Riding again after a 22 year lapse

[Blackdog]

I started riding in 1967. Had a Honda 305 Scrambler, BSA 441 Victor, Yamaha 650, Ducati 750 Desmo. BMW R900RS, Harley Sportser and many others. When Evil Knevil made his infamous Snake river jump in the '70's, I was there on my Desmo Ducati. Been to Sturgis, I traveled the US from coast to coast 3 times on a BMW. I stopped riding 22 years ago and just recently started thinking about doing it again.

I looked at a 2004 XB12R with a race kit yesterday. It has 7,000 adult miles and he want's $5,000. I need a low, fairly small bike and this meets those requirements. The seating position is a little aggressive. The "R" in XB12R means race and the "S" version may use a more relaxed position.

I'm only considering Harley's, Buell's, BMW's and maybe a Ducati. The seat must be low like the XB12R and I need a fairly comfortable seating position.

Update:

I got the Buell today. Paid $4,750 for it. I dusted off my open face Bell "Super Magnum" helmet that I bought in 1976 and put on my old Air Force leather flying jacket.

Keep in mind I haven't ridden in over 22 years. My last bike had 50 HP, the Buell has 107 HP.

I put on about 10 miles riding around the country roads. What an experience! The riding position is going to take some getting used to. My hands were sore from the clutch and having a death grip on the bars was tiring also. My neck wasn't used to that position either. I'm sure in time I'll get used to it.

Note from Ron's wife: due to huge number of poor drivers (people who do not completely stop at stop signs; people who go through stop signs; people who are talking on cell phones), I am not in favor of Ron's newest mechanical adventure. Now I know why he was in a hurry to sell an old Toyota truck he just got a few weeks ago, fixed up and got rid of.

New Update:

I installed the lower pegs from an XB12S, installed better grips, and ordered the Buell custom seat. I then bought a new Shift jacket, Shoie RF1000 helmet and gloves. The wife kind of warmed up to the idea of me riding again. I've been riding to school (I'm a teacher) when I don't have a lot of junk with me. I can do a 100 mile ride now no problem. I've but on 2,000 miles so far. I'm very old but when I ride I'm 28.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a394/Merrell/IMG_0318.jpg

[1MPH]

Nice looking bike Ron.
Welcome to the cafe' pull up a chair and have a cuppa of joe.

[Griffon]

Welcome back to two wheels!

My girl and I were looking at Buells today! We might get her a Blast (her first bike). I really like the way Buells look, but have yet to ride one. I'm very interested in how you find the handling and reliability as you ride it some more!

My dad got a 2008 Sportster last December. It's interesting to hear the reactions of riders who've been riding old bikes, or haven't ridden in awhile.

Keep posting your thoughts!

[DarthRider]

Welcome back to the road, Bro!
That's a sweet ride, and I'm sure glad to see you got some more, er..."current" gear!
Consider taking the MSF Experienced Rider Course...it is excellent and would be great training for an old boot just getting back in the wind.
I hope you like it here on the Cafe' and decide to stay a long while!

[BobFV1]

Ron -

Nice new bike, congrats! You beat me to the punch on getting some decent gear, ie, trading in your antique helmet for a modern one.

I echo what Dave said - if it's been 22 years take it real easy and seriously consider some refresher training - the ERC, even taking the BRC if it's been so long since you;ve ridden.

The Cafe is a great place with lost of varied motorcycling experience. Welcome and again - congrats!

[AntonLargiader]

That sounds like a fun bike. However, if you can't get comfortable on the bike after the mods, look for something else. Some people find the forward position comfortable, but a lot of people seem to either tolerate it (because the marketing departments say they are supposed to like that) or they add a bunch of ergonomic crutches to ease the pain and end up with a compromise. I see SO many R1100RSes with bar-backs and peg-lowering kits. The owners would have been much happier on an RT, but didn't want the touring image.

Best outcome, though, is that you think your Buell is perfect! Let us know how this goes.

[Rchop]

Welcome to the Cafe' Ron, good looking bike you have there :023:
Work on those lower back muscles and try to take your weight off your wrists. You can start by just leaning against the back of the airbox cover. This will give you the feeling the bike was made for. They handle much better when you have an easy grip on the clip-ons. If you can become comfortable with the position, you will enjoy the bike much more. You got the bike for a decent price, so if you need to trade for a touring type later, you shouldn't be hurt.
Let us know how it goes.

Randy

[jamming]

Yo Dog!!!! Sorry Ron couldn't resist :).

