I'm Going to be an Airhead!

[From MARS]

Finally! It looks like all the ducks are in a row. I'll be riding my '03 K12RS to CO this Thursday to trade for a '93 R100GSPD. We were supposed to do the deal last weekend, but the current owner (since '93) wanted to take one last ride, and he crashed. Nothing serious, but it did break both turn signals and a hand guard which have now been replaced.

I have been following this sub-forum for quite awhile, and I look forward to being a fellow airhead.

Tom

[Boxerkuh]

Welcome, and do the join our Airhead club, too. You will have a sweet ride with a 93 R100 GS.

[From MARS]

Welcome, and do the join our Airhead club, too. You will have a sweet ride with a 93 R100 GS.

Definitely plan on joining the club! Thanks for the affirmation of my decision.

Tom

[yrfuneralmytrial]

Congrats! Just got one myself (R75/6) and am more excited than I've been since re-entering motorcycling 8 years ago.

[James.A]

As new entrants to the airhead world, plan on spending a year of discovery. After that, plan on spending a year or two getting all the bugs worked out.

We have arrived at the place where you will either buy an airhead from a solid, knowledgable owner (and pay the price) or a complete dumb-ass, or worse, a pirate, only you can judge. A great many people are now selling Dad's or Grandpas's bikes. Buyer beware.

[RJM2096]

When do we get pictures?

[From MARS]

As new entrants to the airhead world, plan on spending a year of discovery. After that, plan on spending a year or two getting all the bugs worked out.

We have arrived at the place where you will either buy an airhead from a solid, knowledgable owner (and pay the price) or a complete dumb-ass, or worse, a pirate, only you can judge. A great many people are now selling Dad's or Grandpas's bikes. Buyer beware.

I hope you, and others like you, don't find my "discovery" period annoying. I have no doubt there will be questions I need answers to. Hopefully, since the bike is frequently ridden by her current owner, there won't be too many bugs to work out, but I do know of a few upgrades I'll want to make.

I'll get pics posted as soon as I get back from CO with the signed title. I can tell you that, if I add something blue, she'd be very patriotic. No, wait! She does have a blue shock. She's already patriotic.:usa

Tom

[bobh41]

I hope you, and others like you, don't find my "discovery" period annoying.

I'll take the risk of assuming I can speak for most if not all Airheads present: We appreciate your investment in the truly enlightened group within this forum, and welcome any and all questions, complaints and discoveries. We take vicarious pleasure in your experience. Write on!

[fabiox]

How was the deal? you trade a 03 K for a GS 93
Give us more detail
that is interesting.....:lurk

[From MARS]

How was the deal? you trade a 03 K for a GS 93
Give us more detail
that is interesting.....:lurk

Let me start by saying, "I love my K!" It is fast, smooth, and has proven quite reliable over the last 1 1/2 yrs I've owned it. We have covered over 20K miles together and had some great adventures. But, there were many times that I'd see a road that looked really interesting only it would not be paved. Riding a K12RS on gravel really increases the "pucker" factor, so I wanted a bike that would allow for more exploring with less worry. Plus, I live 150 mi from the nearest dealer and wanted a "simple" machine that I could comfortably work on. So, I offered to trade it (in the Flea Mkt) for something that was more versatile.

The current owner of the GSPD contacted me and sent pictures of the bike. It fit most of my requirements to a "T". The seat height was a concern due to my 30 in. inseam, but he also has a 30 in. inseam and hadn't run into any problems during the 15 yrs he has ridden the bike. I figure if he can do it, I can. After all, I am 16 yrs younger than he.

The "deal" allows both of us to realize fair market value for our respective rides. He gives me his bike and some cash, and I give him mine. Now, all I need is to have the weather and work cooperate so I can ride the 300 miles over to make the exchange.

Tom

[James.A]

I hope you, and others like you, don't find my "discovery" period annoying. I have no doubt there will be questions I need answers to. Hopefully, since the bike is frequently ridden by her current owner, there won't be too many bugs to work out, but I do know of a few upgrades I'll want to make.

