It's been a long, expensive winter..........For Sale ?????

[gezerbike]

Getting a new motorcycle is much like aquiring a new canvass for a painting. The base is there and now to add your personal touch. In the case of motorcycles, they're farkles. And I just recieved confirmation that the last piece to my painting has shipped, so I thought this might be fun. Feel free to join in as I go along. For better or worse.

Last fall, I traded my 95 GSPD for a 2008 RR with 2,800 miles on it. Previous owner started his painting by adding a Rick Meyer seat, Ohlins shock, Z technik screen, BMW tank bag and Motolights. Not bad. Because I got it late into the fall, I only had the chance to take it on one real ride, a quick 1,000 mile weekend. But I knew when I got home that the bike as it sat was not what I had in mind when I first spied the bike in St Louis. So this is what my canvass looked like. The Marsee bags are part of the canvass on my GS and were totally out of place on this vision. The Fieldsheer soft bags were the first part of the painting I bought...this was not going to be a long distance tourer...have the GS for that, but more a weekend warrior. Hard bags were not necessary, and these usually spend their time in the garage.

[cwrose]

I completely agree with the subject of this thread. Unfortunately, it's still not over for me (both winter and spending money). I bought my bike in May of 2008 and to this day, it sits in the garage 100% stock. This winter, I had finally had enough and started my list:

New mirrors (from an F800GS) - Done
GS aluminum cylinder guards - Done
Sport windscreen - Done
GS bash plate
BMW side cases (can't make up my mind if I want the tail rack or not)
Some sort of throttle lock (I'm thinking NEP/Vista Cruise or one of those cramp busters at least)
Tail bag (Kriega I'm thinking, or BMW's 51lt bag)
Ohlins (High on the wish list, unfortunately they'll probably just remain a wish for quite some time)
New riding gear; jacket, pants, gloves, boots (currently I lack some fundamental safety equipment)
P3 Lights
Photon Blasters (perhaps a modulator as well, still thinking about this one)
And I'm sure there is more that I'm forgetting...

I only have a few items bought as of yet, but pretty much everything listed above is to be ordered in the next 30-60 days except for the Ohlins and side cases. I haven't quite determined whether I have the need for the side cases or not, but some secure storage while in town would always be welcome. I want to be able to retain the bikes naked feel, but have the option of equipping it for the long haul when needed. I remember ChiTown told me a year or so ago that the 51lt bag is almost all I need for a week long camping trip, but still the side cases would be nice for a two up camping trip for those of us that aren't so hardcore.

Anyway, this thread hits the head on the nail, it has been/will be an expensive winter...

[celticus]

"I remember ChiTown told me a year or so ago that the 51lt bag is almost all I need for a week long camping trip, but still the side cases would be nice for a two up camping trip for those of us that aren't so hardcore."
Speaking as a mere mortal I do definitely love my side cases for packing for camping trips. I know some who can do without them but I see no need to try. I camped allot last summer, most likely an accumulated month spent sleeping in my tent ( less than some , more than others) so I have had plenty of time to trim my camping kit to my comfort minimum. They are also good for hauling beer back to the campsite.

Mark

[gezerbike]

One of the first things I noticed after my first long ride was the Z Technik screen. It created more turbulence than improving the ride. Also, looking at it made the bike look tall. One of the things about the bike when I first saw it was how petite the bike was..having owned RT's and GS's, I wasn't looking to replicate that touring look. So off with the Z Technik and on went the stock Sport screen. On my first ride with it, it reminded me of my old 1150 RS...nice clean air. So I brought it in the house and several coats of Krylon Gloss Black to the inside of the screen gave me the look I wanted and I would never have to worry about the paint chipping off.



The only issue I had with it was that it made the Mickey Mouse Mirrors look even taller. So after searching around I found the 800 GS mirrors to be the answer. Looking closer at this picture, you'll also see the switch for my MotoLights, which I decided to keep,the Grip Puppies, and at the end ofthe bars, the black crinkle finish Throttlemeisters that I picked up here, used, after ranting about how much they cost and being tired of spending money on them...DAH. I thought their finish went real nice with the black finish of the Motolights.





Measuring from the ground to the top of the mirrors revealed that the mirrors were only 3" higher than the top of the screen. Now I was on the right track.

[gezerbike]

I mentioned earlier the bike came withthe BMW tank bag. They are nice but they are big. And somewhat a pain when refueling. And it seems to me that they are really just a large bag where you just dump everthing in to them then look for what you need. Not what I wanted for the RR. I had always heard good stuff about Moto Fizz products, so a trip to Aerostich via the catalog brought home a Moto Fizz Through tank bag. If tou can't stay organized with this, well, forget it



The top or outside houses a compartment for a phone, Ipod, I pass or whatever. Then there is a sleave for credit cards for quick access.



