Random Ruminations: Motorcycling

Cold Legs

Posted Mon Mar 31, 2008 in Motorcycling

Sunday was a strange day. I spent a good part of the morning working through whether this is a good time to do something about a vehicle. In the end, I decided to wait for a couple more months and think about this again before Wife and Young Son leave for Lubbock.

About noon, I figured it was time to think about something else. Young Son wanted to go to Best Buy for a game expansion and Wife and I wanted some food. So, we packed out of the house and headed in Carson for the KFC. I don’t mind chicken strips now and again. The food was decent, as such food goes, and I filled my belly (which I certainly appreciate).

As we headed south on U.S. 395, we were passed by one, then another, then several more Sheriff’s vehicles. All were coded and clearly in a hurry. We saw no accident and were close to the county line, so we don’t know what happened.

We pulled into the Best Buy lot, parked, and Wife buried her nose in her book. Young Son and I went inside and piddled around for a few minutes, found his game, and returned to the car.

After our return home, Young Son disappeared to his computer station, Wife began working around the house, and I puttered for a few bit, then decided to take a nap.

Naps are good things. I still enjoy a nap. Unfortunately, I woke myself snoring. Wife said “You were so cute there snoring.” <ahem> I’m many things — cute is not one of them.

After stirring about a bit, I decided to go for a ride. It was a sunny evening, although the wind was up a bit. I fired up the bike and headed into Carson. I thought I’d ride to Virginia City and then to Reno, then home. I worked my way around the east side of Carson, wondering just where the river is. I’ll have to check Google Earth in a bit. I rode east on U.S. 50, gently, because NHP patrols that highway heavily in that area. I have no idea how much money they generate from tickets, but I’ll bet it’s a potful every month.

I turned north and headed for Virginia City. A few slow cars kept my pace down, but the ride was still good. The cross wind was strong, though, and blew me around a bit. As the altitude increased, it was cooler. The last bit into Virginia City is pretty steep. I stopped at the north end of town and put on my overpants. It was too cool.

The ride north toward Reno was nice, but again I encountered a slow pickup truck who would not pull over. I don’t understand people who won’t let someone behind them go on. He sped up in the straights so I couldn’t get around, then slowed down in the curves. Argh!

In south Reno, I decided to ride up Mt. Rose Highway and along the east edge of Tahoe. I’m so glad for my overpants! The ride up the hill was pretty good, except for a few stretches where the sun was in my eyes. The curves felt good and the pace was good most of the way.

But it was cold! The bike’s computer read 26F at the top of the hill! I was so glad for my heated grips and seat! Still, my left thumb hurt from the cold. A group of snow machines were playing along the high alpine area near the summit. I think that would be fun, but I also think I have enough “toys.”

I dropped into the Tahoe basin and the air warmed a bit. There was still much snow in the area — it’s still winter there. Incline Village is as strange a place as I’ve ever been. I have no idea why people are there — but they’re strange too.

The ride along SH 28 was good. Tahoe was gray and cold, but a little warmer than the heights. The temperature rose to about 40F along the lake. I was glad for that, and the weak sun that shone on me. I thought I saw snow in the higher elevations, even at this time of year.

At the intersection with U.S. 50 I continued south along the east side of the lake. The road is a little beat up from the winter, but not too bad. There was no ice or snow, and the sand was blown off the road by all the traffic. Traction was good and I rode on as the sun gathered itself for the end of the day.

I turned back east at SH 206 near the south end of the lake. It’s not a big climb to the summit, but the road is pretty twisty. A piano hauler slowed way down as the grade increased, but I couldn’t get around him. Finally, he pulled over and let the Outback in front of me and I pass. The Outback, however, wouldn’t let me by. Again, he ran fast in the straights but slowed way down in the curves.

Why do they do that? What would it have cost him to pull over a little and let me by? I just don’t get it.