Tom
Sorry if I came off sounding like a prick. Personally, I like it whenever a rider joins our little sub-culture. Sometimes I let a question slide if it concerns a bike that I have no experience with. Still, I'm happy to offer my take on technical and other questions whenever it seems helpful. I hope you enjoy your airhead ownership. I consider a bike that is riddden regularly to be the ideal acquisition. Bikes that are little used or neglected seem to take longer and inflict greater expense to get 'em right.

[From MARS]

Sorry if I came off sounding like a prick. Personally, I like it whenever a rider joins our little sub-culture. Sometimes I let a question slide if it concerns a bike that I have no experience with. Still, I'm happy to offer my take on technical and other questions whenever it seems helpful. I hope you enjoy your airhead ownership. I consider a bike that is riddden regularly to be the ideal acquisition. Bikes that are little used or neglected seem to take longer and inflict greater expense to get 'em right.

You didn't come off like a prick. I was warning you guys that "there's another noobie in the house" with what I am sure are the same questions and observations that have been expressed by those that came before.

I visited the Airhead compound at both the West Bend and Gillette rallies. Joining such a sub-culture looks like a heck of a lot of fun.

I agree with the "use it or lose it" point of view. Bikes don't die from over use; they die from neglect.

Tom

[boxerr]

I have a 1990 R100GSPD, and love it. You wont regret it. :dance

Also have a look at old skool over on advrider.com.
A wealth of Airhead info there.

And, as stated, pics please. :thumb

[From MARS]

I have a 1990 R100GSPD, and love it. You wont regret it. :dance

Also have a look at old skool over on advrider.com.
A wealth of Airhead info there.

And, as stated, pics please. :thumb

I have heard about "old skool", but haven't been there, yet. Work and weather (mainly work) have kept me from going over to get the bike, but this weekend is looking good. As soon as I have it in my possession, I'll post pics. I think you are a day ahead of me down under, so you'll probably have them before I do.:laugh

Tom

[NavyCWO]

I have a Bermuda Blue with yellow trim 1991 R100GS and love it. You will come to love yours also! I too have a 30" inseam. I've gotten used to the sorta "tall in the saddle" ride.

[From MARS]

I have a Bermuda Blue with yellow trim 1991 R100GS and love it. You will come to love yours also! I too have a 30" inseam. I've gotten used to the sorta "tall in the saddle" ride.

Maybe we'll have to start a sub-culture within a sub-culture; "Short People On Airheads".:usa

I don't doubt that the bike is going to be a totally different ride from my current K which I am able to flatfoot. But I understand, when riding off pavement, one should keep one's feet on the footrest and not put them down for balance. That should be easy to learn if I can't reach the ground.:thumb

Tom

[bikerfish1100]

Tom- where (& when) in CO are you going for the bike? you know you have a place to stay overnight (or 2) if you're in our neck of the woods- er, mountains.
Interesting that you're getting a GSPD- i just bought an un-pristine 120K mile '88GS yesterday. the yahoo i got it from was running ME880s on it, so my off-road adventures will have to wait until i burn off these sneakers. thankfully, i have a 60+ mile round trip commute to work, so that should speed things up a bit.

(yeah guys, i'll post pics, but I want to give it a bath and tidy some things up first)

nice move buddy, i think you'll be real happy with the GS:thumb . just be aware, it's not the silken motor of your KRS. keep the revs up, and she'll be happy.

[From MARS]

Tom- where (& when) in CO are you going for the bike? you know you have a place to stay overnight (or 2) if you're in our neck of the woods- er, mountains.
Interesting that you're getting a GSPD- i just bought an un-pristine 120K mile '88GS yesterday. the yahoo i got it from was running ME880s on it, so my off-road adventures will have to wait until i burn off these sneakers. thankfully, i have a 60+ mile round trip commute to work, so that should speed things up a bit.

(yeah guys, i'll post pics, but I want to give it a bath and tidy some things up first)

nice move buddy, i think you'll be real happy with the GS:thumb . just be aware, it's not the silken motor of your KRS. keep the revs up, and she'll be happy.

