How old were you when you bought your first BMW? [Archive]

BMWGypsy

06-26-2003, 04:01 PM

Originally posted by KBasa
Yeah, but when did you buy a Beemer?

:dunno

After 3 or 4 months (okay, there was that obligatory New England PMS season in there; poor garaged bike) and 7-8,000 miles of riding on the Honda, I got me first beemer. That was 1994, I was 27, and the bike was a 1976 R75/6 - white with black pinstripes and the large tank with the knee protectors on it. That bike got some great mods to it. R90S fairing, front-end with dual disk brakes and aluminum signal housings. I still have right of first refusal if the woman I sold it to should ever decide to part with it. Broke my heart to sell that bike, but I outgrew it's riding limits and needed to move on to something that would help me improve my skills.

Mrs. KBasa got all the extra goodies from the CB400F for HER identical, new-to-her 1975 CB400F.

Melissa

06-26-2003, 04:09 PM

33 - bought an ole R65. Got rid of that quick to buy a K bike (cause I heard they suck!)

lancew

06-27-2003, 10:11 AM

Started riding dirt bikes at 6 years old, had a ratted-out Nighthawk 650 when I was in college and owned that for a few years. Was "out of" riding for a while until I adopted a homeless '85 (Finest Year!) K100RS from a barn when I was 28, traded it for the K12 when I was 30, I'm 34 now.

gararnett

06-27-2003, 10:40 AM

Not sure exactly, but I know it was in October and I think it was in 1999 - I would have been 32. It may have been in 2000 when I was 33. I just can't recall for sure. It made bike #4 at the time(not my 4th bike, but that I then had 4 bikes at one time, not including my son's pw50). It was and is my 1997 F650. I have also picked up a R75 motor this year.

Gar

DDHR1150RT

06-27-2003, 10:49 AM

Bought my first Beemer 5 years ago, a used 96 R1100RT, the largest "owned" displacement for me. I was originally after something smaller (750-850cc range) but, was talked into the RT by a very good BMW salesman,and I'm glad he talked me into it. I now ride a 2002 R1150RT and love it except for the low speed surging as posted on another thread, can anyone really fix this problem? My RT has 40,000 miles on it and I plan on adding millions more in my lifetime. I am hooked on BMW forever, I love my bike! :bliss

RevWillie

06-27-2003, 10:06 PM

I was 19 when I bought a '73 1/2 R75/5 LWB in January of 1974-joined MOA soon afterwards.
Wasn't many young riders of BMW's then--I think I was about the 5th youngest rider at the 2nd MOA National at Table Rock,SC in '74. I have had 4 solo Beemers and 2 BMW sidecar rigs since. I'm riding a 96 R1100RT now, and I am 49.:D

beemerron

06-27-2003, 11:24 PM

After having a cb360 & a kz650 in my 20's I bought a nice used R90/6 @ 31, followed by a r65ls, an'83 r1100rs, a 91gspdand currently a 99 r11100 gsa. Didn't know what riding was 'til the r90. can't keep me off the dam things now. Oh well, better than drugs, I guess.

krash721

06-28-2003, 02:19 PM

Okay, my turn.
Bought a new CB650 Honda in July of '79. I was 23 y.o. Kept it until February of '80. With 8,000 miles on it she felt totally worn out. Had too many problems to list all of them. My brother had brought back a BMW 750 from his Army stint in The Motherland, and he told me I'd be wasting my time buying anything else but the Legendary Motorcycle of Germany.
So, in February of 1980, I found a zero mileage red-smoke '78 R100S model that had sat for almost two years at the dealership in Orlando, the long gone and sorely missed Schmidts Cycle. I was 24 y. o. I remember riding it home from the dealership the first time on I-4, and looking down at those beautiful cylinder heads sticking out for all the world to see, and thinking..How beautiful U are! I had not made the first payment on the poor thing when a lovely little old lady pulled out in front of the spouse and I and destroyed the bike, my knee, and almost ended my spouse's stay on earth. (Hence the nickname Krash, given to me by my lovely friends from work) My wife's fractured pelvis and severe concusion aside, I found yet Another brand new '78 "S" model. (If U remember, the economy really sucked then, with insane interest rates, so it was not unusual for the machines to sit for a while.) So, our first trip to Maine (from Florida) she sat on a hot water bottle to cushion the ride for her still very sore pelvis.I kept the 'S' until '82, and could not resist the pull of the RS. So I traded the 'S' (with about 60,000 on it)on the RS, and I still have it to this day. In fact, she and I (the bike, not the wifey) will be at the rally! Look for BMW RS plates from Florida!
long winded David

