It's Here!

[sandrider]

I’ve been a member of the RR forum since November of last year. I haven’t posted before because, well, er, I haven’t had much to say up until now; it is time for me to introduce myself. I first want to say that, as I’ve read the posts over the past five months, I have come to appreciate the high level of advice, good humor, and general encouragement to new and old riders alike.

I bought my bike last November and just got it a couple of weeks ago (2002 Dakar with ABS). I had the dealer in Fort Worth, Texas add the BMW touring wind screen. I am 5’ 11” and the air bubble fits me well. This is my first large bike and I also had the dealer add the Wundelich engine guard—I think of it as insurance. My wife and I each have Nolan helmets with the NCom electronics package. We talk to each other through Bluetooth even when we are on different bikes. It is nice to be able to answer the phone, listen to music, and talk as if we were right next to each other.

What a wonderful time we are having with the RR. It is stable in high winds, countersteers with precision, and maintains speed as it grunts up hills. I find that I can’t wait for the next corner to appear down the road so that I can feel its surefooted lean. Quick stops are steady and controlled. My friends can see my huge grin even through the full-face helmet. We’ve already put on a couple of hundred miles just putting around the neighborhood after work and on weekends.

Now for the story of the five month wait between buying my bike and getting it to my house. I live in Saudi Arabia. My wife and I are empty nesters and we were looking for the next challenge. I have been dirt biking for a while and my wife rode a Harley many years ago. We decided that we would enjoy taking motorcycle tours together and, big surprise, only a BMW would do! We checked on the internet and the local dealers, and found my bike at the Fort Worth BMW dealer. We made the down payment sight unseen (except for the photos). In December, we dropped by the dealer during our annual vacation, confirmed that it was the bike for us, and completed the deal. I rode the bike for a month and then, sigh, put it on the boat for Saudi.

I am sure you appreciate the anxiety of being separated from the RR for so long! Anyway, we are happily reunited. My wife rode it for the first time yesterday and I may have to look for another RR before long. I hope to see everyone on the road someday.

[chris]

That's some wait, I don't think I could have been so patient! Congrats on the new toy, can feel your excitement from here!
Let's see some pics as soon as you get chance.

[1150929]

Thanks for sharing.

I betcha this will be the start of a great love affair with the R, as it has been for me.

[sjbmw]

Way cool. A long boat ride for sure. Welcome.

I can't remember if we have had any ride reports from Saudi Arabia, but take your camera along on your next ride! Please!

I just love the international feel of this place....we need 'Welcome' in over a dozen languages by now...

[iowabeakster]

Like Herb said above, we want pictures of your adventures!

Congrats, and welcome.

[DJ Downunder]

Welcome aboard sandrider..and sandrider/wife...We all can relate to the joy that your bike gives you...Ride safe...

I once had a spider crawl out from under my tank while rideing...and I just had a thought of one of those big camel spiders doing the same thing. .

DJ

[johno]

As DJ said, welcome to the world of the RR. Great bikes.
Definately a multi country site this.
DJ and I both come from the land Down Under, sitting around
eating our Vegimite sandwiches, and sipping Coca Cola.
Sorry about that, I couldnt help myself.

[sandrider]

Thanks for the welcome. I've got some pictures of the bike while it was in Texas and some from it being uncrated here Saudi. Let me get some good ones with desert background and I'll post them.

By the way, although I've been in Saudi for five years I'm moving to Adelaide in September. Then I can have pictures of my bike on three continents!