The bike is in La Junta and I'll be leaving this afternoon (Friday). Its about 400mi (8hrs) over from here, so I want to get some of it behind me today, make the exchange tomorrow, and be home by Sunday evening. Thanks for the invite to stay at your place, but duty calls. I really should be back to work on Monday.

My "yahoo" seems to have done a great job of taking care of this one. He rides it frequently; still it only has 29K on the clock. Upgrades include Works shock and Progressive springs. Tires are Avon Gripsters. It has enough road dings to where I won't feel so bad when I drop it.

Nothing would provide the smooth operation of the KRS but another K. This will be my first "boxer" bike, so I expect to have some learning curve as to where she likes to operate. Every bike is a compromise, but given what this one is capable of doing, versus the K, its a compromise I am willing, make that eager, to live with.

We'll have to do a little exploring together once I get my "dirt legs" and you get new tires.

Tom

[bikerfish1100]

ah, you'll be nearly as far south of me in LaJunta as you'll be west of home, so no point coming up on this trip.
be aware of our weather- hi's today in low 40s, but back to 50's tomorrow, and 60's for Sunday. probably a tad warmer down in the south of the state.

you should plan on coming out to TOR in Paonia next July.

[From MARS]

ah, you'll be nearly as far south of me in LaJunta as you'll be west of home, so no point coming up on this trip.
be aware of our weather- hi's today in low 40s, but back to 50's tomorrow, and 60's for Sunday. probably a tad warmer down in the south of the state.

you should plan on coming out to TOR in Paonia next July.

The low temps don't bother me too much; heated gear. But, today's forecast calls for me to be riding in 40-50mph cross winds. That'll keep me on my toes!

I wanted to do the TOR this year, but after a week on the road going to Gillette, home was calling. Maybe next year. 'course you never know where or when I might show up someplace. I get a lot of "wild hairs", or is that "hair brained", ideas.:dunno

Tom

[lineman126]

Congrats on your airhead! A GSPD to boot. Lucky you. I will hopefully purchase one in a year or two. I just got my first airhead a couple months ago. A 76 R60/6 with a sputnik aide car and I love it. It is really easy to work on and a joy to be able to maintain your own ride. Have a safe journey. I too am looking forward to the pics.:lurk

[bikerfish1100]

45-50? not too bad. but if you don't like that, be sure to avoid Berthoud Pass (you will, it's just west of Denver)- they were recording wind speeds of 100 (yes, one hundred) mph through there yesterday. i think they said something about "blowing snow". that would be a big DUH, don't ya think?
i came home in stuff around 30-40 yesterday, and other than the effort required to hang onto the grips due to the upright posture from the GS, it wasn't too bad.

[The_Veg]

Tom, check out the forum over at Boxerworks.com too. It's a crazy, unmoderated bunch of sillyness but it's all about airheads and there's some really good stuff there.
Plus the Boxerworks forum gang have a really fun little un-rally down in Oklahoma twice a year. :D

[From MARS]

I'm back from CO, and as promised, here is the first pic.

I have never named a bike before, but this one screams to be called, "Cliche". For instance, it was "Love at first sight". I pulled up in the PO's driveway and climbed off the K. He met me before I had all the gear off. We went into the house, I met his wife, and then, we walked out into the garage. My first glimpse convinced me that I was going through with the deal.

Hence, the second cliche, "Love is blind". I didn't stop to really examine the bike. Hell, I didn't even ride it before I signed the title of the K over to him. I wanted this bike, and figured that if it was being ridden regularly, I could make it home. There would be plenty of time to look it over closely.

The third cliche that is so appropriate is the one about "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread".He wrote me the check and signed his title. I transfered my stuff to my new saddlebags and tank bag, tied on the road bag which holds my camping stuff and a small air compressor, got directions to the nearest road out of town, and lit off for home.

I was plugged in and really enjoying the first ride. I stopped about 30 miles away and called the SO to tell her I was heading home and gave her my approximate route; Hwy 96 across CO to KS. At about 80 miles into the ride, I noticed that the heated gear wasn't quite as warm as before. "No big deal" is the cliche I attached to this. At 90 miles, the tach quit working. The engine started missing at 100, and at 103 miles into the trip, I had time to take a really good look at the bike 'cause the engine quit.