Greg

06-28-2003, 09:00 PM

David, Me too (sorta). First was in 1978. A '78 Red Smoke R100S. Only two road bikes before that. 1966 at 16 a Honda Trail 90, 1975 a Yamaha 650 twin. Various dirt bikes in there, including a Maico 400 AW. Way fun...

Kbasa, you're poll happy!

Greg

AceRph

06-29-2003, 09:17 AM

I bought my 1st bike in 1969, Yamaha AS2C 125cc Twin and have had many bikes since.

My 1st BMW was a '00 RT bought new in March 2000. I'm now riding a '03 GSAdv bought new in January, 2003. I love that new bike.:D

fish

06-29-2003, 10:20 AM

First beemer was a '97 R1100RT purchased new. I was the tender young age of 36.

MrsKbasa

06-29-2003, 10:38 AM

hmmm...

Well I told kbasa we had to buy a beemer because " I am not gonna ride on the back of a CB750F for long tours anymore, we have to buy a BMW" Does that count? Because well, then I was 25 or 27? But, I let him keep the CB....

for me well it was at 33. I was a late bloomer and didn't even start to ride myself until I was 31.

mthelmet

06-29-2003, 11:35 AM

:snore

Must have been asleep when I post my first reply. I forgot to give my age for the first BMW purchased.

It was 27. Old age has to be blamed, so you all see why I have the name below.

:dunno :dunno

:bliss

BMWRider

06-29-2003, 11:43 AM

My first BMW was a '96 R1100RT bought in 1997 with 4,000 miles on it. I was going thru a divorce and wanted to leave as much behind as possible, including the Gold Wing I was riding then. Let's see ... I would have been 44 then. Best damn thing I ever did. :clap

AceRph

06-29-2003, 12:34 PM

Originally posted by BMWRider
My first BMW was a '96 R1100RT bought in 1997 with 4,000 miles on it. I was going thru a divorce and wanted to leave as much behind as possible, including the Gold Wing I was riding then. Let's see ... I would have been 44 then. Best damn thing I ever did. :clap

Which part? ;)

Quigley

06-30-2003, 11:07 AM

1st Beemer was a 2000 GS. I almost bought one back in 1970, but didn't have enough cash at the time, so I settled for a little Kawasaki 350. Shoulda bought the beemer! LOL Anyway, when I bought the 2000, I was a little older than BMW Rider, but not to much, but just a little, so I still had to be in my late 40's, no older than say 49ish.:rofl

Bones

06-30-2003, 03:05 PM

Lets se if I can go back that far. 1977, bought a 1973 R60/5 with 230,000 miles. A darn good mosquito sprayer! Reworked it some, read that as ('Repaired as necessary') and put another 150K on it. I think The shed is now down to 8 Beemers and 2 others.
GOT TO LEARN TO SEELLL!!!
BONES

Braddog

06-30-2003, 03:52 PM

I bought my first Beemer in May of 2002. I was 43, the Beemer was 25 ('77 R100RS).

I'm one of those "re-entry" riders who rode for about 8 years, gave it up for 19, then came back. I had been riding an '84 Honda Shadow VT700 when I bought the RS.

HarveyMushman

07-01-2003, 09:12 AM

28. Bought my 1150GS two years after I started riding on a Kawasaki ZR-7 (which I rode to work today--still a fun bike!).

1969 R90/2 US

07-01-2003, 11:37 AM

Want another typical story?

I grew up on Japanese bikes in the '70's with my first being a 76 Honda Hawk. Not a bad bike considering all I did was abuse it.

I "graduated" to a series of Kawasakis until I was almost run over one time too many while living and riding inside the Washington, DC Beltway and gave up riding for awhile.

Fifteen years later I found myself living in the country, working for German company and admiring (from afar) the BWM bikes I saw in Europe and at home.