The curves were fun and the road was clear. The big bike leans way over and feels stable and sure-footed in the corners. The torque the big twin makes creates a very drivable system. I laughed out loud on the way down. It was my first ride on Kingsbury Grade of the year. What a great ride it was, too.

At Foothill Road I turned north and headed for home. The wind was cool and gusty. My legs were a little cool — I didn’t get my pants out soon enough and got a little chilled. But I was OK for the short ride home.

I arrived home about 1900 — probably made about 100 miles plus or minus for the afternoon. They were good miles and I’m glad I went.

Comment [4]

Helge Pedersen

Posted Mon Feb 4, 2008 in Motorcycling

After searching for a couple of years, I noticed a copy of Helge Pederen’s 10 Years on 2 Wheels for a reasonable price. Yep, I managed to get my copy for about $50. It was a steal, in comparison with other vendors.

The book arrived late last week while I was in Austin. We picked it up yesterday afternoon with the remainder of our mail. My copy is clearly aged, but in very good condition. The dust cover has a few tears in it, but that’s expected. I will do my best to take care of the book.

I started reading it yesterday afternoon. Yes, I know I’m unAmerican, reading on Super Bowl Sunday. But, I don’t care. The story is marvelous and makes me want to read a few more of these stories. It also makes me want to get out and ride, to generate my own stories.

It’s a good story and there are some marvelous images as well. If you can find a copy and like motorcycling stories, get yourself a copy. You might (just might) find one in a public library as well. It’s long out of print.

Comment

Ice on My Bike

Posted Thu Nov 15, 2007 in Motorcycling

Fog was in the air at the house this morning. Frost shone on the neighbors’ houses. I left about 0715, heading for work, and saw frost on the cars. But, the fog was light so I rode anyway.

As I dropped into the north end of Carson Valley, the fog closed in too. The temperature dropped as well, the computer’s display flashing the snowflake and 32F. Traffic was moving and the highway wasn’t slick, so I motored on.

I fell in behind a couple of heavies, trusting them to be more aware of road conditions than inattentive cage drivers, who were driving 70mph in 50mph conditions. I stayed in 5th or 6th gear to keep the power level down, just in case.

The computer’s display continued flashing the snowflake and 32F.

The Carson River crossing was obviously wet, but the tracks were dry. I just kept my speed constant and stayed in the track. If there wasn’t traffic, it might have been slick. But, it wasn’t.

As I pulled into Minden, bits of water flew back onto my visor. The fog also lifted, probably from the heat-island effect of the town. I pulled into the office and parked Windfola. As I dismounted, I noticed ice on the leading edges of the bike.

Cool!

My butt and hands stayed toasty warm thanks to the heaters. Thank you, BMW.

Comment

Sonora Pass Part II

Posted Sat Sep 29, 2007 in Motorcycling

The road through Yosemite is a busy one — not necessarily because of the traffic, but because it’s slow and twisty. It would be easy to miss a turn if one rode too fast, or if one did too much rubber-necking. But, the drive is definitely worth the effort.

I stayed on SH 120 through the valley toward Sonora. At the exit from Yosemite, I stopped at the gate.

“Pass please,” the ranger stated.

“I didn’t get one at the entrance — the ranger just waved me through.”

She looked at me a moment, “Well…” she said, and waved me on. I had the feeling I got away with something. Nonetheless, I rode on, smiling.

I stopped at an overlook for a break, a drink of water, and to make a few images of the vista. A lot of others shared the stop, chatting amongst themselves. A couple of other riders were there as well, but we stayed to ourselves and let each other enjoy the spot.

A little further on is Old Patriot Grade. Just before I reached the grade, I noticed a group of sportbikes at a fuel stop. I waved as I passed, then entered the grade. The slopes were quite steep and the corners tight. I wasn’t pushing it because I prefer to work a little less and enjoy the ride a little more.

The first of the sportbikes passed me. I grinned, realizing that the grade was the reason they were there.