Welcome to the Cafe and welcome back to two wheels. Ain't it grand? I'd like to echo the others, get some training..ASAP. Its a whole different world out there and I'm not just talking about the motorcycles. 22 years ago there wasn't a soccer Mom chatting away on a cell phone driving a 6000 pound lethal weapon. Nope, they'd just run your ass over cause they didn't see you.

I'd start with the BRC only because it will update your skills. I'm glad to see you updated your gear, smart move. Motorcycles are an addiction and welcome back to the jones.

[Capt. Blackadder]

Cool bike, Ron, good to hear that you're back on two wheels! Like the boys have already mentioned, a refresher training course is a good idea.

Welcome to the Café! :thumb:

[Blackdog]

I really love this bike. I admire all the high tech things Eric Buell did when he designed it. Fuel in frame, oil in swing arm, adjustable suspension, belt drive and the best front brake in the world. It was given the "Best handling sport bike award" in a mag a short time ago. Buells riders are a dedicated group and consider themselves elite. For to and from work, and occasional 2 hour rides the XB is great.

However, I have one small problem....the riding position. I have no problem with leaning over, my back is fine. The problem is my right knee. My knees are bent in too much of an angle, I can only ride 45 minutes or so until I have to stop and walk around to relieve the pain. When I put the lower pegs on it helped a lot.

Bottom line, I can see a new BMW in the future. I'm not ready for a bagger, I'd like a sport bike with less knee angle and a low seat, something with detachable saddle bags. I've been out of BMWs for so long I'm not sure what would be best.

It will be a sad day when I part with the XB12R.

[DarthRider]

If/when you start bike shopping again, don't just "knee-jerk" into a BMW. They are great bikes, but so are just about everything else out there now...nobody makes junk anymore.
If the "elite" thing appeals to you, Aprilia, KTM, Moto Guzzi and - especially - Triumph are good places to look.
A major "bang for the buck" motorcycle, and a fine bike in it's own right, is the Kawasaki Versys. Get past the goofy Euro-look, take a ride!

[Deans BMW]

Welcome to the "Cafe". Every one above has very good advise.

Ride safe and enjoy.

[Griffon]

Ron,

Since you already like Buells, you might want to check out the Ulysses. They just started making a version in he last year with a slightly lower seat, the bags detach (and all hold a full face helmet), and it's plenty zippy. If you ask nice, the dealership will probably even let you test ride! It might be a decent compromise, especially since it's got a more upright seating position.

[JCsman]

Welcome indeed.

I took 12 years off from riding. Dave (DarthRider) is right. There are a ton of good bikes out there. And bikes had changed a LOT for the better in both performance and variety.

But, if you want to try a BMW, you could do a lot worse than the R1200R (I ride it's Daddy, the R1150R, and I really like the boxer motor). Its looks don't yell out sportbike, but all reports are it's pretty competent in ALL aspects of riding. It's got 100 hp and a ton o' torque. It should have much better ergos for you too.

OTOH, I'd be tempted to try a Super Duke by KTM, but I've never sat on one to see about the knee angle.

[Brakecheck]

Welcome back to the fold Ron!

Wow! 1976 Orange Bell Super Magnum, that really brings back some memories....some of them bad....LOL! Mine never did fit right and I spent a couple years trying to keep it straight on my head at speed. Back then it didn't matter though cause I was free, nineteen and RIDING! :ricky:

[Arby]

Hello Ron, welcome. Hey, I like your new bike! If you need more leg room, check into a taller saddle. It would probably help as much as the low pegs did.

I had a '98 S3 Buell and found it to be a very comfortable bike w/ lots of leg room. Much more so than my current '04 BMW Rockster (which is plenty comfy also). Both those bikes have a slight lean forward riding position too. But probably not as much as yours.

Take it easy and stay safe.

RB

[Nail24]

Blackdog eh! So, you're a Led Zepplin fan huh? Buel is a nice ride. It's done pretty good against the R12S and HP2S this year in thunder Bike.

[fnfalman]

I'd like a sport bike with less knee angle and a low seat, something with detachable saddle bags.

Aprilia Shiver 750.:pot:

[Blackdog]

I hate to say it but a Harley bagger would totally solve my knee problem. Thing is, every baby boomer around here has a new or like new Harley in his garage.

Buell Ulysses is a possibility but the seat height is 31.8". You can tour 2 up on the Buell also.

R1200R, I'll look into it, looks nice, I'll check it out

KTM Super Duke, no, it's got a chain

Moto Guzzi, did they ever put any power in that thing? I like Guzzi's, I'll check.

Kawasaki, no FW, I like the goofy euro-look.

Aprilla, I don't know anything about them. I don't want chain drive, are they chain drive?


Thanks for all the input, I like it here.