Two years ago, my wife stumbled upon a 1969 R60/2 US conversion (1974 R90 motor) tucked in a barn at a kid's birthday party. Turns out it was for sale. Shortly thereafter it was mine. First BMW purchased at age 38.:clap

I am new to BMW MOA and Charleston will be my first national rally. Look for the conversion with Enduro bags and Maryland plates.

R100RS

07-02-2003, 11:57 AM

I was 25, bike is my sig, 1988 R100RS. For all practical purposes, this was my first bike, and currently my only bike.

lorazepam

07-02-2003, 02:25 PM

My first bike was a sachs boodocker, at age 12, I then had a 1968 KZ250, a 1948 45cuin harley, a 1976 KZ650, then came the Commando 850, a 1969 xlch 1000cc (possibly the worst bike ever made), then a 3 cylinder 750 kaw. I bought back the KZ650, and had it till my ex made me get rid of it. after over 10 bikeless years, I got back in with a gs450 suzuki, and at age 45, this spring I got my first BMW, an R850R. It has to be the best handling and stopping of the bunch. If the KZ250 would stay on the ground, it would have been the fastest of the lot. a rotary valved 2 stroke that was a rocket.

MichiganMike

07-02-2003, 10:32 PM

Bought my first non-Honda on a rainy spring night in 1988. Purchased a 1983 R80ST with dead battery and soft tires out of the garage of a newlywed. Became a daily commuter and travel companion for almost 5 years.

Scotti

07-07-2003, 02:17 PM

31 - Bought a new K75RT, put lots of miles on it until I totaled it. Got married and bought a K1200LT in '02.
:bliss

snoone

07-08-2003, 07:22 AM

Lets see, I traded my Honda Transalp for a brand new K75S in Plum. I loved that color. I guess I was 35 but I could be off a couple of years (bad memory chip):confused:. I totaled that bike and didn't ride for 6 long years then bought 650 CS at 47 and 3 months later traded it in for 2002 1150GS (best ride I have ever had)

Fritzc

07-08-2003, 03:41 PM

I was 45 years old when I bought my first Beemer.
A 1976 600/6
The only motorcycle I had ever owned before was a 1934 Harley Davidson.
Midlife crisis I guess. :clap

Random

07-09-2003, 09:40 AM

My first BMW was my first bike. Every since working with several bike owners, several of whom had BMWs I wanted to get a BMW. The price looked to be a problem so I pasted a picture of a Honda CB750 to the hutch on my desk as a more reasonable goal. Through chance I found, under a tarp and with the rear wheel removed, a BMW for sale. He had the real wheel off so that he could lube the splines. What the hell is a spline? Anyway, in the summer of 1995 I bought, at the age of 38, an '81 R65 . I didn't ride it a lot at first since I'd never ridden and was concerned that it needed some maintenance. I spent a small fortune on maintenance for the bike and took the MSF class the following spring and haven't looked back. I sold it in 2000 and bought a '96 R1100GS.

dougbo

07-10-2003, 03:22 PM

I was 19, in the US Air Force at Chambley France in 1957. Bought a 1949 R-24, 250 cc. Fair shape, speedo broken but I drove in in November from estern France to my new base in Erding Germany, just n.e. of Munich.Had my full military issue duffel bag behind me. Very little traffic in those days. Wish I had that bike today. Doug

YB in IN

07-15-2003, 01:44 PM

I was 19 (Now 22) when I got my R80. I've been all over the place on that thing, and I love it.:)

Visian

07-15-2003, 05:46 PM

25 and heading to grad school.

It was my first street bike after a number of MX and Enduro two-strokes (although I did start on the street when I was 12, delivering papers @ 4am on my mom's Honda step-through 50. Then graduated to Honda CL100, which was eaten by a VW and then a Kawasaki Trail Boss)

The Beemer was a 76 R90/6 with a Windjammer and lowers. Excellent bike that I rode 60K miles. Sold it for a K.