It didn't take long to figure out that there was a charging problem. The charging light wasn't on, the battery was dead, I was 2 miles from the town of Towner, CO. And, it was about an hour to sunset. Now Towner is known for an incident that happened awhile back in which some children caught on a school bus died in a snow storm. Now it wasn't cold enough to freeze to death, but it wasn't warm either. Here comes the cliche, "I was in deep ****".

So I did what every hardened touring rider would do, I pulled out the cell phone and called the PO. He has a trailer. After his agreeing to come and get me, I prepared to wait with the bike. "Help is on the way". That's what I told the numerous locals that stopped to render aid. They offered to let me wait in their homes. They offered the church basement for camping. ("Its always unlocked") Some of them came by more than once, and they stopped each time to offer comfort and warmth. And every time, I uttered the same response, "Help is on the way."

Between visits, I looked at details on the bike. I noticed that the plastic fairing piece in front of the engine must have been damaged when the PO crashed just before we did the deal. And, the right side engine guard was pushed back into the cylinder head, but I was able to move it. Other than that, the bike looked good. Except for the little problem that it wasn't running, the bike was overall in great shape. It even had a new battery!

DUH! I remembered him telling me about putting in a new battery 'cause "the old one wouldn't stay charged." Now, I think I know why. I've read about these things, you know.

I was still hooked on the bike, though. I could use all kinds of cliches here. 'It purred like a kitten" (when it was running). It had the "agility of a cat" (again, when it was running) Just sitting there, it looked "ready for anything" (even though it wasn't running) So, when the PO arrived with the trailer about an hour after sundown and asked me if I wanted out of the deal, I said, "No way. We'll just figure out what's wrong, and fix it." We loaded the bike and started for home.

"Everything happens for a reason." That's the cliche that I'll apply here. I got to meet Paul Swenson. I think that's how you spell his name. If its not, I hope someone will correct me. But, he saved my bacon. The PO called Paul to ask about our problem. He told us that we needed a rotor, and he had one in his shop in Colorado Springs. If we could be there by 10AM Sunday morning, he would help us put it on. We were, and I changed my first rotor under his direction. Nothing like having a "guru" give you hands on training. I took the opportunity to have him give the bike a quick once over, and to question him about a low speed shimmy when turning; head bearings too loose. He showed me what to adjust and how they should feel when properly adjusted, but he didn't have the time to adjust them before my ride. In just over an hour, I was ready to start the ride home, again.

I rode Hwy 96 across CO. What a beautiful setting to get to know the bike! Open, empty countryside surrounded us. There was very little traffic. The temp had climbed into the 60's and there was no wind. All I had to do was set the throttlemeister and listen to the sound of two cylinders purr at different pitches as we alternated between gentle climbs followed by equally gentle downhill glides. It was pure Heaven.

I won't bore you with details of the rest of the trip. Needless to say, I couldn't stop grinning. I did stop at the Kansas Motorcycle Museum in Marquette, KS for a visit, but since I was geared up for the cold, I didn't stay too long. When I was about 100 miles from home, I left the highway and continued East on whatever road was going that way. Some parts were paved, but when the sign said "pavement ends", I just kept going. What freedom! Even the two track dirt roads were no problem for a rookie on this bike. WOW!

So, I'm home, and I have my airhead. All is right with the world. Sure, I have my list of things to do; new cables, adjust the head bearing, and change the handlebar position a bit, but mostly I just want to tinker. I love my Airhead!

See why I just have to call her "Cliche"?

Tom

[jdmetzger]

I'm back from CO, and as promised, here is the first pic.

I have never named a bike before, but this one screams to be called, "Cliche". For instance, it was "Love at first sight". I pulled up in the PO's driveway and climbed off the K. He met me before I had all the gear off. We went into the house, I met his wife, and then, we walked out into the garage. My first glimpse convinced me that I was going through with the deal.

Hence, the second cliche, "Love is blind". I didn't stop to really examine the bike. Hell, I didn't even ride it before I signed the title of the K over to him. I wanted this bike, and figured that if it was being ridden regularly, I could make it home. There would be plenty of time to look it over closely.