[DarthRider]

Blackdog...during your 22 year absence drive chain & sprocket technology moved forward about 44 years.
If you are passing on any bikes just for that reason, you might want to check that out.
In 51 years I have never once been left by the side of the road by a chain drive bike...can't say the same about shaft drive.
I hope my next bike is belt drive, if not it will be chain.
If you like the HD baggers but don't want a HD badge on the tank, take a close look at the Jap cruisers, especially Honda & Yamaha. More bike for less money.

[Blackdog]

Blackdog...during your 22 year absence drive chain & sprocket technology moved forward about 44 years.
If you are passing on any bikes just for that reason, you might want to check that out.
In 51 years I have never once been left by the side of the road by a chain drive bike...can't say the same about shaft drive.
I hope my next bike is belt drive, if not it will be chain.
If you like the HD baggers but don't want a HD badge on the tank, take a close look at the Jap cruisers, especially Honda & Yamaha. More bike for less money.

Chains don't sling oil anymore? Cool, I'll look at some chain bikes.

[DarthRider]

Dog -
Modern O-ring, X-ring, Z-ring, etc. "sealed" chains require some but very little in the way of maintenance...cleaning, lubing & adjustment.
Modern aerosol chain lubes are alcohol-thin when applied, then set up like a firm, dry, non-sticky grease. Unless grossly over-applied they don't sling off.
The chain on my Speed Triple usually goes over 1,000 miles between minor adjustments, the chain on my KLR is about 3,500 miles since the last adjustment, but could use a small one now.
Chains are now usually secured with a "rivet link" rather than the old style spring-clip link. Both work well, the rivet link is stronger but takes special tools to install or remove.
Dude...you have some catching up to do!

EDIT: I failed to mention that modern chains with only minimal maintenance can be expected to last 20-40K miles and I've heard of longer, but suspect they rarely went over 50MPH...

[DarthRider]

Blackdog...take a look:
http://www.motorcyclistcafe.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5692

[fnfalman]

I've heard plenty of issues with final drives on BMWs failing, and the spline failure on my own BMW's vaunted shaft drive. I have yet to have the chains busted on my other vehicles.

Methinks the chain is the way to go.

[Blackdog]

I've heard plenty of issues with final drives on BMWs failing, and the spline failure on my own BMW's vaunted shaft drive. I have yet to have the chains busted on my other vehicles.

Methinks the chain is the way to go.

I had 2 BMW's, a R90 and a R100RS. I never had an issue even after 50,000-60,000 miles. My Buell is belt drive and problem free. Chains, from my experience are messy and high maintenance. At least they were 22 years ago.
Does everyone here agree that a chain is superior technology?

[DarthRider]

I don't think any of them can be crowned "superior".
My preference is belt drive but I have never had one.
A very close second is chain drive.
Third is shaft drive. Honda, Guzzi & Yamaha seem to have it wired.

[fnfalman]

I had 2 BMW's, a R90 and a R100RS. I never had an issue even after 50,000-60,000 miles. My Buell is belt drive and problem free. Chains, from my experience are messy and high maintenance. At least they were 22 years ago.
Does everyone here agree that a chain is superior technology?

Chain manufacturing and engineering had progressed since the last twenty two years or so. Shaft drive had regressed. Or should I say BMW shaft drive had regressed.

Anyway, chain clean, lube and adjustment takes me less than ten minutes every thousand miles. Chain replacement can be easily done if it were to break. Can't say the same about shaft drive. Anyway, that's my two cents about shaft drives, belt drives and chain drives.

[SV Andy]

Welcome Blackdog i run an SV650 my chain has done nearly 20,000 miles, i have adjusted it three times use Castol chain wax as a lube, you do get some lube deposits on the wheel and hub but modern cleaners are very good these days a bit of WD40 on a cloth works quite well.

I tend to use parrafin and a paint brush to give the chain a complete clean twice a year, Andy.

[fganger]

Welcome aboard Blackdog,

I've got lots of stinking miles on bikes - mostly BMW's. I now have a Suzuki Bandit 1250, which has a chain. I was a bit concerned about the chain, but my total maintenance for over 11,000 miles has been lubing it every 2,000 or so. I've not needed to adjust it yet, which is kind of scary to me, especially remembering the drive shaft was the reason I went to BMW it the first place.

Hmmm . . . Wow! Now that I think about it the drive shaft was the reason I went to BMW and now it is one of the reasons I'm leaving them - for a while at least.

In any case I think you may like the folk who hangout here.

Stinkin' Frank

[Sir Limpsalot]

Does everyone here agree that a chain is superior technology?

No.