I could park closer to class (no pun intended) and finally, take looooong Sunday rides!

kbasa

07-15-2003, 06:09 PM

Originally posted by YB in IN
I was 19 (Now 22) when I got my R80. I've been all over the place on that thing, and I love it.:)

Hi Garth! :wave

BradfordBenn

07-17-2003, 06:27 PM

Purchased my first bike A Yamaha Vstar at the age of 30. Purchased my 2nd Bike a brand new BMW R1150RT 362 days later; still at the age of 30.:clap

daver80

07-24-2003, 11:18 AM

I was 30 (1994) when I bought an R80 from a friend, converted it to an RT and have put 38k on since. Guess if I would quit buying old houses and working on them I'd have more time for riding.

Had a yellow Motobacane moped at 13, a 440 LTD Kawi at 20, a 750 Seca Yamaha at 24. Beemer at 30. Two kids in diapers right now, riding time has been (temporarily) been limited to commuting trips to work. Been to 5 nationals and a few local rallies.

sfdave

07-24-2003, 07:54 PM

I was 24 in 89 when I bought my first BMW, an R65. I bought it from my niece who is younger than me. By 92' I had to have a K75S then on to oilhead GS's. (well, a couple of additional airheads appeared somewhere in the 90's) Now I'm in a rut. I love my GS.
Now my niece rides on the back of my 1150!

bmwrebel

08-04-2003, 08:16 PM

I was 23 when my father came out to the garage where I was working (again) on my 53 pan head chopper. He saw an ad in the paper and a friend of his had a BMW. He said that if I'd sell the H-D he would co-sign for the BMW if needed. By the time he stopped talking, I was pushing the hog out to the road. In 1975 I bought a 72 R/75 with 4,747 miles for $1,650.00. Added a Wind Jammer III and used Craven bags and toured the country the next year. 100K, 6 years and a wife later, I got a 74 R/75 because it had a disk brake. Almost 100K later, had a wreck in 95 on it, never ran right after that (I hate drunk drivers). Sold it in 01 and got a salvage 92 K75S with a clean title and ABS. I love that bike!!! :D See you all on the road

flash412

08-05-2003, 02:01 PM

I was 18 when I bought a '71 R75/5 in 1973. Took it on tour around the USA and among other things witnessed Evel Kneivel jump into the Snake River Canyon (http://www.deathstar.org/~flash/centerof.html). Been riding mostly BMWs ever since. Have owned about 30 or so. Currently have three F650s and an R75/2 conversion with a Ural chair. I've got a fresh R100 motor built from recycled parts sitting on the bench waiting to get slotted in.

If you enjoy BMW motorcycles, you'll probably enjoy the Tales on my website, linked below.

- Flash

MarkF

08-05-2003, 03:24 PM

When I was barely in my 20's I saw a R65LS in one of the mags and wanted it, BAD! Of course a college kid getting married soon couldn't afford one so I went thru a couple of Suzukis. Then I wanted to step up to a euro-bike but still could not afford a BMW. So I bought a Moto Guzzi V65SP (http://home.cshore.com/markf/v65sp.jpg) instead. Years later I still wanted a BMW so I sold the Guzzi - big mistake - and got a used R75 that needed help. I fixed it up, sold the vetter fairing and added some new paint. I rode it briefly before selling it. It was a dog compared to the Guzzi. I then rode a Kawi KLR600 until I got out of motorcycling for several years while my children were young. Another Suzuki lured me back to 2 wheels and after a year I got in-line for a R1100RL when the price dropped to $8995. I finally bought my first new BMW when I was 37. I looked at the Triumph Sprint and Honda VFR first but thought the BMW would serve me for 10 years with dealer support. That's how long I figure before I can buy a new BMW again. I hope they're still making boxer's then!

MarkF

Felix

08-11-2003, 07:00 PM

... when I purchased my first beemer. It was a leftover '85 K100RS (special edition, in red).

Now I suppose you'd like to know when? :p

http://www.angelfire.com/nj/jfilak/cateyes.gif

Cliffy777

08-13-2003, 03:07 PM

I was 43.
Started road riding at 18 in 1976 with a nice Honda 750. Crossed the country on that one a couple three times. For a while I had a neat little Kaw enduro (on/off or "GS" in beemertalk) that I commuted to work on - liked to ride that in the snow in the winter as I recall. Had another Honda 750, and then.....Anyway, didn't ride for a few years (got affeard!).
In 2001 I had to get a bike. Looked at Hondas, but didn't want a crotch rocket or a Harley wannabe. Same feeling about the other jap bikes. I liked the Triumphs but had an ingrown fear of them being touchy mechanically, (me and my family are NOT mechanics).

