Wolfgang 0 Posted April 8, 2013 Hi All, I recently moved here from the Bay Area. I've been riding for 20-yrs exactly. At the moment I own two motorcycles, both of which I adore. The first is most relevant to this group a 2000 BMW r1150GS w/ABS & 22k miles on the clock. I just picked it up less than 2 weeks ago, and I'm thrilled. The bike is low mileage, but it's my first "Oilhead" and it needs a tad bit of TLC- nothing more than fluid changes, tires and yearly adjustments. It came with a full set of OEM BMW Hard Case Panniers and Top Case, so I should be ready to hit the open road in a serious way, by the end of this week. I've never bled brakes or adjusted valves on a Beemer before, so if anyone wants to help the new guy out, over a few beers and pizza (my treat obviously), I'd be eternally grateful. Though, I did purchase the manual and the job appears quite simple. There's not much else, I haven't tackled over the yrs. save for changing my own tires. On that note- , the cheapest quote I've gotten is $100 to change both front and rear. Anyone know of a cheap (but good location) that doesn't mind mounting tires bought elsewhere? I'm looking forward to putting some serious miles on this bike and the bike below now that the weather has turned awesome again. My second bike may or may not be relevant to this forum. But, in any case, it's a 2012 BMW S1000RR. It has 130 miles on it, so, it's just learning to talk. So, I'm very, very lucky to have the best of both worlds at the moment. My other interests revolve around photography (occasionally at the professional level, when called upon), day hiking and overnight hiking trips, running, camping, motorcycle road trips, sci-fi movie junkie, and occasionally the random bicycle ride. Upon a time I was a professional road cyclist. I never used pharmaceuticals, mind you. With that, I'll wrap up this long intro with a bit about my local, etc. I live centrally in Banker's Hill or about a mile from 1st. Ave. and University. I plan to ride 3 to 5 times per week, for the next few months. I'm also trying to put together a 1 or 2 week long adventure touring ride, involving camping most of the days, perhaps up north as it's already quite warm in the Southwest. But nothing too extreme. Maybe no more than 100 miles of road before hitting the trails. I'm sure some of you have developed some great routes over the years, so I'm glad I found this group. In closing, it's nice to meet everyone and I look forward to seeing some of you guys and gals out on the road. Cheers, Wolf Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CL300CAPT 0 Posted April 8, 2013 Welcome to the group! I'm sure you'll be getting lots of advice from the folks here, they are a wealth of info and have lots of experience. Again, welcome! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrophyHunter 15 Posted April 8, 2013 Plenty of what you described to be had with the members here. Don't hesitate to post up a back roads ride involving that land missile. Plenty here with dual interests, not just dual sports.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bikeslut 1 Posted April 8, 2013 Oh great...just what we need...another bowers Inside joke- welcome to the forum. I usually ride my small bike, but some bigger bike rides and even some spirited street rides show up here on occasion. There is an on-line map presented by SDBMW I believe that shows all the best SD roads, and includes 94, wildcat canyon, Honey Springs, 79, Sunrise Highway, etc. San Diego has some great roads, but they're not racetracks, so don't become a statistic I believe you when you say you didn't use pharma...farmasuit...whatever...I believe you Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted April 8, 2013 Oh great...just what we need...another bowers Wait- are you being sarcastic? Welcome to the club, Wolfgang. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Afry 1 Posted April 8, 2013 Welcome! You may enjoy this - http://dualsport-sd.com/forums/index.php?