My name is John and I’m returning to motorcycle ownership after a break of some 35+ years. While I started riding in high school, I bought my first bike, a Honda 250 dirt bike when I was in college in Colorado, after which I swore I wouldn’t buy a road bike until I got a lot more sense than I had back then.
I bought my road bike, a Yamaha XS750E triple in late 1978. It was the best touring bike I could afford. At almost 40% less than the comparable BMW of the time, it allowed me to get a bike with a shaft drive, a Vetter Windjammer and Samsonite bags for the price of a naked R80/7.
I had it for about six years, commuting whenever I could to clients as a CPA (back in the day when a suit and tie was required), as well as riding with my wife to concerts at a local venue and day trips to southern Wisconsin which often included a bite to eat at the Brat Stop.
Although I sold the bike a bit before our daughter was born, I started riding again in the late 1990’s, typically renting Harley’s when vacationing in California, Colorado, New Mexico and the like. Although my wife would still enjoy riding with me, at least until I made the mistake of trying to cross the valley between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree in a windstorm . . ., nevertheless, these were some very good times.
During this time I also continued to play racket sports two or three days a week, but after 50+ years, my body was wearing down, so I told my friends that if I couldn’t play tennis anymore, I’d simply buy another bike, and start riding again.
My wife Carey, passed away unexpectedly from cancer recently just months before what would have been our 40th wedding anniversary.
I knew I wanted to get a bike of some sort, but didn’t want to spend too much, my previous two bikes were great values, for their time, and they served me very well. I wanted something with character, however, I was intrigued with the idea of getting a big thumper, either a KTM or Husky Svartpilen 701.
Then I remember there was a great BMW shop in Chicago, where I had seen an old yellow Airhead a few years back for a great price, but it was sold before I pulled the trigger. I went to their site again, and I found a 2000 R1100R with factory bags and a windscreen, and only 40,000 miles. I’m not uncomfortable with owning an older bike or car, we just sold our 2002 Audi Allroad, so I ran down, and after looking at it put down a deposit. A week or so later, weather is kind of variable in Chicago in March and April, but after a 90 minute test ride, I was sold. After negotiating the price to include a full 12,000 service by their oilhead specialist I had a new roommate.
I thought it had been about six years since I last rode a big bike in Colorado, but it turns out it was actually thirteen. After crashing a lot on my dirt bike I was proud of the fact that I had never dropped a road bike . . . until three yards out of my garage in the alley!
I should have realized that every physical and mental aspect of mine has deteriorated over the last 35-13 years, but I knew I could do better. So I subscribed to MC Rider, did a lot of practicing in parking lots over by the lakefront, and started working with a personal trainer (the pandemic has taken its toll on my fitness), so I’m getting my confidence back.
My first two longer trips were on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, which runs right by my house near the lakefront in Chicago. On a Sunday I rode south to Whiting Indiana, I may go back for the recently announced return of Pierogi Fest this July! A few days later, I went north retracing a favorite ride along Sheridan Road up to Ravina and then continuing on to the Brat Stop in Wisconsin. The attached pictures are about forty years apart, but some things don’t change, the enjoyment that I get out of riding, and the fond memories it brings back.
I’m not exactly sure how I’ll be riding, beyond simply riding versus driving every chance I get. Anything from short day trips to longer rides are possibilities. In preparation for any eventuality, I’ve joined the BMW MOA, and subscribed to the Platinum Roadside Assistance package, as given the capabilities of a well maintained R1100R, the opportunities for adventure are pretty much unlimited.
So what’s with Bob? When friends ask me what kind of bike I got, most would recognize “a Harley”, but fewer a “2000 R1100R”. Then it dawned on me. Bob or to the more refined, Bob’o -
This post is written in part as a means of personal catharsis, but as a recruiter/headhunter, knowing a bit about the people you are interacting with makes starting a conversation easier, hence this longer introduction.