Anyway, loved the way the beemers sat - I prefer my riding in an upright position. Blaine at Grand Rapids BMW had an R1100RL with 700 miles on it (a "program bike"), he knocked some money off and I bought it without having ridden it as my bike endorsement had lapsed. Date of purchase july 27, 2001.

Then I saw the Rockster in the ON last fall and on the cover of the mag in May. Ohmigod. When I took my 1100 in for the 12k service in June this year they had a Rockster in the window. Drove me crazy, and I am not a huge fan of orange, but I had to have it. And with the fantastic financing offer on the Rockster (.9 % interest with them making the first 5 payments) how the heck could I say no? Took delivery on 7/8/03.
My BRONZE (it ain't orange, dammit) Rockster now has 1956 miles. I drive it to work 6 days a week rain or shine and take her out on Sundays for fun. Can't make any long distance runs as I am a retail store owner, but suffice it to say I have not driven my car once since the late part of April.
I really, really, really liked and enjoyed my R1100RL, but the Rockster is just a teeny bit better. No surging and the tranny shifts smoother/quieter and the weight distribution makes it even better handling. PLUS heated handle grips will make those rides in Oct, Nov, and Feb even better!
I don't need no stinking fairing......
Sorry I went on so long, but you know how us beemer lovers are.

dougbo

11-17-2004, 07:50 PM

I was 19, in the Air Force and stationed in France in 1957. Bought a 1949 R24 thumper. Changed bases and traveled about 300+ miles to Munich area with full military issue clothing on board. And it was in November. Great trip, spoke no German and had no tools and knew nothing about motorcycle maintenance. It ran fine and no problems. Left it there in 1958 and did not ride again until 1975. Bought a HONDA 400SS and then traded for a R75/6. Doug, moa # 07260 retired and now in TX

JetDoc

11-17-2004, 08:07 PM

It's taken me a while to get around to BMW. I bought my first all-new, never-been-owned-before motorcycle in 1970. A bright yellow Suzuki TS250. In the years since then, I have owned so many different bikes, I have lost count, but finally got my first BMW last spring. (2004)

manicmechanic

11-17-2004, 08:39 PM

Started serious riding in the '70's on a '74 Kaw OHC 400. Bought a brand new '82 KZ750 and dressed it out for touring. About that time I saw an article in CYCLE magazine about the R100RT, and absolutely fell in lust. In '85 saw an ad in the paper for an '84 R100RT, checked it out, traded in the Kaw. Had that bike until May '96, when Jane Doe took it away. Survived 2 weeks without a bike, and a local H-H/Suz/Kaw/Duc/Cagiva dealer had a '94 E900 Elefant gray-market bike that was whimpering in the corner. DaWif was feeling sympathetic and let me get it, but she hated that bike. Then late '98 a bud brought his '94 K1100LT in for tires so he could trade it in. I bought it from him. Last fall I made a deal in which the Elefant was replaced by a '89 Honda Transalp and a '76 R90/6. Then this past March the local dealer had taken a '96 R1100GS in trade, and it was calling to me when I was there. So the Honda and the K-bike were traded off. Someplace in there I also had a '71 Hodaka, which got traded for a '88 KX250, which has been sold.

James.A

11-17-2004, 09:18 PM

At the age of 27 I bought a used, 1971 R50/5. The only other kind of motorcycle I ever owned before that was a BSA 650 Thunderbolt. The BMW was a huge improvement.

Rad

11-17-2004, 10:02 PM

I had been ride'n for over 25 years when I went from Hondas, Yamahas etc to BMW. I was about 45

magwa

11-17-2004, 11:26 PM

I don't even remember. I remember the bike. An R100RT. it was a 1980. Musta been in '86. I was a Harley guy at the time. Building them and riding them. We were on a "run", sitting on the shoulder off of Highway 101 where 36 comes in to 101 south of Eureka. Two other guys were pulling their plugs for an inspection. They asked why I wasn't. I told them that "I *knew* they were black and oily". No need to check.

