Another new (old) guy

[ejwan]

Just a quick intro from a new member.  I turned 65 this year. I took the motorcycle safety course last summer, bought a 97 GSF600F Bandit as a learner bike. Have had a blast, just put the bike away for the fall, but sorry I did because the weather here, in the burbs if Chicago, hasn't been that bad. I put on 2100 miles this year, slowly expanding my range and confidence.

While I really cant complain about the old bandit, I think I would like to upgrade to a bike that would be more comfortable for some longer trips I have planned. (Shenandoah National park and the Blue Ridge Parkway)  The bandit gets a little breezy over 75. MY knees haven't been a problem, I can get off the bike after 2 or 3 hours and have no problems. My shoulders and throttle hand do bother me  tho.

As much as I like the idea of a BMW, all I hear about in the forums are people complaining about reliability issues. So I have been thinking of an FJR, Connie, or maybe a 1250 Bandit. My concern with them is that they might be to heavy for me.  But then there is the xxxx, and the yyyy sure looks good.  The zzz sure looks like fun too. Makes your head hurt.

Anyhow, pleased to meet you all.

[bomber]

ej -- welcome!

if you're in the Chicago area, drop down to the Region 4 page -- many good folks, greaat resourece wrt good roads and shops et al . . . . . . .

and get your bike back out -- supposed to be damn near 60 on Sunday!

[Orson]

Welcome  

Check out the Moto Guzzi California



with roughly twice the character of a BMW

[UHOH]

welcome,  2100 miles for a new rider  

"My shoulders and throttle hand do bother me  tho."

Cramp Buster grip accessory, $13, helped me a lot.  (I preferred the wide version)

[ejwan]

Thanks all!

I did check out the Area 4 section. I see there is a breakfast meet that I would like to go this Sunday, but I am heading down to Champaign, IL to meet my youngest at UofI. Seems like this month my weekends are all planned out for me. I hate it when that happens.

I did get a cramp buster at the end of summer. What a relief! Helps make long rides possible. Now if I can beat the shoulder problems. My solution has been to ride until lunchtime, eat, take a couple of ibprofen, and then ride my last couple of hours. That way when I get there the ibprofen has kicked in and I can relax. I have only done day trips, so I hope this works for multi-day rides. Cant wait to try.

I don't know about the Moto Guzzi, but the Multistrada looks interesting. More dealers in this area.

[county]

 solution has been to ride until lunchtime, eat, take a couple of ibprofen, and then ride my last couple of hours.

Take the pills before getting on the bike....

[Mrs. DantesDame]

While I really cant complain about the old bandit, I think I would like to upgrade to a bike that would be more comfortable for some longer trips I have planned. (Shenandoah National park and the Blue Ridge Parkway)  The bandit gets a little breezy over 75. MY knees haven't been a problem, I can get off the bike after 2 or 3 hours and have no problems. My shoulders and throttle hand do bother me  tho.

As much as I like the idea of a BMW, all I hear about in the forums are people complaining about reliability issues. So I have been thinking of an FJR, Connie, or maybe a 1250 Bandit. My concern with them is that they might be to heavy for me.  But then there is the xxxx, and the yyyy sure looks good.  The zzz sure looks like fun too. Makes your head hurt.

Anyhow, pleased to meet you all.

Welcome to the clubhouse!

There are as many bike choices out there as there are opinions. The best bet is to sit on as many as possible and test-ride even more. And don't discount a bike immediately - there are adjustments that can be made, such as the addition of the cramp buster (which you've discovered already) and bar risers (which may help with the shoulder problem).  Take your time in sorting out what bike you want next  

PS - I think that BMW 'reliability" issues are overblown, but that's just my own opinion based on what I own and what I've read. If the bike speaks to you, listen  

[squeezer]

Take the pills before getting on the bike....

Good advice. The Motrin goes in before the helmet goes on.  

[JimWilliamson]

Welcome  

Check out the Moto Guzzi California

OOOOOOO sweet. I'd drop the wind shield and would be all over that.

[Mr.Black]

Take the pills before getting on the bike....

+1 more. It sucks getting old. Beats the alternative though.

[ejwan]

I'm sure BMWs aren't as bad as some of their forums would indicate. The local BMW club is very active and has a lot of great members. I haven't taken BMW of my list, the bad press just makes me leery.

I see Triumph is coming out with some new bikes. I like the the tiger or ST in their lineup.

Then there is the Suzuki 1250 Bandit as well as the Wee Stroms. Both have good reputations.

Yamaha has a couple of new models, the the verses looks interesting. So do the FJR and Connie.

Lord I need a bigger garage, deeper pockets, and more time to enjoy them all.

 

[cruisin]

Don't let the 5% of BMW guys with problems who make 95% of the negative noise scare you away.  I have now owned four oil-heads over the last 10 years with nary a problem over a combined 260,000 miles.  If you have any skill at all reading and turning a wrench the boxers are very easy to work on and have much more soul than do the K bikes.

On the flip-side; I don't think there is any dispute that while BMW was once at the top of the heap for reliability, that honor probably belongs to Honda now.  They are an outstanding motor company with a much wider range of offerings and extensive dealer network should you find yourself in need of service away from home.

[sammyseaman]

Don't let the 5% of BMW guys with problems who make 95% of the negative noise scare you away.  I have now owned four oil-heads over the last 10 years with nary a problem over a combined 260,000 miles.  If you have any skill at all reading and turning a wrench the boxers are very easy to work on and have much more soul than do the K bikes.

On the flip-side; I don't think there is any dispute that while BMW was once at the top of the heap for reliability, that honor probably belongs to Honda now.  They are an outstanding motor company with a much wider range of offerings and extensive dealer network should you find yourself in need of service away from home.

Come on Mythbusters, debunk this already