So, I passed the van in front of me and played along a little. The big BMW isn’t quite as nimble as the lighter sportbikes, but it does handle well. I leaned way over in the corners, looking through, and working the throttle to manage my line. I had fun, but I’m not really into riding quite that hard and let them pull ahead. It was fun watching them work the corners, all squidly and all, and I smiled to myself in my helmet.

I noticed them ride off at the bottom of the grade and I continued north toward Sonora and the next part of my ride. I turned right (north) at the intersection with SH 49 and continued toward Sonora. Traffic was a lot heavier on this highway and I had the option of continuing north to U.S. 50, or turning east and riding SH 108 over Sonora Pass. The temperature was a lot warmer in the valley. I had plenty of time, so I decided to take the pass.

I missed my turn in Jacksville, then managed to get turned around. The time was about 1400, so the sun was not much use for navigation. I missed my TomTom! So, I pulled off the road at a convenience store, lost the turtleneck, and got a drink of water. I retrieved my California map and determined my location.

I still missed the turn and found myself back at SH 120, so I reversed once again and headed back toward the northeast. This time I found the turnoff for SH 108 and relaxed.

The roads not not well-marked in California, especially on the state highways.

Windfola and I immediately began climbing up the valley toward the mountains. The Stanislaus River parallels SH 108. I stopped at a small convenience store, once the traffic thinned, refueled, bought a drink and a snack, and took the opportunity to use the head. This one was Porta-Potty parked outside the facility. Odd…

Refreshed and refueled, we headed east again, climbing into the pine trees and cooler air. The road is good and twisty enough to be fun without being a lot of work. Traffic was very light. I saw a few squirrels and chipmunks, but nothing larger.

The sun angled down into the valley and warmed with the growing afternoon. The light was pretty and I made a few images to carry home with me as we climbed up toward the pass. The last few miles to the pass were marked with patches of gravel kicked up by heavier vehicles in the tight corners when they drifted off the pavement. Signs were posted recommending that trailers not be brought up the way, but I saw several larger campers anyway. That explained the gravel patches. They were easy to avoid.

I stopped at the pass for a few minutes to take it in. The air was quite cool but very pleasant. As I crossed the highway to make a couple of images, an old van wheezed up the other side of the pass and pulled off. A noisy group of Spanish-speaking folks bumped out in a wad, ruining the respite (for me). I made my last image, remounted Windfola, and we were off down the other side.

I believe I was now in the West Walker River basin. Again there were a few patches of gravel on the highway, kicked off the shoulder in the corners. But, they were easily avoided and I was never nervous. The tight switchbacks are typical of mountain roads, but would probably make rider unfamiliar with them skittish. You just have to be careful.

I met a few vehicles, but not many. The Marine training area was deserted; appropriate for a Sunday afternoon. I passed the base on the way back toward U.S. 395. Signs were posted “No Stopping.” I guess they are worried about terrorists. Sheesh.

I knew I was nearing U.S. 395 and after a few more minutes, there it was. I turned back north, now on familiar rode, and blasted off for home. The sun dipped behind the mountains and the air cooled a little more. I thought about stopping and digging the turtleneck from the topcase, but decided it wasn’t that cold.

I stopped in Walker for a break and nearly decided to eat at the little barbecue place there again, where Wife and I stopped on our way back from Bodie. But, I was ready to be home, so I continued on.

I got a few spits of rain as I approached Lake Topaz and the state line. I smiled to myself, glad for the jacket liner, because the rain was cool.

I guess I smile to myself a lot when I’m riding. I guess it’s OK so long as I don’t find myself in the situation where “...when I look up I smile, when I look down I drool…”

It was not long before I passed through Gardnerville and Minden, blasting for home. Well, not blasting really, but riding briskly. NHP patrols the segment of U.S. 395 between Minden and Carson City heavily and I don’t want another ticket.