Pulling up on the grey tap reveals a money pouch for carrying a few bucks and loose change



Unzipping the first zipper reveals a compartment for useful little things you need quick access to when on the road



Zip the first section closed and unzip the next section and you have a nice area for map or directions or even a book with bookmark. Cool



Close the map pouch and unzip the last zipper and you have a larger compartment for wallet, small digital cammera, gloves or whatever. The bag is magnetic, comes with a rain cover, is built like a brick poo and only cost $ 89. I have that ruberized shelf liner glued to the bottom of the bag to eliminate the possibility of scratching. Did I say that it is really cool ? In front of the bag are a set of MotoTechniques bar back/ risers for a little more comfort.

[gezerbike]

"I remember ChiTown told me a year or so ago that the 51lt bag is almost all I need for a week long camping trip, but still the side cases would be nice for a two up camping trip for those of us that aren't so hardcore."
Speaking as a mere mortal I do definitely love my side cases for packing for camping trips. I know some who can do without them but I see no need to try. I camped allot last summer, most likely an accumulated month spent sleeping in my tent ( less than some , more than others) so I have had plenty of time to trim my camping kit to my comfort minimum. They are also good for hauling beer back to the campsite.

Mark

I couldn't agree more. Call me lucky or whatever, but I solved that problem with my 1100 GS, which has hard bags, Touratech luggage rack and the back seat removed. Unless the day comes and I sell the GS, the RR will just be a weekend tourer, with hotels as my source of sanctuary. And most the aged wonders I ride with don't like camping, so we have become Kings of the cheap motel. If I do resort to hard bags somewhere down the line, a set of Trax bags or the new Givi's will probably be the order of the day. Here is a pic of my GS at the Appomadix Courthouse with my camping gear on board, after leaving last year's nationals.

[gezerbike]

Back to the RR. I mounted a Ram mount on the screen support are to carry my Nuvi 780. I 've got a 2610 on the GS but this one is so more compact, but with a bigger screen....



To keep my tank from getting scratched, a Z technik Carbon Fiber tank protector. The little piece of vcelcro is to hold my Gerbings controller



For those rides where I need to carry more than what the Moto Fizz will carry and yet don't need the soft bags, I stopped in at National Cycle / Ztechnik and picked up one of their storage pods at a very nice discounted price. Easy on and off the Meyer seat, it will carry more than you think, and I think they look pretty cool. You probably got the idea that i don't like riding with saddle bags unless I have too. You're right.

[cwrose]

So I brought it in the house and several coats of Krylon Gloss Black to the inside of the screen gave me the look I wanted and I would never have to worry about the paint chipping off.

Forgive me for being so ignorant when it comes to painting, but how exactly did you go about painting the screen. Just tape off the edge and front and spray away? Any finishing products to apply after the paint? Sorry if it's a stupid question, but being 24 years old, I just finally picked up a paint roller and brush for the first time in my life to paint a room at work.

Since the used screen I bought has a chip in the scratch resistant coating about the size of a dime, I was thinking about taking a stab at painting and doing some combination of a glossy silver and black. Any advice would be much appreciated. I figure my cheap used screen would be easy to replace if I goofed up, but I'd rather do it right the first time.

[gezerbike]

So I brought it in the house and several coats of Krylon Gloss Black to the inside of the screen gave me the look I wanted and I would never have to worry about the paint chipping off.

Forgive me for being so ignorant when it comes to painting, but how exactly did you go about painting the screen. Just tape off the edge and front and spray away? Any finishing products to apply after the paint? Sorry if it's a stupid question, but being 24 years old, I just finally picked up a paint roller and brush for the first time in my life to paint a room at work.

Since the used screen I bought has a chip in the scratch resistant coating about the size of a dime, I was thinking about taking a stab at painting and doing some combination of a glossy silver and black. Any advice would be much appreciated. I figure my cheap used screen would be easy to replace if I goofed up, but I'd rather do it right the first time.

Pretty much just taped off the face of the screen and then followed directions on the Krylon can. I've got your 24 yrs x 2 plus a bit more, so I have some experience. Painting on the face could be a little bit of a problem though. I would suspect is will chip pretty easily.

[deilenberger]

Chris,

You might also check for paint at an auto-supply place like PepBoyz, Kragens, AutoZone, etc.. where the slammed Honda boys go for toys. There are a few spray paints made specifically for painting things like plastic light assemblies that should work well with our screens. I suspect (no data, but a WAG) they may adhear better to the plastic.

One thing - make REALLY certain the plastic has no wax, oil, fingerprints on it before painting. I'd suggest washing it with dish detergent (one of the few things that really removes all the above..) and drying it with a micro-fiber cloth before trying to paint it. Clean counts. Any of the above will cause "fish-eyes" which are the death of a good paintjob. Also - wait until it's about 70F and dry to spray. Cold temps/moist air will cause moisture to condense from the air in the spray causing the same sort of ugly problem (BTDT.. learned that lesson..)