The third cliche that is so appropriate is the one about "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread".He wrote me the check and signed his title. I transfered my stuff to my new saddlebags and tank bag, tied on the road bag which holds my camping stuff and a small air compressor, got directions to the nearest road out of town, and lit off for home.

I was plugged in and really enjoying the first ride. I stopped about 30 miles away and called the SO to tell her I was heading home and gave her my approximate route; Hwy 96 across CO to KS. At about 80 miles into the ride, I noticed that the heated gear wasn't quite as warm as before. "No big deal" is the cliche I attached to this. At 90 miles, the tach quit working. The engine started missing at 100, and at 103 miles into the trip, I had time to take a really good look at the bike 'cause the engine quit.

It didn't take long to figure out that there was a charging problem. The charging light wasn't on, the battery was dead, I was 2 miles from the town of Towner, CO. And, it was about an hour to sunset. Now Towner is known for an incident that happened awhile back in which some children caught on a school bus died in a snow storm. Now it wasn't cold enough to freeze to death, but it wasn't warm either. Here comes the cliche, "I was in deep ****".

So I did what every hardened touring rider would do, I pulled out the cell phone and called the PO. He has a trailer. After his agreeing to come and get me, I prepared to wait with the bike. "Help is on the way". That's what I told the numerous locals that stopped to render aid. They offered to let me wait in their homes. They offered the church basement for camping. ("Its always unlocked") Some of them came by more than once, and they stopped each time to offer comfort and warmth. And every time, I uttered the same response, "Help is on the way."

Between visits, I looked at details on the bike. I noticed that the plastic fairing piece in front of the engine must have been damaged when the PO crashed just before we did the deal. And, the right side engine guard was pushed back into the cylinder head, but I was able to move it. Other than that, the bike looked good. Except for the little problem that it wasn't running, the bike was overall in great shape. It even had a new battery!

DUH! I remembered him telling me about putting in a new battery 'cause "the old one wouldn't stay charged." Now, I think I know why. I've read about these things, you know.

I was still hooked on the bike, though. I could use all kinds of cliches here. 'It purred like a kitten" (when it was running). It had the "agility of a cat" (again, when it was running) Just sitting there, it looked "ready for anything" (even though it wasn't running) So, when the PO arrived with the trailer about an hour after sundown and asked me if I wanted out of the deal, I said, "No way. We'll just figure out what's wrong, and fix it." We loaded the bike and started for home.

"Everything happens for a reason." That's the cliche that I'll apply here. I got to meet Paul Swenson. I think that's how you spell his name. If its not, I hope someone will correct me. But, he saved my bacon. The PO called Paul to ask about our problem. He told us that we needed a rotor, and he had one in his shop in Colorado Springs. If we could be there by 10AM Sunday morning, he would help us put it on. We were, and I changed my first rotor under his direction. Nothing like having a "guru" give you hands on training. I took the opportunity to have him give the bike a quick once over, and to question him about a low speed shimmy when turning; head bearings too loose. He showed me what to adjust and how they should feel when properly adjusted, but he didn't have the time to adjust them before my ride. In just over an hour, I was ready to start the ride home, again.

I rode Hwy 96 across CO. What a beautiful setting to get to know the bike! Open, empty countryside surrounded us. There was very little traffic. The temp had climbed into the 60's and there was no wind. All I had to do was set the throttlemaster and listen to the sound of two cylinders purr at different pitches as we alternated between gentle climbs followed by equally gentle downhill glides. It was pure Heaven.

I won't bore you with details of the rest of the trip. Needless to say, I couldn't stop grinning. I did stop at the Kansas Motorcycle Museum in Marquette, KS for a visit, but since I was geared up for the cold, I didn't stay too long. When I was about 100 miles from home, I left the highway and continued East on whatever road was going that way. Some parts were paved, but when the sign said "pavement ends", I just kept going. What freedom! Even the two track dirt roads were no problem for a rookie on this bike. WOW!

