HC Motorcycle Gang

[agile_one]

Nice, Al.  Does it come with studded snows?  

[Aimless1]

Great time to DREAM about riding

[Aimless1]

just delivered

[Voltron]

Look out world, here comes Big Al on the Big Red Machine!

[n_maher]

 

I always lusted after the single-sided swing arm of the ST. 

[agile_one]

Very good looking bike, Al.  May warm days come early this year.

[swt61]

NICE!

[Aimless1]

Got a late start to riding this year.  Had time, weather crappy.  No time, weather beautiful.  Typical Spring in Michigan.  Finally got out for the first ride of the season, albeit just commuting.  This is going to be fun this year.  I am much more agile on the bike now that I've lost a few pounds.  Rather than sit and ride, I should be able to ride and drive.  Rather than steer into corners I'm flicking into and out of them.   

[Aimless1]

Just made an offer and it was accepted for this beast.

2013 BMW K1600 GTL

Rode for a couple of hours Saturday.  Unbelievable.  6th gear at 10mph, hit the throttle and instant acceleration.  You would think big and clumsy.  Nope.  Very flickable.  

Just as important, my favorite rider (Karyl) approves

[n_maher]

Nicely done!  So jealous.  It'll probably be 10+ years before I get to ride again, assuming they still have motorcycles at that point. 

[robm321]

Congrats!

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[VPI]

Thread resurrection.  Seems like winter time is the perfect time to discuss all the cool stuff I need to buy to get prepared for March-April.  

Looking at riding gear.  Seems like Klim is the high end, non-Brent line, for touring jackets, etc.  Not sure how they could be worth $1600 for a coat when so many of the others are in the 400-600 range.  Better construction I assume with a touch of name brand douchy upcharge?

I got all of the BMW luggage and the Ver 6 GPS with the bike as well as some crash protection for the cylinder heads.

 

So what great things should I be shopping for while I await the stupid snow to go away?

Edited May 6, 2018 by VPI

[Aimless1]

Might consider pannier protectors ... that plastic is expensive.  

On the K1600 forum they love Klim and BMW gear.  I find the 400-600 stuff works just fine for me.

If you're taking the GS off road you'll want adventure or track boots if you don't have them.

Have fun!

 

 

[VPI]

Al, do you participate in any of the BMWMOA events?  Looks like there is one in Wisconsin next year and I am told riding in Wisconsin is some of the best in America, for some reason.

[VPI]

Went to put the bike into winter storage and saw this sweet classic w/ sidecar being put in.

 

 

Had to take a few shots of mine, before luggage and crash bars are added in storage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[n_maher]

That thing is seriously sweet, Jeff.

[VPI]

Watching The Motorbike Show on Netflix.  Decent British show all about interesting motorcycle trips.  Riding Nortons around the Isle of Man TT circuit in the first episode.

https://www.netflix.com/title/80116363

[VPI]

Picked up my BMW Navigation system and grabbed the SCHUBERTH comm package for my helmet. Now since the bike is in winter storage I will need to set it all up and then walk the streets with my helmet on and the GPS directing so I can check that I can talk on the phone, listen to music and get directions all in the proper priority. Maybe no one will notice.






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[VPI]

Random shots from the International Motorcycle Show today.

 

One that I was most intrigued to see. The new version of the original super bike. This one is one that I might own at some point.

 

 

Very interested in the new tiny BMW. Especially after I saw it used in the stunt show so well.

 

And finally, the 2018 version of my dad’s 1972 Suzuki bike.

 

Edited February 11, 2018 by VPI

[VPI]

The winter appears to be finally over so I picked up the new Beemer from winter storage. The Klim Badlands Pro is really hot in traffic, even with all the vents open.






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[n_maher]

Nothing (short of AC) can make up for standing directly over a motor, wearing long pants and a long-sleeve something, in the hot sun.

[VPI]

Beemer all set up for a grocery run.




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[VPI]

Nothing (short of AC) can make up for standing directly over a motor, wearing long pants and a long-sleeve something, in the hot sun.

The Rev’it Airwave 2 jacket and pants made a huge difference. Not quite AC, but dramatically cooler than the Klim and Belstaff coats and Saint armored jeans.


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[VPI]

Spent all day at the BMW dealer to get upper crash bars installed and when the finally brought it out it looked like this.





They proceeded to tell me that the crash bars are supposed to be touching the fucking fairings so I had to fight them to even check. Ends up they ordered the wrong ones and put the bars from a 2013-2016 on the bike. Not sure yet if they have scraped up the fairings, but I might be ending some BMW people shortly.


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[Aimless1]

Jeff,

Been away from HC  for a while.  Catching up.  Bike looks great with the bars installed.

Klim is heavy duty vs Olympia, Firstgear or Rev It and will always be warmer.  In hot weather I wear an older Firstgear Rush which is actually cooler than riding without a jacket ..... unless you're stuck in traffic.  Incredible ventilation.  Bought the bohnarmor for under jeans but haven't worn it yet.  Always looking for something with great protection but cooler to ride in.

I don't do group rides or go to MOA or other meetups.  Occasionally ride with friends but that's as close as I get to traveling in a group.

Enjoy!