I arrived home about 1900 after riding about 400 miles. It was a good day. I saw lots of pretty places, spent the day outside, and got to ride. That’s always a good day.

Comment

Sonora Pass Part I

Posted Sun Sep 23, 2007 in Motorcycling

Last Sunday I decided to go for a ride. A friend at work recommended I visit Tioga Pass before winter arrives. I needed to get out and ride — sometimes I have a need to be outside in the solitude of motorcycling. Riding gives me something I have trouble finding anywhere else. It’s difficult to describe (although I’ve tried numerous times), but I suspect it’s the same feeling others find by hiking, hunting, skiing, or any of a number of outdoor activities that involve some degree of solitude.

Perhaps it’s the solitude I crave — that opportunity to be alone to my thoughts and let my thoughts wander. Solitude provides an opportunity to reflect and there is so little time for reflection.

So, I decided to take advantage of the absence of Wife and Young Son (they were in Missouri) and go for a long ride. I rose early, as is my habit, showered, and gathered a few things to take with me. The cool morning air convinced me to slip a turtleneck over my t-shirt before heading out. Windfola loaded, we headed south for Minden and bite to eat.

I stopped at Danny’s Ironwood Grill about 0830 and bought a light breakfast. I decided on the corned beef hash. I never had corned beef hash before. I’ve eaten plenty of corned beef and like it, so I decided to give the hash a try. I decided it’s not my favorite food. I can eat it and it provides energy, but there are other combinations I find more pleasing. So, I learned something.

Body fueled, I reboarded Windfola and we headed south on U.S. 395. We popped out of Carson Valley, crossed the ridge, and dropped into Antelope Valley past Lake Topaz. The road was good and traffic was not heavy. The air was cool, however, and I was happy for the turtleneck.

I decide to buy fuel in Bridgeport, California — a worthy stop in its own right — and use the head; the coffee was working. I also bought a California map, just in case¹. As I stood next to Windfola putting away the map, a man in a pickup truck parked next to me spoke. I recognized one of my co-workers.

“I thought I recognized that bike!” he said.

I laughed. “What are you doing out here?”

“We’re headed for Mammoth to check it out. If we’re going to do work there, then we might as well have a look at the place.”

“It’s a good day for a drive, anyway.” I could understand why he decided to drive south. My thoughts were parallel to his. He drove off while I finished messing around with my stuff. I followed a few minutes later.

The ride south from Bridgeport reminded me of our visit to Bodie a few weeks ago. I looked left as I passed the side road to Bodie and wondered how long it would be until the snow fell there. I rode on toward Mono Lake, the east slope of the Sierras on my right, beautiful in the morning light.

I turned west on SH 120 and headed up the valley toward the pass. Before long, the valley opened up and I could see why Yosemite was a national park. The view was stunning. But, I decided to make this a look-see run and not stop for a lot of images. I’ll make those on another trip. My emphasis for the day was on the ride and not the trip.

It was a long climb up to the pass. A line of vehicles waited to enter the park. I scrabbled around thinking I’d need to produce cash to get in, but when I arrived at the window, the ranger waved me through. That saved me ten bucks! I was surprised, but rode on nonetheless.

The park was bone-dry. Most of the grass in the high areas was already dormant from lack of water. It’s been dry here for the last couple of years, plus it is late in the season. I understand the spring melt is the time to see water in the park. Still, the ride was worthy and I could see why Ansel Adams decided to make many images of the park. I saw a lot of hikers and a number of climbers working the rocks and facings. That was pretty cool.

End of Part I — to be continued

¹ I still need to buy a motorcycle GPS unit. TomTom makes a waterproof unit suitable for motorcycle use, but I haven’t purchased one — yet.