I rather think it depends a lot on the area and/or weather conditions you ride in and the intended use of the machine.

One of the main reasons I sold my last bike and went back to a BMW was the endless faffing about with the rear chain on trips. I got heartily sick of grubbing about on my hands and knees in the gravel car parks at B&B's doing the very necessary lube job etc.

There is nothing more irritating after a hard, long, wet ride (when all you really want to do is jump into a hot shower) than to have to fish around in your luggage for a nice sticky can of goop to spray all over your chain. Secure in the knowledge that tomorrows rain is going to wash it all off again..

Don't misunderstand me, I fully accept that chain technology has moved on light years since the "old days", but, unless your primary use is day trips in somewhere warm and dry like Texas or Arizona then they have limitations.

If modern chains are that good why is there not a chain driven touring bike on sale? Think about it. Honda ST1300, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki GTR1400 etc, etc, all shaft driven. That's because they are expected to be used day in, day out.

Face it, would you buy a car that required a "little light lubrication and adjustment check" every 500 miles? Thought not. We've moved on from that.

Cheers,
Si.

[DarthRider]

No.

There is nothing more irritating after a hard, long, wet ride (when all you really want to do is jump into a hot shower) than to have to fish around in your luggage for a nice sticky can of goop to spray all over your chain.


If modern chains are that good why is there not a chain driven touring bike on sale? Think about it. Honda ST1300, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki GTR1400 etc, etc, all shaft driven. That's because they are expected to be used day in, day out.

Cheers,
Si.

Si...yes, there is something more irritating than that...to be hundreds of miles from home and have your BMW rear drive puking black oil all over a parking lot in Bum Fark, Louisiana.
And something even more irritating than that...dealing with German assholes trying to get it fixed.
And something even more irritating than that was when IT DID IT AGAIN only 150 miles later!

I notice you left one famous German brand out of your list of shafty touring bikes...akin to a Freudian slip?
You left out the Triumph ST touring bike too...chain drive, of course!

(Don't listen to Si, Blackdog. The Germans are still holding his Aunt Minnie and they make him say things like that.)

[Deans BMW]

I know that Dave has had unfortunate luck with his R1150R final drive unit and that is unexcuseable. I have had dozens of BMW motorcycles since my first one in 1972. All have been flogged to within an inch of their life for thousands upon thousands of miles and, knock on wood, not so much as a whimper.

[Sir Limpsalot]

Is there a town called "Bum Fark"? Cool..

I know how you feel about being let down by your BMW. (Actually, I don't 'cause I'd have set fire to the bastard and claimed the insurance money - but still..)

However, I think your argument is not chain vs shaft but chain vs BMW.
Are you seriously telling me that if a friend told you he was going to buy an ST1300 you would advise against it on the grounds of shaft drive unreliability?

The Sprint ST is a "Sports-Tourer" and in order to get enough "Sports" in they had to engineer some of the "Tourer" out. A pity in my view.

I took a test drive in a used car the other day that would suit you down to the ground..

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/thruxton120/P10008691.jpg

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee298/thruxton120/P10008681.jpg


Gosh! I'd almost forgotten Aunt Minnie. Last I heard of her she'd cut her way out through the wire and was heading for the Swiss border on a stolen Triumph..

Si.

[Dirty Doug]

As much as I respect Bro Dave, and I understand his point but I don't think the problem is as bad as some would think. Like Dean, I've had 4 BMW motorcycles. One in Alaska where service was few and far between. I've ridden over 250000 miles and nary a problem with the FD. I understand mine could let go tomorrow, but I would throw a leg over the saddle and ride anywhere without giving it a second thought. I do all the proper oil changes in the FD along with any services required. In fact next August I'm riding from here in South Carolina to Anchorage and back. At this time I'm clocking 41000 on this GS and will have almost 60000 when I get back. Concerns about the FD is so far in the back of my mind with everything else I have to do before the trip I never give it a second thought.

Nothing against chains, but I happen to like the brand " German Ass-holes" withstanding. I've had my share of other motorcycles and liked them all, BUT the BMW GS fits my riding stile and fits my 6'4" frame better than any motorcycle I've ridden. Just my two cents worth.

Dirty Doug

[JCsman]

Is there a town called "Bum Fark"? Cool..
Si.

Might be, Simon. We have beauties like Intercourse, Pennsylvania over here. But even though Cajuns can get lonely in the swamps, it would be more likely if the reference was to a suburb of San Francisco.

(Not that there's anything wrong.....well, you know.)

And Dave's reference to Bum Fark, Louisiana is probably a town reference. But it could also be read as his opinion of the entire state.