Right at that time, a guy blew by riding an R100RT. He was going about 90 and smoking a pipe. All I heard was tick-tick-tick. I thought, "Anything gets me off of these HD's, it's gonna be one of those".

Lost thousands more on building and selling HDs while riding BMWs for looking for Harley parts. Then I realized that when I wanted to go for a fun ride, I'd always jump on the Beemer.

NOMOHDS was the license plate on the Airhead from that time forward.

dlearl476

11-18-2004, 03:03 AM

And damn, Magwa. That's a NICE one.

I bought my first one (R75/5) in '90 at the tender age of 37 going on 18 as a "birthday" present to myself for my first year of sobriety. I hadn't ridden since I was a teenager, which is probably a big part of why I'm still alive!
I've since bought 14.7 bikes of various brands (3 BMWs and another one on the way) and as I explain to non-riders why I need so many: it's the cheapest therapy around. :thumb

DarrylRi

11-18-2004, 09:13 AM

My first new bike was a 1981 R65. I was single and had money in my pocket >OUCH!< Sorry, dear. If I wasn't really hooked on bikes before that, I certainly got that way in a hurry. I picked up the bike at what has become my home dealer, West Valley Cycle Sales, (http://westvalleycycle.com) on a Tuesday and brought it in for the 600 mile service on Saturday.

bullit7801

11-18-2004, 10:06 AM

Let's see. Posting dates, 8-13-03 to Yesterday. I love it when an old thread comes to life. :D

My parents wouldn't let me own, much less ride, a motorcycle. Too dangerous, so my brother and I raced bicycles instead. Cheated on the folks and rode friends bikes, the first of which was a Cushman scooter.

First bike I owned was a 441 cc BSA Victor, bought used at age 25. Various after that. First BMW, a used 1978 R100RS bought in 1989 from Gary Smith. I was 44 at the time. He sold it to raise the money to buy Mac's Cycle in Clarkston Wash from Mac who was retiring. Bike had about 34K on it then. Now at 142k. Still have it but rarely ride it.

First new BMW was a 1991 K100 RS ABS bought new in 1994. It had 132,560 on it this June 7th when it was stolen from behind my dealership in Sioux City while I was inside talking to the dealer about a new bike. Stolen, wrecked and recovered in the same day. Insurance totaled it and I bought a new 2001 R1100 RSA. It now has 17,600 on it. Trend developing here? Every 10 years, I buy a new 3 year old bike? ;)

This winter I have to apply for my 100,000 BMW miles, since I am now over 250K. :thumb

tb

donkey doctor

11-18-2004, 11:07 AM

Hello; My first new bike was a '61 cushman road king
Next new bike was a 67 Triumph TR6
Next one a H1 Kawasaki 500 (69)

Around about that time our local police bought a pile of R50's for their meter maids, and since one of them was a good friend of mine, that was my first exposure to BMW.

In '71 I briefly owned a 75/5 grey, but all my friends teased me about BMWs being an old mans bike, so I sold it for a Ducati. That was my next new bike in '72 (72 750GT)

I had a pile of bikes for a number of years but BMW didn't appear until '99, when I bought my current R100/7.

I had 5 or 6 BMW cars in there from 73 to present, that's what made me look at their motorcycles

NOw that I'm old(er) I suppose I qualify (57) for a BMW. I could afford a new one, but the old one is so good it's impossible to justify the extra $10,000.

jdcoffman

11-18-2004, 12:20 PM

1976 After I got out of the Navy signed up for some courses at the local Community college and paid for my '74 Smoke R90S with the good old GI bill.
:twirl

jdcoffman

11-18-2004, 12:22 PM

:twirl Oh yea I was 23.

boofer

11-20-2004, 05:13 PM

I was riding a Yamaha YG-1 at 15 yrs. old to my behind the wheel classes. Followed that with a Honda 305 Superhawk, Kawasaki Mach III and then retired to motocross and trials riding. Burned up 33 dirt bikes ending up with a Husquvarna 400cr.