So, I'm home, and I have my airhead. All is right with the world. Sure, I have my list of things to do; new cables, adjust the head bearing, and change the handlebar position a bit, but mostly I just want to tinker. I love my Airhead!

See why I just have to call her "Cliche"?

Tom

Glad to hear you made it back, Tom! That's a nice looking Airhead you have there, though I might be a bit biased. :)

Enjoy!!

[From MARS]

Glad to hear you made it back, Tom! That's a nice looking Airhead you have there, though I might be a bit biased. :)

Enjoy!!

I've always liked the look of your bike, too. I am definitely going to enjoy my Cliche.

Tom

[boxerr]

Glad to see it all ended well.
Very addictive bike arent they:D
Get yourself a good w/shop manual, and go for it.

[From MARS]

Glad to see it all ended well.
Very addictive bike arent they:D
Get yourself a good w/shop manual, and go for it.

Yes, they are addictive! I've become a total Airhead!

It is 58 degrees and sunny here today. I couldn't get much done at work with the holiday coming and all. So, I took Cliche out for a little spin accompanied by a buddy on his KLR650. He didn't feel like working either.

Its five miles of pavement to the first rock roads. One goes North and the other goes South. We went North 'cause its less traveled, and we wanted to make a big loop without having to hit the pavement.

At the first stop, I realized that I had forgotten my smokes and my cell phone; both of which I can live without. We rode some freshly graded crushed limestone until we found a minimum maintenance road going our way. It felt good to get off those rocks and onto some packed dirt/grass, let me tell you! So, we start following this "road" that becomes a track and then a washed out trail. We're bouncing along, trying to stay out of the deep washed out ruts, when we come to some mud holes. I find myself slipping and sliding in the ruts in the mud and loving it. Hell, a little twist on throttle, and Cliche climbed right out of the mud with me still attached. It was amazing. Trust me when I tell you it wasn't my skill that kept me upright, but the bike performed beautifully.

A short distance, maybe a mile, down the road, we came to a steep, rock covered downhill. On the way down the hill, I noticed the throttle wasn't working properly. At the bottom we stopped before crossing a little creek so I could investigate the problem. It didn't take long to find that the screw holding the throttle gears had loosened, and I was just twisting the handle to no effect. So, I whipped out the tool kit and made the repairs; thanks to having read about changing cables on the Airheads website. (I've joined, BTW) After a short, smokeless break, we finished the ride home.


I am so impressed with the forgiving nature of this bike. There was a time I was thinking about lowering it, but not any more. I wish I had some pics for you. I promise I'll ride this one again, and I will remember the camera next time.

I guess I'll have to start another thread 'cause the title of this one doesn't fit anymore. I'm not going to be an Airhead; I are one!

Tom

[107945]

Thank you for making this statement as I would never understand giving up a K12RS for anything I do however completly understand your disire for some back roads. I would have to add the air head as i went the other way a cuople of years ago Sold my R100/7 and bought the K; 20 years newer, 10K less miles and cost less than $1k to do the deal; can't beat that . I miss the R100 but will never give up the k performance and comfort.:violin

Let me start by saying, "I love my K!" It is fast, smooth, and has proven quite reliable over the last 1 1/2 yrs I've owned it. We have covered over 20K miles together and had some great adventures. But, there were many times that I'd see a road that looked really interesting only it would not be paved. Riding a K12RS on gravel really increases the "pucker" factor, so I wanted a bike that would allow for more exploring with less worry. Plus, I live 150 mi from the nearest dealer and wanted a "simple" machine that I could comfortably work on. So, I offered to trade it (in the Flea Mkt) for something that was more versatile.

The current owner of the GSPD contacted me and sent pictures of the bike. It fit most of my requirements to a "T". The seat height was a concern due to my 30 in. inseam, but he also has a 30 in. inseam and hadn't run into any problems during the 15 yrs he has ridden the bike. I figure if he can do it, I can. After all, I am 16 yrs younger than he.

The "deal" allows both of us to realize fair market value for our respective rides. He gives me his bike and some cash, and I give him mine. Now, all I need is to have the weather and work cooperate so I can ride the 300 miles over to make the exchange.

Tom