Comment [2]

Tahoe Loop Ride

Posted Mon Jul 2, 2007 in Motorcycling

The week was plenty busy and there will be pressure over the next two weeks prior to my departure for Lubbock, a meeting at Sanibel Island, Florida (Yay!), and then the return home. I made a lot of decisions about the house over the last couple of weeks and we spent a pile of money on things that needed to be done to make it show better. That was stressful for Wife and stressful for me. But, most of it is done. Once it’s listed, we pray for the right buyer. A quick sale is to our benefit.

Yesterday I had an appointment with Sierra BMW at 0900 to have the 600-mile service performed on the RT. (The RT still needs a name. Hmm…) I rose early, worked for awhile, then returned to bed to nap. I finally woke about 0630, which was plenty early to shower, gather my things, call in, get a bite, and ride north — which I did.

I breakfasted at one of our fine local eating establishments (McD’s), talked to Wife while munching my biscuit, and headed north. This time the trip was uneventful. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. The wind was down, it was about 60F, and sun was beautiful — casting that warm morning light diagonally across the west Nevada mountains.

I was at the shop at 0905 as one of the techs rode up on another BMW. I went inside and waited my turn for attention. We had the RT in the system by 0930 and they agreed to adjust the right grip slightly (it was covering the lower-left portion of the mirror) and to install the valve-cover guards. I left the shop area for a coffee in the sales area and to drool over the “stuff” on display.

There I met another rider, Mike, who also lives in Minden. He’s got his RT farkled-out¹ with radar detector, GPS, XM radio, and dual-band transceiver². We talked about how he did that, because of my interest in a similar rig. He used the Autocom approach and I’ve been thinking about the Starcom system. I really need to do my research.

His story of losing a rear tire last March west from Tonopah, no phone signal, and using the two-meter band to hit a repeater for help made the case for me. I’d been thinking about an amateur license anyway³ so this isn’t a hard sell. I just need to do my research, figure out how to accomplish what I want, and then plan the purchases and installation⁴.

We chatted most of the morning about our experiences riding motorcycles. He’s an interesting fellow and I think we’ll see each other again.

I still prefer to ride alone. Or at least with a single machine. The exception would be my family.

The finished the service about 1230, so I retrieved my machine and escaped the sales floor without damage to my wallet. (BMW = Bring My Wallet) I rode north a little in search of food and a place to sit and gather my thoughts. Again, I picked a McD’s because I saw nothing else close to the highway that looked promising. (I need the GPS on my bike to provide alternatives!) I planned to ride a loop north from Reno bearing westerly, then turning south towards home. But, I have an old filling in one of my molars that I think is developing an abscess and it was hurting like hell. So, I ate gingerly while I thought about turning south and just going home.

While talking to Wife, I decided to make the ride anyway. I’d hurt at home or I’d hurt while riding. The distraction of riding seemed more promising than just hurting.

So, I headed north on U.S. 395 toward Hallelujah Junction. The wind was up (Zypher) and blowing steadily with some gusts. That’s just part of the environment here. I decided to stop, refuel (not necessary), and buy some ibuprofen for my tooth. After a short run west, I turned south on SH 49 toward Truckee. This part of California is high valley and much is used for cattle ranching. I was pleased to see the ranches and the center pivots irrigating winter feed.

I could spend a little time at a couple of the small town on this route, but didn’t. I turned south on SH 89 toward Lake Tahoe. I missed my turn in Truckee, and drove through town. It’s now a tourist town and it was a busy Saturday afternoon for them.

The ride along the Truckee River was pretty and there were plenty of folks enjoying the water. It reminded me of my youth tubing in the river and catching trout in the morning and evening.

I missed my turn at Tahoe City and found myself heading northeast toward Incline Village. I thought about it for a few minutes and decided to reverse and drive down the west shore. So, I made my way back through Tahoe City (another tourist town) and turned south on SH 89.

Lake Tahoe is a beautiful place and evokes memories of my youth. Dad used to bring us there about once each year. Sometimes we stayed near Truckee, and other times we stayed on the Nevada side near Zephyr Cove. I prefer the Nevada side.

