion, in the garage staring at it and otherwise giving it a good look...She called me a freak and went back to bed...Won't be the last time...anyway, obsessive sounds better than freak...

The beemer is my 12th bike since I began riding, almost 30 years ago...During that time I've had all japanese bikes - various dirt bikes and an array of rice rockets - some remarkable and collectible, others not so much...I still wanted a sport bike but required comfort, shaft drive and an otherwise reduced amount of upkeep...I also wanted a unique bike, which most jap bikes are not...I looked at Ducatis, Guzzis, Triumphs and even contemplated Harleys and continuing my pattern of asian bikes...The price flexibility and the BMW financing deal was way too good to pass up...I'm hooked...totally!

Motorcyclists are definitely a tight knit group, regardless of the name on the tank, but I've found BMWMO a pretty friendly bunch and also, as a new member of the BMWMOA, always ready to help out with questions (the Anonymous Book is awesome!).

Anyone looking to go for a ride in SW CT, send me a mail!

T

[Cliffy777]

okay t-bones. sounds like you made a nice bike selection, but you know what a demanding bunch we are around here. we want pics. what color is it? didja get the 5 months with bmw making your payments deal? (i bought the snow queen with the same enticement. nice to ride for a few months, make no payments and still watch as the balance due on the bike goes down....)
welcome to what has become my favorite place on the internet.

[TBonesR1100]

I got the Pacific Blue Metallic...And yes, I scored the 0.9%, 5 free payments deal...I was going to pay cash (raised from the liquidation of a couple of rice rockets) but thought - put the dough in a money market at 2.50% and have a cost of funds on 0.9%...I'll upload a photo soon...I need to compress the one's I have as they get kicked back...My Staintune pipes and system bags go on as soon as I hit the 600 mile mark...which means soon...

[BubbaZanetti]

another S guy in new england - always a good thing :)

[jmerlino]

How did I miss this thread?

Okay, my name is Joe Merlino. I live in Boston. I'm a technical writer/author of computer books (look me up on Amazon if you want to see some of the stuff I've written). I'm 39 years old, and I've been riding since last July. I've wanted a motorcycle since forever. For years, I didn't have the money, and then when I did, I'd gone and gotten myself married. The wife didn't want me to get one at first. Some nonsense about not wanting me to die. :dunno

For some reason she had a change of heart last year. I dunno. Maybe she took out a big life insurance policy on me or something. Anyway, after doing some reasearch, I decided that the best bike for me to start on would be an F650. So I got one. Rode it all last season. Had a lot of fun, but ultimately decided it wasn't the bike for me.

For reasons of budget and practicality, decided to go with an airhead. Have had possesion of an '82 R100 for a couple of weeks now. I'm loving the hell out of it. This bike seems to suit me better than the F did. Now if I can just manage to sell the F.

The R100 needs some work. I don't think there's anything major wrong with it. It runs fine. It's got some rusty bits, and some pits in the paint that I'd like to fix. (Anybody know where I could get my tank repainted in the Boston area?). It could use new tailpipes and handlebars (rusty chrome looks horrible). I'd like to get it into really nice shape, and make it last for some time.

Last year, I joined the Yankee Beemers. Didn't make it to any rallies, but I should make at least one or two this year. Did a couple of rides with them, and that was a lot of fun. However, given my dietary restrictions at this time, it can be awfully hard to ride with a group whose motto is "Ride to eat/Eat to ride". :(

[terham]

Well here goes.

My name is Terence and I like candlelit dinners, moonlit walks on the beach...oops, wrong forum.

I'm relatively new to the this site and I thought I'd post. I currently have a '71 R75/5 and an '87 K100RS. I bought the /5 in '78 when I was fresh out of college - one of the smartest things I did. I bought it from the original owner who didn't ride much, so I gladly took it off his hands. It now has 89K miles on it, most of which were put on in the early years that I owned it - what I refer to as my single, carefree days. Grad school, marriage and children prevented me from riding as much as I'd like, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel. My children are older now and I have a little more free time so last year I bought the K bike. I've always wanted a "stable" of bikes so I'd have to decide which one to ride on any given day. My decision is pretty easy right now, but I'm hoping to make it harder.

