My story!(or falling in love again)

rolyak · 11-06-2009, 09:40 PM

About 30 years ago I was visiting my friend Gene who owned two BMW's at that time (now owns three). I had ridden my Harley Sportster about 80 miles that day and Gene insisted I ride his '69 Airhead into town for lunch.

I thought to myself, A BMW would be a good bike when I'm older but the Harley is pretty cool to a 37 year old right now.

The years past, I sold the Harley and got married (again) and I took up a nice safe sport like whitewater kayaking.

I retired a couple years ago and strangely enough my wife suggested we get a bike (she had ridden with her ex). My friend Gene suggested a "late model" airhead. We were both mechanics at one time and like to do our own maintenance.

The '85 R80RT didn't exactly replicate my first encounter with a BMW. The thirty years had left me more than a bit shaky plus I had learned to ride in the flatlands of western Ohio, no hills and few curves.

We retired to north central Ohio which is full of hills and 15 mph tight turns, a big difference!

For a brief period I wanted my Harley back but Gene convinced me the RT will outhandle the Harley! I also called on my kayaking skills which require flexibility and finesse. Keeping my head over my butt and looking where I want to go began to pay off in slow tight turns. Three days in the Motorcycle Ohio safety course also paid big dividends.

My confidence as a rider is returning, every ride I critique myself and analyze what I did or what I should have done.

The R80RT had been "maintenance deprived" so maybe all my TLC is creating the positive results.

Looking forward to more miles!
Tom

Semper_Fi · 11-07-2009, 06:52 AM

Great story Tom and welcome aboard.

How about a picture of your maintanance activity results.

Enjioy your ride and check in often

Luis

SIBUD · 11-07-2009, 08:50 AM

Welcome to the family.

What a great first post. Glad to hear you are enjoying the new bike. We would love to see a pic sometime.

Nice to hear your wife wants to ride with you as well.

Of course, the Airhead forum is a great source of information.

Ride Well
Ride Often
Ride to

rolyak · 11-07-2009, 07:51 PM

BMW 10-09 (5).JPG

First time for posting a photo!

iRene · 11-09-2009, 06:42 PM

I LOVE a LOVE STORY!

Especially a happy ending one. Welcome!

Semper_Fi · 11-09-2009, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolyak

First time for posting a photo!

Very very nice

11-06-2009, 09:40 PM	#1
rolyak Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: north central ohio Posts: 8	My story!(or falling in love again) About 30 years ago I was visiting my friend Gene who owned two BMW's at that time (now owns three). I had ridden my Harley Sportster about 80 miles that day and Gene insisted I ride his '69 Airhead into town for lunch. I thought to myself, A BMW would be a good bike when I'm older but the Harley is pretty cool to a 37 year old right now. The years past, I sold the Harley and got married (again) and I took up a nice safe sport like whitewater kayaking. I retired a couple years ago and strangely enough my wife suggested we get a bike (she had ridden with her ex). My friend Gene suggested a "late model" airhead. We were both mechanics at one time and like to do our own maintenance. The '85 R80RT didn't exactly replicate my first encounter with a BMW. The thirty years had left me more than a bit shaky plus I had learned to ride in the flatlands of western Ohio, no hills and few curves. We retired to north central Ohio which is full of hills and 15 mph tight turns, a big difference! For a brief period I wanted my Harley back but Gene convinced me the RT will outhandle the Harley! I also called on my kayaking skills which require flexibility and finesse. Keeping my head over my butt and looking where I want to go began to pay off in slow tight turns. Three days in the Motorcycle Ohio safety course also paid big dividends. My confidence as a rider is returning, every ride I critique myself and analyze what I did or what I should have done. The R80RT had been "maintenance deprived" so maybe all my TLC is creating the positive results. Looking forward to more miles! Tom

11-07-2009, 06:52 AM	#2
Semper_Fi Runs with Scissors Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Gloucester MA Posts: 1,974	Great story Tom and welcome aboard. How about a picture of your maintanance activity results. Enjioy your ride and check in often Luis __________________ 2009 KGT1300 Red Apple Metallic (mine), 2005 R1200ST Piedmont Red/Light Magnesium (hers) Luis Roth BMWMOA #143775 BMWMOA Moderator

11-07-2009, 08:50 AM	#3
SIBUD Charter Club Coordinator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 3,675	Welcome to the family. What a great first post. Glad to hear you are enjoying the new bike. We would love to see a pic sometime. Nice to hear your wife wants to ride with you as well. Of course, the Airhead forum is a great source of information. Ride Well Ride Often Ride to __________________ Bud Meade Forum Advisor/Guest Moderator - BMW MOA Chartered Club Coordinator Do you belong to a Chartered Club? If not, find one HERE

11-07-2009, 07:51 PM	#4
rolyak Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: north central ohio Posts: 8	the '85 R80RT BMW 10-09 (5).JPG First time for posting a photo!

11-09-2009, 06:42 PM	#5
iRene Stronger, Faster, Tougher Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: the State Ptomaine Posts: 814	I LOVE a LOVE STORY! Especially a happy ending one. Welcome! __________________ BMW MOA Ambassador \| Forum Guest Moderator Sled Dog Touring Team \| Yankee Beemers '08 kanaRy R1200GS \| '60 R60