I made my way south, avoiding traffic when I could. I pulled off at the Emerald Bay viewpoint. I could have paid my parking fee, but decided to save the walk for the next trip and spent a few minutes walking around the parking lot, looking for views. I rode on a couple of miles to Inspiration Point and stopped again. The view of Emerald Bay was staggering. I spent some time just looking around before leaving again. Water is good too.

I rode on through part of South Lake Tahoe, on the California side, then decided to take SH 89 south to the intersection with SH 88 and continue into the south end of Carson Valley. I missed my turn, though, and found myself riding U.S. 50 toward Sacramento. So, I reversed (missing my GPS) and started back. However, the view of South Lake Tahoe was so amazing I had to stop for an image.

I found my turn off and headed south along the other side of the valley. This valley is drained by West Fork Carson River, a stream I know from my research. It was fun to ride along the stream and I wonder if there are trout there. I may have to buy a fishing license and find out. I wouldn’t mind messing around the water anyway.

I noticed the rise in temperature as I descended into Carson Valley. It wasn’t uncomfortable — just warmer. As I neared Minden-Gardnerville, my thoughts returned to my next things-to-do. I stopped at the post office to retrieve my mail. I decided to stop at Aloha Liquors, buy a new bottle of Clontarf, and hit the grocery store for a few things. I learned I can pack quite a bit in the sidecases of the RT!

Then I rode home, ignominiously. It was a good day and a good ride. I’m looking forward to many more good rides on the RT. It’s a good machine for me.

¹ Farkle is a coined word, I believe, that refers to the over-accessorizing of two-wheeled (and perhaps other) conveyance.

² Transceiver is a word I first hear 30-years ago as a combination of transmitter and receiver in one system. At that time, it was still common for radio operators to separate the transmitter from the receiver. The combination allowed for smaller units and is appropriate for mobile radios. Most people don’t know, but the mobile phone they carry is a transceiver.

³ I started thinking about this as my awareness of the fragility of our society raised. The renewal of my interest in firearms for personal protection coincided with a review of the reported crime rate in Lubbock County. I realized years ago that the local food supply, as managed by corporate business reflected in the grocery-store system, is fraught with weakness. A breakdown in the transportation system at any point could cause a catastrophic loss of service. Most grocery stores have less than a week’s worth of stock. In an emergency, there are always runs on provisions. My intent is to protect my family in such a situation. I’m making preparations to implement those plans now.

⁴ I still know how to route wiring, solder, and use a multi-meter. I used to do good work when installing sound systems in my four-wheeled vehicles. I can do this one too.

Comment [3]

BMW R1200RT

Posted Sun Jun 17, 2007 in Motorcycling

I have coffee and I need it. (I seem to say that a lot these days.) Yesterday was a day.

The intent was for it to be a good day. After much fiddling around, I decided I wanted to look at the BMW R1200RT motorcycles. During the long ride home, I finally figured out that as much as I love the performance of the K1200RS, I just don’t fit that bike. I realized I could have spent money trying to make it fit me. I hadn’t exhausted all the options. But, in the end, I was concerned that I would spend the time and money and find that I either had a Frankenstein or that it didn’t work.

I emailed the IBMWR motorcycling list and asked that question. I didn’t get a lot of answers. But, those I got were from long-time list participants who have credibility. They basically told me “Don’t do it.” The short version is that I would end up with a Frankenstein when the simple solution was to buy what fit me.

So, yesterday was to be a fun outing to the Reno BMW dealership to test ride a R1200RT. One of my colleagues asked to come along and we would ride through Virginia City, stop for a bite of breakfast, and then ride north to Reno and the dealership. I thought that would be fun too.

So, we met at 0800 and off we went. He rides a sportbike. I don’t generally ride with others. I prefer the solo ride. We worked our way through Carson City and headed east on U.S. 50. Traffic wasn’t too heavy, but when we turned east on U.S. 50, we came across a large group of bicyclists strung out over a long distance. So, with watching traffic, the lead rider, and the bicyclists, my workload was fairly heavy.

