First BMW - me three

[ciscoe]

Greeting to all! I picked up a 2002 R1150RT with 25500 miles a few weeks ago. My "first" ride was an 81 Kawasaki 650CSR. It is still in my backyard being a home for mice, bees and doubleing as a vine trellis. Waaay back when, mini bikes and mopeds got me around quite well.

Anyway, with gas prices increasing beyond reason, the wife and I decided to get one now (we're early 40s) so we can enjoy it as well as take advantage of the economic bennies.

Being a shade tree mechanic for my cars, I have enjoyed lurking the boards about general maintenance. I find the best techs 'work' the boards (for free, no less!)

In any case, I'll get some pics uploaded soon. Looking forward to some good conversations here.
Ciscoe

[johnnyjs1]

Congrats and welcome

[MikeCam]

It is an unfolding belief of mine that with a BMW R1150xx, an owner can successfully and efficiently complete 95% of his own maintenance with readily available tools, simple knowledge, and basic skills (reading the multiplicity of good maintenance how-to's among them).

On this board fellows such as Cyclerob, Phil, Boxermania and Carlos are expert in their knowledge and experience. Among others are numerous authoritative guys and many good, hard working and well meaning guys. There is no shortage of good advice and expertise.

Be cautious of the credibility of every answer you get - apply the common sense and sniff tests to various assertions, opinions, and pretend facts.

But with just a little care you can answer every question and approach any problem.

Congrats and good riding.

PS

BMW Sport Touring, ADV Rider, and BMWMOA all feature experts of their own. Jim Von Baden, for one, comes to mind. Another is Anton. Another is Jeff Dean. Just be cautious of who is giving the advice and whether it reflects opinion, hysteria or fact.

[ciscoe]

Thanks for the welcomes. I have already lurked on those boards and recognize the names.

One of my cages is a 89 Volvo Turbo and their forum (swedishbricks.net) is also a great resource. But I agree that all ideas and suggestions should be taken with a grain of salt.

I am pleased to learn that most maintenance can be performed in house. Personally, I enjoy doing the work and KNOWING it was done properly. Who better to trust, right? Afterall, whose butt is in the seat?

Honestly, I don't know why I waited so long to get another ride.

[boxermania]

Ciscoe

Welcome aboard and enjoy your new ride........BTW, is Silver still around........

[ciscoe]

Yep....and she's lookin' fine, too...

[GypsyRR]

Welcome. Nice bike.

[disco_jon75]

Wow! Really digging your body style... Here's mine that I just got... wanted to post em side by side to compare the R next to the RT.

[ciscoe]

That is a sweet ride! I would have bought the R if one presented itself first. There was one in Delaware but I wasn't funded yet. The RT arrived on the local market and I jumped at the chance. My wife wanted a back rest so I had done some research for the R incase it one followed me home.

Good luck!