But your point is well taken. Shaft dominates the touring bike realm. Even the sports-touring side. (Of course I could throw in the belt drive H-Ds, paragons of sport touring that they.... nah.)

[fnfalman]

If modern chains are that good why is there not a chain driven touring bike on sale? Think about it. Honda ST1300, Yamaha FJR1300, Kawasaki GTR1400 etc, etc, all shaft driven. That's because they are expected to be used day in, day out.

Face it, would you buy a car that required a "little light lubrication and adjustment check" every 500 miles? Thought not. We've moved on from that.

Cheers,
Si.

Hmmm...chain driven touring bikes that churn up lots of miles...let's see: KTM 950 or 990 Adventure, KTM 640 Adventure, BMW F650GS, Aprilia Caponord, Ducati Multistrada, Triumph Tiger, Suzuki V-Strom.

And last I checked, a car's drive shaft doesn't tend to break down ala a BMW motorcycle drive shaft.

Funny I don't hear too many issues about Honda drive shaft or other makes' drive shafts breaking down. So I guess we'll address it as chain versus BMW drive shaft.

[Sir Limpsalot]

Hmmm...chain driven touring bikes that churn up lots of miles...let's see: KTM 950 or 990 Adventure, KTM 640 Adventure, BMW F650GS, Aprilia Caponord, Ducati Multistrada, Triumph Tiger, Suzuki V-Strom.

I never said chain driven bikes couldn't do the miles, only that they would require tiresome maintainance along the way. I stand by that.

And last I checked, a car's drive shaft doesn't tend to break down ala a BMW motorcycle drive shaft.

No, they don't. Neither do thay require continual fiddle faddle like a chain does.

Funny I don't hear too many issues about Honda drive shaft or other makes' drive shafts breaking down. So I guess we'll address it as chain versus BMW drive shaft.

Exactly what I said to Dave in my earlier post.



Cheers,
Si.

[DarthRider]

I know that Dave has had unfortunate luck with his R1150R final drive unit and that is unexcuseable. I have had dozens of BMW motorcycles since my first one in 1972. All have been flogged to within an inch of their life for thousands upon thousands of miles and, knock on wood, not so much as a whimper.

That's a much nicer way of putting it than what BMW said about my failed final drive (the first one, they didn't say anything about the 2nd)
They said my failure was "statistically insignificant". Then turned the warranty request down.

Then totally redesigned the rear drive. Oops, forgot to put a drain plug in the new one. Then said don't worry, it's lifetime fluid.
Oops, the seals leaked, better change that "lifetime" fluid. Seal too, while you're in there. Ever see the pic of 8 guys holding an RT with front wheel pointed straight up, getting a rear drive fluid change? Pretty funny.
Or, you can learn how to take the rear drive out of the bike, spend a Saturday doing that, and drain it through the filler hole.
Or pay the dealer to do it...the one I heard about charges $120 for that.
I think I heard they are putting drain plugs in the newer models now. I wonder if they are retrofitting the older models as "goodwill".
Anybody taking bets?

Blackdog, if you're really interested in BMW rear drive failures, "search" this site and see how many have failed right here on our tiny little forum! This has been discussed in many threads. And those are just the ones that were 'fessed up.

[Gord]

I hate to say it but a Harley bagger would totally solve my knee problem.

R1200R, I'll look into it, looks nice, I'll check it out

Ron - forgive my tardiness for welcoming you to the Cafe. I have picked up a ton of great advice from the denizens here. One great piece of advice I got from Will when I was questioning whether I could handle the ergos of the BMW K1200S was "damn the ergonomics!" Glad I heeded his advice. I have learned to ride fast so that the wind picks up my body and takes away the pressure points (wrists, knees). My advice is just ride faster, pain disappears.

As an ex-owner of the R1150R, I have to comment on the R1200R. I absolutely loved the 1150R. Very cool design (check out the movie Ultraviolet where they used the 1150R as a futuristic motorcycle). Great long distance comfort. Sporty. Very cool. Although initially I did not like the redesign of the R1150R into the R1200R, Geechie George has convinced me that I am a narrow-minded philistine. The R1200R is certainly worth a look.

[Gord]

Is there a town called "Bum Fark"? Cool..

I once got stranded in East Bum Fuck, Ontario. Right beside Swastika, Ontario.

[Blackdog]

The nearest BMW dealer is 150 miles away so I haven't had a chance to look at them in the flesh. I looked at the web site and I would be interested in the R1200R or possibly the R1200GS. The knee comfort will be the deciding factor. The GS has a high seat height which could exclude it. The R1200R looks like the better choice but than again it depends on my right knee.