/topic/15452-bikepacking-show-and-tell-overnighter-at-toro-peak/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wolfgang 0 Posted April 9, 2013 Thanks everyone for the warm welcome, as well as for the information on local rides. Glad to hear that there are a few who have sport bikes, as well! I'm no speed freak, but I still like to have fun, to be sure. No statistic will be adjusted on my behalf. Thanks for the warning. I go a bit overboard when it comes to safety and look like an Alien in a space suit half the time. No tickets in 18 yrs.! (good radar detector j/k)... if it's any consolation to the "bower" lovers, I had a BMW automobile that had a recurring stalling problem. The dealer replaced over $20k worth of parts (their cost), before I demanded a new one. New one arrives...3 months later...I figure it must have been a fluke. It couldn't happen twice... First week of ownership with 300 miles on the clock, I start smelling something through the vents at a stop light. Seconds later I see what I had been smelling...as did the fire dept. and the neighbors...and the dealership...60 days in the shop later...currently lemoning and washing my hands at BMW Automobiles for good. Thankfully, their motorbikes are far more reliable. Though BMW engineers must be the oddest individuals on the planet...or so I tell myself after approaching, then passing, the 4th hour replacing a simple throttle cable...and balancing the throttle bodies <cough>. Anyway, nice to "digitally" meet you all, once again. I'll post to the ride section next time I'm headed out, which is rather frequently, as of late. Today, I had planned to explore Hwy. 94 for the first time, but the clouds looked a pretty menacing from where I was standing. Maybe later in the week? Cheers and ride safe, Wolf Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TrophyHunter 15 Posted April 9, 2013 I never considered Bowers being a BMW reference but I'll stick it in the hip pocket. The reference was to Paul M Bowers....a creativist around here....... Again, welcome. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Covered in Dust 163 Posted April 9, 2013 1365499578[/url]' post='149065']I never considered Bowers being a BMW reference but I'll stick it in the hip pocket. The reference was to Paul M Bowers....a creativist around here....... Again, welcome. This is probably the only time Bowers will be mistaken for " the ultimate driving machine". CiD Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SCHWINN 0 Posted April 9, 2013 You din't say what part of San Diego you are in... As far as North County goes for tire changes bought elsewhere..I use North County Cycles for my tire changes. $20.00 off the bike mount and balance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntmo 910 Posted April 9, 2013 Welcome to the group, see you on the trail. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wolfgang 0 Posted April 11, 2013 Thanks again for the welcome and for the info re: the tire change! $40.00 (for a pair) is heck of a lot better than $100 bucks. I'll take the savings anywhere I can get it. As far as where I'm located, I live in central San Diego in Banker's Hill (a block away from Hillcrest, though Madoff and his cohorts don't appear to be in sight, so I think it's a safe area. Lots of poodles and such. I suppose the largest major cross streets would be University Ave. and 1st Ave or about 1 mile from "GPCycles" Today, I received Clymer's manual for my '00 r1150gs today. I'm afraid. Oil changes are 3-page affairs and dare I attempt changing the brake fluid, I am to truck the bike to a BMW dealer to be properly bled...hmm.... Starting to think I just wasted $45.00 bucks. In any case, I have a copy, if anyone needs it. Probably talk for the tech section, though. Okay guys and gals, be safe out there. I hear drivers (of cars, trucks, buses) do crazy things around April 15th...Something having to do with Robin Hood and the King's taxes? I'm not quite sure, actually... Cheers, Wolf Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CalNub 0 Posted April 11, 2013 Oh great...just what we need...another bowers Good lord I was thinking the same thing, like his evil BMW twin. GP Cycles won't help you too much with you BMWs, but I do really like those guys, they're techs are particularly friendly. RE: Clymer manual - try and find a BMW Repair Manual, rather than assuming you can't properly bleed your brakes, it presumes the person reading the instructions either knows or is prepared to learn. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baldbeemer 0 Posted April 11, 2013 Wolfgang, welcome to the forum. I've had a couple of 1150 Gs' over the past few years, but didn't attempt a brake fluid change. You have an excellent BMW dealership that is a big supporter if this club just 10 miles to the north of you. They offer loaner bikes during service, so need to truck it in. Another good option for for service is Dave Campbell in Santee. Small shop, one man operation but fair prices and good work. Also in Santee try FTP (Full Throttle Powersports)for tires. I also do street rides and have days off during the week, so can avoid the parade of pirates that occurs every weekend around here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