I didn’t notice the state trooper make a U-turn. He stopped us as we turned north on SH 341. I pulled over, he passed me and pulled in behind the lead rider. I should have left – mistake number one.

He wrote us for ten-over and cited me for failure to register my vehicle in Nevada. I explained the machine had just arrived from Texas not a week before but that was ignored. He said “Go register your bike and that will be viewed as a good-faith effort in court.” I also explained I was on the way to Reno to possibly trade the bike. He looked a little confused and responded “Bring your paperwork to court and explain it to the judge.”

I learned he had picked us up on the edge of Carson City and followed us about ten miles before pulling us over. I think he was waiting to see what we did when the limit drops to 45 mph in Mound House. That and the fact he cited me for failure to register my vehicle when I had a perfectly good explanation why it was not yet registered ticked me off.

Yeah, I was over the limit. I was pretty busy watching things other than the speedometer. That was prudent, given the bicyclists on the right shoulder and other traffic. I could have caught him in the mirrors if I’d had less workload.

I don’t even mind taking the hit for the speed violation. I don’t want to take the hit on the insurance, though. I’m particularly pissed at the registration citation, though. That one I’ll fight.

I’m generally perfectly happy working with the traffic flow. It’s my belief that’s the safest speed to travel. When I’m out all alone on the highway I typically run 70-75mph by the GPS. I slow down in towns. I don’t do that because I’m afraid I’ll attract a speeding violation; I do it because it is reasonable and prudent.

The office lost my driver’s license. He returned my insurance card but not my license. When I asked for it, he returned to his vehicle and started searching. After about five minutes, he returned with it.

We headed north while the officer finished his paperwork. My mood had deteriorated substantially. We stopped in Virginia City and the restaurant was closed. We took a smoke-break and then resumed our travels north.

I took the lead in Reno and directed us to Sparks, where we found the Sierra BMW dealership. I noticed a beautiful sand beige R1200RT sitting on the lot. I walked around the machine, then headed for the dealership. I found my sales consultant and introduced myself. He is a slight, nervous man who is very active. I think he was expecting a monster. I got some water, explained what happened on the way to the dealership, and prepared to call Wife. I had a serious need to vent.

Wife and I talked and she agrees that I will fight the citation. She gave instructions “Don’t ride while you’re angry.” She was right — riding while upset is not a good thing.

So, I calmed myself while the agent took my information and we walked around the machine for the pre-ride instruction. They have to do that for liability reasons, although I’m reasonably familiar with basic operation of BMW motorcycles. I mounted the machine, realized I’d need the low-seat option, started it, and rode off.

The handling was as I expected — very light. The R1200RT is about 100 pounds lighter than the K1200RS. The boxer-twin is a torque-producing engine. It’s rough, of course, because the machine was not broken-in. It was easy to handle and would probably benefit from another tire type. I’ll experiment with that over the next few years.

After 13 miles I returned to the dealership to start the negotiation process. I was disappointed to learn that Shadowfax needed some fairly expensive maintenance. While I understand the dealership is motivated to reduce the trade-in value of the machine, the offer was lower than expected. So, the negotiations began.

In the meantime, my riding partner decided to head back south. I didn’t blame him.

In the end, I think I negotiated a reasonable trade. It wasn’t the best trade, but it wasn’t bad either. I didn’t want to spend money on Shadowfax to bring him back to par. I’ve wanted an RT again. I wanted to keep Bathsheba for a long time, but she was crashed and a total loss.

So, the sand-beige R1200RT went home with me. I don’t have a name, yet. I’m looking forward to many miles with the RT. I’m back to being a daily-rider. I like that. I like the reduced use of fuel and I like the opportunity to be outside for at least a few minutes every day. I’m looking forward to many rides.

Comment [6]

| Next Page