I used to do a lot of touring on the /5, mostly from New England to Fla on the east coast, but now I mostly do short solo rides for pleasure. This winter I removed the Wixom fairing and US bars from the /5 and put on Euro bars. I added saddlebags to the K, so now I guess I have two sport tourers.

I'm not sure how to post pictures yet, but here's a link to my bike pictures, for those that like pictures as much as I do. Hope it works.
http://terham.smugmug.com

[Bob_M]

Welcome to the forum. Those are two great looking bikes. I had a 71 R75/5 (with the same big tank, only white) back in the day... I saw it a few months ago and the owner let it go to hell, I shoulda kept it. Anyway here's to ya. :drink

[Cliffy777]

nice looking stable terrance - of course i am biased in favor of bikes that are black and white....welcome to the monkey house dude.

[kbasa]

Neato!

http://terham.smugmug.com/photos/19989376-M.jpg

http://terham.smugmug.com/photos/19988865-M.jpg

Welcome aboard!

[BradfordBenn]

Welcome Terrence. Nice looking bikes.

[SheRidesABeemer]

I'm impressed, he posted in the right place, made a funny joke and posted pics all in the same note. A round of applause, free drinks on Brad!

[jmerlino]

Oh, so it's porn you want, eh?

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2541&stc=1

[Honu]

Wow, it was great reading through everyone's stories. What an excellent group of folks.

As for me... My name is Kylinn. I'm a 32 year old professional female person. I am single, no kids, never been married and loving it. I grew up in and around Oakhurst California, where some of my family still resides. I currently live in Oregon and own a beautiful (if I may say so) R1100S. I started on a Honda 50 when I was about 9 years old, rode a bunch of other dirt bikes after that. I started with riding my dad's street bikes when I was 16. He was a great teacher, and continues to be a wonderful person to ride with. (Actually he's a wonderful person in general) Both of my sisters and both of my brothers ride too, although it's far too seldom that we have the opportunity to ride together.

I'm new to the BMW community, but my father has had beemers for as long as I can remember, and I have always loved them.

It is my forthright intention to purchace a digital camera, with which I can send many little pixels to all of your computers that visually represent the fantastic places that I have been riding lately. Unfortunately I have no camera currently and I'm not up to the thousand word thing so.
Thats all. :wave

[jmerlino]

More bike porn:

[jmerlino]

And more:

[BradfordBenn]

We will let you pass until you get the digital camera, then we want photos. There is even a thread on the forum debating what digital camera to get. (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4451&highlight=camera)

[jmerlino]

We will let you pass until you get the digital camera, then we want photos. There is even a thread on the forum debating what digital camera to get. (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4451&highlight=camera)

Who are you talking to? Kylinn?

[BradfordBenn]

Who are you talking to? Kylinn?

Yup. Sorry I hit reply on the 6th page...

[jmerlino]

Yup. Sorry I hit reply on the 6th page...

Okay. I was confused. Cause I have a camera.

[BradfordBenn]

Well just to completely confuse you, howdy Joe, nice fotos.

[Honu]

We will let you pass until you get the digital camera, then we want photos. There is even a thread on the forum debating what digital camera to get. (http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4451&highlight=camera)

Thanks BradfordBenn, the information was much appreciated. I'm off to check out dpreview and will probably have a one by next week. Then, I imagine there are also threads that address putting pictures on the forum. I might be back to ask for more advice at that time.

I was really impressed by some of the pictures on the recommended thread, I'm inspired to try it out. (Today's ride was breathtaking, I wish I could have shared some of it with you all.) :p

[TBonesR1100]

Almost ready for the 600 mile doctor's visit...

[TBonesR1100]

Finally got it into a form that will upload...