xmas day ride

[marine dad]

i had a couple hours to kill thursday afternoon, so i took off and made the little 90 mile round trip i like to make when pressed for time. lots of twistys and about 20 miles of interstate. i was thinking of trading for a gs, and had a good deal worked out, but i just can't bring myself to part with the R. here's a couple of pics from when i got home
mike

[boxermania]

Come on Mike, you don't want to trade the ride....she is cherry. The only thing you need is a set of K bike mirrors and painting the oil cooler covers BMW silver, like the wheels and you will fall in love again.

BTW, the first time I saw the painted oil cooler covers was at the Deals Gap lookout many years ago when I met the fellow that introduced me to this forum, he was in the music business and would you believe that I can't remember is name. During BB I (2004) at Tapoco Lodge he won the award for the most mods to the bike.

Gosh, I'm getting old..........

[markg]

Marine dad, nice photos.

About this GS idea...a couple weeks ago I went dual sporting with a friend of mine, he lent a DR-z400 to me and rode his own KTM. We went to the top of Saddleback Mountain in California. Now I dirt ride occasionally, my friend does alot, and he was a nationally ranked MX rider in the '70s. When I asked about it, he told me no way would he have taken his 1200GS up the road that we had just come up. Now I know it would be do-able, but nowhere near as much fun as a for-real dirt bike, which GS's are not. Besides, who wants to take a chance on tearing up their $14k bike on rocks and logs.

Save the money on the trade, keep your 1150 and get a true dual sport for the cost of the trade. My 2 cts.

[seipenko]

Mike,

Great photos. I have a aunt in NC and she loves the year round weather.
Question about your shield. Who makes it and your recommendation on around town speed and freeway speed with blocking wind. I have the BMW touring and it's ok but looking to upgrade. Comments would be great.

Todd (2004 R)

[marine dad]

todd,
the shield is an MRA Vario. i bought it from twistedthrottle.com after trying a bmw sport, bmw touring, and then calling to order a parabellum and they told me they were a month behind, so i ordered this one. it works really well, around town it is great and after several tweakings it really does a good job on wind , rain and turbulence on the interstate. one of its strong points is that it can be adjusted and tweaked very easily. i recommend it.
mike

[dragonmojo]

I had an R1200C Cruiser for 9 yrs; bought my Rockster 5 yrs ago to share the stable. There's enough contrast between the two to warrant keeping both. This past May I cracked the engine block on the Cruiser near Kirkwood Ski Resort when I ran over a helmet sized boulder in the road. Long story short, the insurance totaled it and I used the cash as a down-payment for a new GS.

Very nice ride, combining the attributes of my beloved Cruiser and the Rockster. There's less of a contrast between it and the Rock; actually more similar than not. I got on the Rockster yesterday after almost a 3 wk hiatus just to keep the fluids circulated. Funny how much smaller the Rock feels now. The engine (and whole bike) still feels really tight even with over 20K miles on the clock... as tho' it were fresh off the showroom floor.

In citrus, the Rock is also a flashier ride and stands out from the crowd unlike the subtle GS (in grey). I like the wide look of the tank (with oil coolers jutting out on either side). The aggressive looking dual lights under the instrument cowl. The GS handguards may look like moose antlers to some, but is a welcome addition (and you know, moose are rather aggressive). Comparing the 2 bikes, they're the same, but different.

I have a friend who is interested in buying it from me. If that pans out, it's not like I won't be seeing it around anymore.

[marine dad]

yeah, my riding buddies call my gs handguards "moose ears" , lol, but my 32 mile ride home from work at 10pm tonight makes them a welcome addition.
mike

[gregor]

Nice bike.
But yours is cleaner than mine before I go for a ride! I have a fender extender plus a mud flap but the front engine casing, oil sump and alternator cover are soon filthy. I've a similar MRA screen which prevents buffeting- but the wind noise is very loud and painful if my earplugs loosen.

[phishbone2501]

nice bike... dont trade for the gs.

I understand about the gs hand covers 'mouse ears'. I have them too and I know they look naff but on a rainy, windy cold ride home they are a god send.

[Samiam]

Boxermania - My Roadster is already silver; what's a good color for the oil cooler covers for it? I'm intrigued by the idea of contrasting covers.

Marinedad, those are good pics. Beautiful bike; doncha just love the South?