[Mollygrubber]

... and do several LIGHT coats, not one thick drippy one! BTDT too (when I was 24 - and Chitown thinks he's the kid here!).

Gezerbike - nice setup! Looks very clean, and I really like that tank bag.

Your muffler is interesting... details? Or have you posted on it before?

Peter

[gezerbike]

... and do several LIGHT coats, not one thick drippy one! BTDT too (when I was 24 - and Chitown thinks he's the kid here!).

Gezerbike - nice setup! Looks very clean, and I really like that tank bag.

Your muffler is interesting... details? Or have you posted on it before?

Peter

You noticed the lack of it ! That is the last piece of the puzzle...for now. You'll have to wait until Saturday to finsih that off.

[chibbert]

Nice review of the tank bag - that looks like a good one.

[gezerbike]

It's a little too dark to take any more pics today, so I'll try and get some more tomorrow. Looking back thru this thread, I see I did make quite a few changes. I've been trying to work this front to back ( bike wise ) and I see I left this little feller out



I've had these on most of my other BMW's over the years and they are really a small investment that I think pays itself back rather quickly. I went to extra measures to install it without drilling holes in the stock fender. I really want one for the rear fender as well. There is a company caller Meier I think that makes a black one for the 1200 GS and it runs $ 60.00. I e-mailed them to see if it might be retro'd to the RR and they never got back to me. Might have to ask my dealer to bring one in for his showroom and see if it will fit on the RR.

[gezerbike]

Chris,

You might also check for paint at an auto-supply place like PepBoyz, Kragens, AutoZone, etc.. where the slammed Honda boys go for toys. There are a few spray paints made specifically for painting things like plastic light assemblies that should work well with our screens. I suspect (no data, but a WAG) they may adhear better to the plastic.

One thing - make REALLY certain the plastic has no wax, oil, fingerprints on it before painting. I'd suggest washing it with dish detergent (one of the few things that really removes all the above..) and drying it with a micro-fiber cloth before trying to paint it. Clean counts. Any of the above will cause "fish-eyes" which are the death of a good paintjob. Also - wait until it's about 70F and dry to spray. Cold temps/moist air will cause moisture to condense from the air in the spray causing the same sort of ugly problem (BTDT.. learned that lesson..)

Yep as usual, Don is correct. The Krylon product I used is specially formulated for painting plastic. They recommend that you rough up the surface, but the polycarbonate won't rough up very easily. I first cleaned mine with alcohol, then wiped it down with lacquer thinner. Light coats and patience are what is important here. And by painting teh inside of the screen, It will look very high gloss because ofthe polycarbonate finish. And if you do screw it up, a quick rub down with thinner brings you back to the starting point......DAHIK.

[xprof]

Mike: Keep us posted on that rear fender from Meier. I could really use something like that!

[gezerbike]

..........Continuing on, one of the markets that I call on is the RV industry, or what's left of it, in Elkhart, In. While walking one of the plants a couple of years ago, I ran across one of these little fuse panels that they mount through out RV's and begged for one, knowing someday it might come in handy. Well, as soon as the RR came home, I remembered reading about how the Canbus wasn't happy powering like the old bikes, I went to my electronics drawer and there it was.



Wired it in, moved my Motolights and Battery Tender over to it and still have an open spot. Each line has it's own fuse which is nice, and the thing just fit perfectly.

Next, I decided I needed power up front, to charge my cell phone and to charge my Nuvi, which will run about 5 hours on built in rechargeable batteries. What turned out cool is that my Nuvi and cell phone both use the same type male plug, so I only have to bring one cord along. Looking for a convienent location, but yet out of the way, I settled on this



I can now plug in my cell phone or the Nuvi, either while riding or stopped and charge them up and everything is out of the way.

[gezerbike]

Well, I'm just about to the end. Just before the previous owner traded in the bike, he had Gateway BMW intall a new Ohlins rear shock. I had Ohlins on some of my other bikes and like 'em alot. But there was an issue with this one...it was sprung for a 260# rider. I just couldn't get a good setup on it no matter how I tried. So Matt at Ohlins HQ got me fixed up with the proper spring and shipped to my local Ohlins race shop.





I haven't had the opportunity to try it out yet, but just sitting on it, I can feel the difference. In keeping with the Carbon Fiber on the tank, I thought a little more wouldn't hurt, so I added this out back, along with a little Teutonic flag waving.



With a little luck, and the co operation of my UPS man, I should not only be able to finish this thread, but be able to take the bike for a quick run tomorrow before the temps drop and the snow flies.

[deilenberger]

Mike,

If you don't get a hugger, you may want to consider getting a sock for the Ohlins. I believe Ohlins offers some pretty ones in their colors. The grit thrown up by the rear tire can make for a short life for the shock shaft and seal otherwise. I find the hugger works well, but it is a tad expensive.

[celticus]

A tad expensive but lovely. The CF one anyway.

Mark