I’m looking forward to contributing to the online community where I can and maybe even seeing some of you on the road.
Take care,
John
I bought my road bike, a Yamaha XS750E triple in late 1978. It was the best touring bike I could afford. At almost 40% less than the comparable BMW of the time, it allowed me to get a bike with a shaft drive, a Vetter Windjammer and Samsonite bags for the price of a naked R80/7.
I had it for about six years, commuting whenever I could to clients as a CPA (back in the day when a suit and tie was required), as well as riding with my wife to concerts at a local venue and day trips to southern Wisconsin which often included a bite to eat at the Brat Stop.
Although I sold the bike a bit before our daughter was born, I started riding again in the late 1990’s, typically renting Harley’s when vacationing in California, Colorado, New Mexico and the like. Although my wife would still enjoy riding with me, at least until I made the mistake of trying to cross the valley between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree in a windstorm . . ., nevertheless, these were some very good times.
During this time I also continued to play racket sports two or three days a week, but after 50+ years, my body was wearing down, so I told my friends that if I couldn’t play tennis anymore, I’d simply buy another bike, and start riding again.
My wife Carey, passed away unexpectedly from cancer recently just months before what would have been our 40th wedding anniversary.
I knew I wanted to get a bike of some sort, but didn’t want to spend too much, my previous two bikes were great values, for their time, and they served me very well. I wanted something with character, however, I was intrigued with the idea of getting a big thumper, either a KTM or Husky Svartpilen 701.
Then I remember there was a great BMW shop in Chicago, where I had seen an old yellow Airhead a few years back for a great price, but it was sold before I pulled the trigger. I went to their site again, and I found a 2000 R1100R with factory bags and a windscreen, and only 40,000 miles. I’m not uncomfortable with owning an older bike or car, we just sold our 2002 Audi Allroad, so I ran down, and after looking at it put down a deposit. A week or so later, weather is kind of variable in Chicago in March and April, but after a 90 minute test ride, I was sold. After negotiating the price to include a full 12,000 service by their oilhead specialist I had a new roommate.
I thought it had been about six years since I last rode a big bike in Colorado, but it turns out it was actually thirteen. After crashing a lot on my dirt bike I was proud of the fact that I had never dropped a road bike . . . until three yards out of my garage in the alley!
I should have realized that every physical and mental aspect of mine has deteriorated over the last 35-13 years, but I knew I could do better. So I subscribed to MC Rider, did a lot of practicing in parking lots over by the lakefront, and started working with a personal trainer (the pandemic has taken its toll on my fitness), so I’m getting my confidence back.
My first two longer trips were on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, which runs right by my house near the lakefront in Chicago. On a Sunday I rode south to Whiting Indiana, I may go back for the recently announced return of Pierogi Fest this July! A few days later, I went north retracing a favorite ride along Sheridan Road up to Ravina and then continuing on to the Brat Stop in Wisconsin. The attached pictures are about forty years apart, but some things don’t change, the enjoyment that I get out of riding, and the fond memories it brings back.
I’m not exactly sure how I’ll be riding, beyond simply riding versus driving every chance I get. Anything from short day trips to longer rides are possibilities. In preparation for any eventuality, I’ve joined the BMW MOA, and subscribed to the Platinum Roadside Assistance package, as given the capabilities of a well maintained R1100R, the opportunities for adventure are pretty much unlimited.
So what’s with Bob? When friends ask me what kind of bike I got, most would recognize “a Harley”, but fewer a “2000 R1100R”. Then it dawned on me. Bob or to the more refined, Bob’o -
Big Old BMW or Big old BMW oilhead.
This post is written in part as a means of personal catharsis, but as a recruiter/headhunter, knowing a bit about the people you are interacting with makes starting a conversation easier, hence this longer introduction.
I’m looking forward to contributing to the online community where I can and maybe even seeing some of you on the road.
Take care,
John
Nice looking R.
