From Central Coast, CA to The Woodlands, TX

[tangoalpha]

Greetings Oilheads!

I hope you’re all doing well and in good health. I’ve been away from the forum for quite a while and boy has a lot happened since my last post.

For those of you who may remember me, I was living on the CA Central Coast with my wife and kids and riding an ‘02 BMW R1150RT. Well, after years of discussion, my wife and I finally decided to move to Texas. I used to live here in the 1990’s and we’ve been talking about moving back, but as you know timing is everything. Well, that opportunity came along, I bought a business and we’re now happily living in The Woodlands (Sterling Ridge, for those who know the area).

Well…it’s hard to believe, but it’s been a year since we’ve moved. In that time, I’ve been so busy with launching my new business and family life, that my poor bike has been sitting In the dark corner of my garage feeling lonely. Well, it’s time to get Der Bimmer out from under that motorcycle cover and start riding it again. So…I’m looking for some recommendations that I hope you can help with.

I’m in need of a State Inspection Service Center that inspects motorcycles. Also, can you please recommend a reputable independent BMW mechanic near The Woodlands who can work on my Oilhead?

As always, I’m grateful for your help and insights.

-Thomas

 

[r0ckrat]

Is Sterling Ridge anything like Sterling City?

Looking at https://www.dps.texas.gov/apps/rsd/vi/VIactiveStationLocator/Default.aspx, Woodlands didn't show up in the city list, but Sterling City did.

 

[lee]

Woodlands didn't show up in the city lis

It's actually The Woodlands

TxDPS - Vehicle Inspection Locator

Generate a custom list of vehicle inspection stations near you

www.dps.texas.gov

There's probably a long list of motorcycle inspection stations if you use Houston in the search.

 

[tangoalpha]

Thanks so much guys. Really appreciate that. I may not always know where to look, but at least I know who to ask. Your help is greatly appreciated. Looks like there are several different locations in nearby, Spring, Magnolia and Conroe. That will work. Really looking forward to getting the bike back on the road.

Out of curiosity, would either of you gents happen to ride a black R1100RT? I ran in to a BMWMOA member in a parking lot a couple months back who mentioned living in The Woodlands also. Ironically, there’s also someone riding an identical twin to my bike who appears to live in the area. So it would seem there are at least a few of us Oilheads who live in The Woodlands. I would really enjoy connecting and getting to know some local members.

 

[r0ckrat]

It's actually The Woodlands

TxDPS - Vehicle Inspection Locator

Generate a custom list of vehicle inspection stations near you

www.dps.texas.gov

There's probably a long list of motorcycle inspection stations if you use Houston in the search.

I should know better... I have an uncle that lives there! LOL!

Re: live there... Not I, just have pretty good google-fu.

 

[lee]

Out of curiosity, would either of you gents happen to ride a black R1100RT?

No, I have a R1250RS and live in Iowa.

 

[lee]

Well, it’s time to get Der Bimmer out from under that motorcycle cover and start riding it again

There's a local club rally in Kerrville in a few weeks if you have time to get out.

Hill Country Hangout 2024 - San Antonio BMW Riders Association

Join the San Antonio BMW Riders Association at Kerrville-Schreiner Park in Kerrville, TX April 19 - 21 for a few days of beautiful springtime in the Texas …

sabmwra.org

 

[tangoalpha]

There's a local club rally in Kerrville in a few weeks if you have time to get out.

Hill Country Hangout 2024 - San Antonio BMW Riders Association

Join the San Antonio BMW Riders Association at Kerrville-Schreiner Park in Kerrville, TX April 19 - 21 for a few days of beautiful springtime in the Texas …

sabmwra.org

Thanks Lee. Great suggestion. I’d really enjoy that.

 

[tangoalpha]

Well…Der Bimmer passed the TX State Safety Inspection with flying colors. Thanks R0ckrat and Lee for your help. I used the look-up tool and found a Goodyear Automotive Center near my house that does the safety inspections. I checked in yesterday morning at 8AM and by 8:15AM they were done. I didn’t even have time to finish my cup of coffee. I was truly impressed with how quick and easy this was. Best part, they didn’t even charge me for the inspection. Being from CA, I’m not accustomed to having these “safety inspections” done. We used to have smog checks done on cars and trucks, but nothing was required for motorcycles. Admittedly, the safety inspection that TX requires isn’t much of an inspection if you ask me. From what I understand 2024 is the last year they will be required.

All that’s left to do now is get the bike registered. Really look forward to having this bike back on the road.