Motorcycle Addicts Anon - New Guy Introduction

[Trout]

After I wrote the "Global Warming" thread and hit submit, I realized that I should have probably introduced myself.

My name is Jeff and I'm addicted to motorcycles.

I do all the work on my own bikes and most of the work on my friends' bikes. They call me Doc Harley. I like to weld and turn wrenches.

I was a Sportster user for 5 years. I learned every nut and bolt on that bike and collected enough accessories to stock a small store. I toured 22000 miles with it and never had a hiccup. One day I accidentally sold my Sportster and I immediately experienced very serious withdrawls, but only for one day, and then I got on eBay and quickly bought a Dyna Low Rider. It was February and the bike was 500 miles away, but I got my fix. I used the Dyna for 6 months and 5000 miles and again, after buying a collection of accessories, accidentally sold it in a weak moment.

This time I went a whole 5 weeks without a bike and missed a motorcycle trip that had been planned for 6 months. My friends had a great time without me. I really thought that I had kicked the habit, but my friend kept pestering me to buy a BMW. He owns a Road King Custom and has really wanted a K bike, but I loved the appeal of a naked bike that I could easily repair and maintain. I don't want a water pump and I don't want a land torpedo. This R1150R came up on craigslist on a Sunday evening and I owned it by lunchtime the following day. I have a feeling that it'll be in my garage for a long time.

My friend that has the RKC and wants a K bike drove 600 miles round trip last Saturday and came home with a 2004 Rockster (Tangerine). He doesn't want a K bike anymore.

Here are some pictures of my new "R":

[dcameron]

Congratulations! Great choice for a riders' bike. Got the best color as well.
I've had my beast for 2 years now and everytime I get on it, I get this **** ****** grin on my face. Guess it comes with the territory. Enjoy.

[ruddy]

Welcome aboard! Where are you in Idaho? I'm your neighbor in Spokane.

[snowprick]

Welcome Trout,

Interesting windshield in the first photo. Any details/comments?

[markg]

You seem to have gotten over your HD issues very well...just kidding, sorry I couldn't resist.

You live in a great part of the country, and one I have ridden to 3 times and will again soon I hope. yesterday, (Halloween) was my bikes sixth birthday, at least in my hands. Never rode it once and wished I was on something else.

Enjoy your new ride.

[Buckster]

Welcome to the site. You will love the bike the more you ride it! I see you took the windscreen off already. Nice pics!

[SLEDGE]

Well, how'dee and welcome.

[KeithC]

Jeff,

Congrats on the R. Nice-looking bike.

I also had a Sportster before my R. Had a chance to ride the Sportster again a couple of weeks ago. It felt like I had no brakes, and I couldn't see anything in the mirrors. It's funny what you can get used to.

Keith

[yjleesvrr]

Jeff - welcome to the board. We're an eclectic collection of nuts who love to ride and chat about our bikes along with politics, families, and heaven knows what else under the sun. I've had my R for five and a half years and have bonded with it like very few possessions I have.

[Trout]

Welcome Trout,

Interesting windshield in the first photo. Any details/comments?

Just your standard issue BMW "Touring" windshield. It came with the bike. I've struggled with the love/hate relationship with windshields for the past 5 years... but that was on a Harley. No matter what I tried, I could not get rid of the buffeting. Usually severe enough to cause a headache over time. I remember one trip to Lolo Montana up Highway 12. I should have been in heaven on one of the best motorcycle roads in the world, but all I could think about was whether or not to toss my Memphis Shades Del Rio into the Lochsa River.

Then came the R1150R with the standard touring shield. I had very low expectations. SURPRISE... absolutely no buffeting. At least not the kind of buffeting I was used to. I love this windshield. The riding position of the "R" puts my helmet in the exact sweet spot. I get plenty of wind noise, but my teeth do not vibrate, and my vision is never blurred.

I don't think the touring shield is the best looker in the world... but I'm keeping it.

[Trout]

I see you took the windscreen off already. Nice pics!

Yeah... I removed it for a bath and a photo shoot. I'm keeping it though. See previous post for my windshield ramblings.

[lcarlson]

I've got the touring shield on my black '02 50R, and it's the best windshield I've used. Just the right size for significant protection while being able to look over (not through) it. Very little buffeting.

[lcarlson]

I've got a Sportster, too. No windshield.

[nonskid]

Looks a lot like my R. I too have had a lot of bikes ,HD's, Yam"s, Hondas, and other BMWs. This one could be the best! I understand your addiction.

[Not Dead Yet]

If you look at the list of bikes I own on my signature bar, (add a 2005 Thruxton 900), it never fails that I have to force myself to ride one of the other bikes when I step into the garage to choose my steed for a pleasure ride. I don't think I could bring myself to buying a BMW fresh off the showroom floor, however give any model with a couple years of experience, plenty of add-ons and low mileage, and I think they evolve into one of the best values on the market. Couple more years and my trusty 1150r will likely be sacrificed for a severely under-ridden, after-market packed R1200r.