Happy New Year to all and..................

[towerworker]

Well 2017 is rapidly coming to a close. I'm still running my trusty '04 R with about 90K on the clock. I want to wish all a very Happy 2018 and hoping 2017 was kind to you!

Things are pretty good here in Staunton, Va. Right now it's 13° and falling. Bike has been covered for a few days and looks like that's not likely to change for a bit. Health is good for an old fart (62), enjoying my grandchildren and trying to stay active and learn a new skill (wood working). I've been richly blessed considering I've come pretty close a couple times to leaving this world. (to a better place to be sure!)

Regardless lots to be thankful for.....good health and good friends. Many of those friends here on this forum. And while I think about it.......
for those of you who may be fairly new here..........it's probably time (most likely past time) to change the antifreeze in your R1150R. What'd you think those tankside radiators were for? It's a pretty difficult procedure and not explained in any of the service manuals (BMW, Clymer etc) It requires either a visit to your dealer's service dept or at the very least a phone call to the same. Just ask your service manager how to change the the bike's antifreeze and he will give you an earful. There's a lot to it. And be sure to go to the parts dept and ask for the special antifreeze utilized in the R1150.

Hope all are well and you ride safe in 2018!

Towerworker (ex.....I've been grounded)

[krowl]

Happy New Year to you as well! Just a quick question about the antifreeze.... Do you use a 50/50 solution of just strait up?

[towerworker]

Straight up!

https://www.ebay.com/i/332032026395?chn=ps

[skylarmav1]

Tower! Not on the site a lot, but dig your ongoing commentary and of course, detailed antifreeze education. Happy New Year!

[towerworker]

Skylarmav1......good to hear from you! Happy New Year to you as well!

[peels]

its important right now, during this ridiculous winter cold snap, to use at least a 60/40 mix on the oilhead.

happy new year folks, hope you all ride many miles, and ride safe!

its funny... I was riding comfortably on December 22nd, 4 days later, it was arctic winter, only seeing double digits once in two weeks. Bike in deep slumber. weather patterns are seemingly getting more unstable... its interesting.

[towerworker]

Heat wave starting today. 40 today and near 60 by Friday.

[peels]

edit: double post....

[peels]

its 40 degrees! woohooooo!

Started the bike this morning to keep it fresh... but ultimately did not ride... it was cold and wet all night, and there was ice on my windshield. too iffy to try two wheels

[EasyBee]

End of 2017 the clutch lever had no more free play, clutch gone after only 45.000 kilometers.
I've never had a clutch wear down that quick in over 40 years of riding bikes, cars or RVs. Probably the previous owner could not let go of that lever.
Well clutch was gone indeed, so new clutch plate, pressure plate, housing cover, inner hex holts and ofcourse oil seals (everything in there). Clutch slave cilinder was in perfect condition, as new.
Good news: the splines were as new out of the factory. Bad news : the starter motor teeth have had it, but luckily no damage yet to the flywheel.
Let's ride.

[towerworker]

Rode a bit yesterday. Good temps but some rain. I was just glad to get a bit of wind over my bald head (helmet of course!). Even warmer today (65 or so) but kept the R parked under a cover. Pretty decent rain all day. Mid 30's tomorrow. I reckon the next ride will require the heated jacket. Hope all stay safe!

[AZBMWRIDER]

I'm glad I relocated to a more warmer area, hated parking the bikes for up to 6 months of the year .
Coldest day so far this' winter ", was 39 F, 4 C .
Best riding conditions of the year in the low deserts of the southwest US .
Daytime temps of 70-80 F, 21-27 C .