Germany Rider

[Jaeger]

Saying hello to all and introducing myself. I'm US Military stationed in Germany (over 15 years) and finally convinced myself to get back into riding after quite a long break (sold my last bike in 92).
I picked up a 2003 R1150R last December with just 5000 miles on it: changed the oils and rode a bit in the spring before having to change out the battery and starter (ouch). I did enjoy BMW days in Garmisch-Partenkirchen over the 4th of July weekend and rode the Alps some. Overall, before I had to put her away for the winter weather that is coming, I managed almost 5500 miles this year. I loved riding again and the R is wonderful. I'm just kicking myself that I waited so long.
Anyway, I've been to this site a couple of times and am amazed at how much information is in here and how much I don't know about my bike. I'm looking forward to next season and continuing to read the great advice.

[fpgirard]

Jaegermeister - welcome to the site. r1150r has been a great resource for answers on riding, wrenching, and almost anything about your BMW bike. I would encourage you to donate.

Like you, I also bought a 2003 R1150R bike. Mine had 1200 miles on it when I bought it last November. The odometer now is pushing 14,000 miles. I found that the more I ride, the more I wish to ride. With winter settling in here in Washington DC, my need to ride has now transmogrified into knowing more about the bike I'm riding. Sunbeemer, Towerworker, and others were instrumental in helping me take the plunge into working on my own bike. I now do all the fluids (except the Integral brakes and clutch fluid), plugs, filters, etc. This past weekend, they helped me with replacing the Final Drive boot and re-greasing the rear splines.

This Thursday I'm hoping to finish my final drive installation with new grease and a new boot and perhaps new tires. Learning how to do valves is next on the list.....

best, pascal

[Shakey]

Jeager,

if you didn't already do it then next time you can get over to Garmisch, go a little further past Kaprun (Austria) and ride the Grosglocker Hoch Alpenstrasse. You won't be dissapointed

[Jaeger]

Thanks Shakey, the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse is on my "to do" list. I might try and tie it in with BMW days next 6-8 July in Garmisch. Another place on the list is Scottland. With luck, maybe I'll get to do both this coming year.
I'd love to work more on my own bike, fpgirard, however in Germany space is limited. I'm looking for a different place with a garage. When I find one, I plan on doing more myself. Great to hear from you both.

[omg1010]

Hello jaeger,

where about in Germany are you stationed? I am living in 61449 Steinbach near Frankfurt .... Have fun with your bike. And yes, I can also highly recommend the Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse. Also a super area for touring is the french Alsace area and further beyond the french/swiss bordering Jura area. No traffic, no cops and wonderful countryside.

But off course even in Germany there is plenty of good riding!

Brgds
Oliver

[Jaeger]

Oliver, I'm stationed in Heidelberg and have traveled quite a bit in the Odenwald and northern Schwartzwald. I was previously stationed in Giessen and expect to end up in Wiesbaden in a couple of years. I haven't been in the Alsace or Jura areas yet, but it sounds good!

[towerworker]

Welcome to the board!

You did change the antifreeze in the radiators prior to putting it up for the winter didn't you?

[omg1010]

Jaeger, thats not too far from my. Anyway now the bad time has started and my bike will not move (except for my local workshop for some modifications I have in mind).

But spring will come again ...

Odenwald is great touring area and I am there as well frequently. Lets meet next year ...

Brgds
Oliver

[fpgirard]

Towerworker - when a bunch of us come down to see you ride on 5/17, we'll take care of changing your prestone before the launch.

p

[Jaeger]

Towerworker, antifreeze taken care of, after following the great advice in these posts
Oliver, absolutely we will have to meet next year. I'm sure there are areas in Odenwald that I haven't seen. The Vogelsberg is also nice around Schotten.

[feuerwehr7]

Ihr macht mich richtig "homesick" alles gute. Fahrt ueber den Schwarzwald ins Elsass und esst einen Flammkuchen.
Alles gute

Oberschwoab.

Google will translate.

[Jaeger]

No translation needed, perfectly clear as is.
Ich fahre gern in Schwartzwald, aber bis jetz ware ich nicht in Elsass. Aber Flammkuchen ist gut uberall.
Alles gute und Frohes Fest.

Happy Holidays to all