At 24 I traded the husky in on a new R90/6, followed by a K100RS, R1100RSL, K1200RS and just finished cleaning the summers ride off of them and put them to bed for winter. Can't get rid of them...can't wear them out.

pwittstruck

11-20-2004, 06:53 PM

I was a 19 year old soldier serving in West Germany when I bought a new '73 R75/5. The salesman assured me that the '74 would be esentually the same as I was buying late in the model year. Well, a few months after taking delivery the '74 came out with a 5 speed box and a front disk brake.......

BradfordBenn

11-20-2004, 07:10 PM

MostlyIrish

11-20-2004, 07:48 PM

I was 50. Decided to learn how to ride before I turned 50. Took MSF course and bought a Suzuki VL800. Wife decided she wanted to ride with me but was not comfortable on the smaller bike. Took her to the Detroit Bike show that winter and had her on every bike we could find. She forced me to buy 03K1200LTE. Picked it up March 12, 2003. Currently 28K on the clock. Going to a BMW and getting involved with the BMW community has been a great experience so far.

MostlyIrish

11-20-2004, 08:32 PM

Here is a shot of us. Stephanie is the one responible for forcing me to get the BMW. Smart gal.

SCDorman

11-24-2004, 09:29 AM

I decided to re-enter riding in 2002 at the age of 39, it had been almost 20 years since I'd been on a bike. My dad and brother (4 Harleys between them) offered strong encouragement. In August 02, I ended up buying a 1980 R65 with 45k on it. It was orange with an ugly-as-sin white fairing that I promptly removed. I put 3k on it before March 03, then bought a 2000 R1100R with 20k. The R65 went out the door this August, replaced by a 1977 R100S with 101k. I just passed 20k on BMWs, and I have the bug. Now trying to decide whether to upgrade the R11R for more comfortable touring, or move into an RT or RS.

Steve

mthelmet

11-26-2004, 06:41 PM

1955 to 1960 I rode OPB's
1961 bought first bike 1961 NSU SuperMax 250 CC (sold in 1963)
1966 bought first BMW R69S (sold in 1969 - needed to pay weller driller)
!971 2nd BMW R75/5 (sold in 1986 W/101,003 Miles)
1975 3rd BMW (!967 R27) ( Sold when and why good?)
1984 4th BMW R90/6 (113,000 miles) Being Refurbished.
2000 5th BMW K1200 LTC (Canyon Red)

I was 27 when I purchased the R69s for $600.00 :) :thumb

BubbaZanetti

11-26-2004, 06:41 PM

bought my 84 R100 on may 1st 2004, 2 weeks before my 24th b-day, it is my first motorcycle

10,000 miles in 6 months, but i'll probably be off of it now for a bit due to injury and the fact that i left it 3000 miles away in seattle for the winter..........

IndyRider

11-28-2004, 09:07 AM

It was a long journey to get to my first BMW motorcycle. It started at the age of 13 with a 90 cc Honda trail used for delivering newspapers. That led to a 305 Honda Super Hawk that was used as the sole transportation to school, work, and occassional racing. A 441 Victory BSA came next, couldn't keep the shifting forks in the transmission. A number of OSSA's were purchased for racing 250 Pioneer, 250 DMR, and a 175 Pioneer. In continuing with the racing was a 350 Yamaha, in a short track frame, and a 750 Norton with a chrome molly frame. Once racing was over I purchased a 650 Yamaha, 250 Yamaha, 850 Yamaha. Finally, at the age of 49 I purchased a used 97 R1100RT in 1999. I road this for two years and traded in on a 2002 R1150RT, which I still have today.

merrittgene

11-28-2004, 05:27 PM

Age of first BMW=37
Bike history:
1978 Sukuki GS400 (9/87 until 10/88)
1975 CB400F (3/89 - still have)
1984 Honda 1100 Sabre (4/90 - 4/04), loved that bike, but it was too top-heavy. Rode that bike to the 1993 BMWMOA National rally in Oshkosh.
I didn't do any riding from 1994 until 2004, even with two semi-working bikes in the garage. Big mistake...should have kept riding to keep *myself* happy.

Life events encouraged me to purchase a 1986 K100 in 3/04, and after the first ride I decided to sell the Sabre right away...realized I'd never miss it, compared to the BMW.

Of course, I *wanted* a BMW back in '93...does that count?