Friday, September 14, 2012

I've been enamoured with

an "R" bike for a few years, and in particular the BMW R1200R. Over the past couple of years I have been scanning ads & Craigslist and for a time I knew every "R" bike for sale in our area, but none have been in "My price range". There was a close call last summer when I found a good one in Kelowna but I passed on it because of the logistics of getting it back to Vancouver. Then another close call late last year, when the local dealer in Richmond had a "DEMO" but it was Red. I went to see it several times and when I finally went the last time to try and do a deal, the salesperson said that they weren't interested in a trade as they would have to carry it until the Spring. So I left . . . and as it worked out, they didn't end up selling it until the next spring anyway.

DSC02678

Then on Tuesday I spotted one which looked delicious, except that it was Blue. I thought that this bike would look better in Graphite, silver or black so I hummed and hawed for 17 seconds, and sent off an email to ask if I could view it. I have found that if you are serious then you leave contact phone numbers and I thought that I left my cell number. I think all guys can relate to what I am saying. We all like to look at the ads and dream. I checked with my Beemer confidante in Atlanta, GA and she told me that this was that rare Biarritz Blue that was discontinued, but desirable.

I waited all day for "THE" phone call, but nothing. I was getting ansy that someone else had beat me to it.

P1020380

I am a good detective and I did get an initial email saying that I could view it anytime after work, so I did a bit of googling and found the owner's address. I was going to ride by after work anyway and see if I could spot it. Then, THE phone call came just before I left work. When I got there he said he did try to call me but that a LADY answered. He explained that he was selling a bike and this LADY said "HE BETTER NOT BE BRINGING HOME ANOTHER BIKE !"

I told him I didn't know who this person was, only that I didn't get his phone call so I rechecked my email (which I sent a copy to my phone) and to my horror I had typed in Mrs Skoot's cell phone number by mistake. OH OH, what to do now ! The Gigs up and now she knows what I am up to.

We had a nice talk about bikes. He just bought a Honda VFR, and an older Honda Elite scooter for commuting. He also has a Nissan 300zx convertible. As I was leaving he said to me "You're the boss in your family aren't you ? She can't tell you not to buy the bike " I mean guys are always in charge, Right ? " I lied and said "of course"

DSC02680

Now I get home and I don't know what to say, and Mrs Skoot doesn't say anything. I am at a loss for words and I know she is waiting for me to open my mouth

Well, it finally followed me home and the past couple of days I have been busy bringing up to my standards .

DSC02684

This bike is set up for someone with very short legs and it has the low seat option. My legs are bent too much and I needed the brake pedal raised so I ended up at EMS: Essential Motorcycle Services and thanks to Ted I also got the tires back to spec.

DSC02691

He is often there "after Hours". This bike also has SW-Mototech bar risers so you don't have to stretch your arms so much

P1020391

On the way home tonight, I stopped off at 2nd gear to buy some accessories

P1020395

I bought a powerlet adapter cable, and a waterproof cigarette lighter type plug which I managed to install in the dark using a flashlight. I can use this plug to plug in my battery tender, or my GPS

DSC02698

I keep pinching myself. I can't believe I own a female bike with Jugs







58 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Benny:

      too bad I arrived late for lunch, I still owe you one

      Delete
    2. Don't worry about it. Sorry I ate first. Congrats again.

      Delete
  2. Well Bob.......i am speechless. Well done on the purchase of a stunning bike that I am sure you are going to so enjoy.

    I ahve discovered though that a BMW owner and his money are sonn parted....as you seemm to have discoverd all ready. I look forward to the road trip and adventures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Roger:

      I have been looking at this particular model for a couple of years. Used ones don't come up for sale often, esp at the right price. There does not seem to be any issues with this model.

      Delete
  3. A very nice blue! I hope this doesn't mean the Wee is going...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Andrew:

      the Biarritz Blue is a rare colour, only offered for one year. For now the Wee is staying, I have a plan for it . . .

      Delete
    2. Glad to hear it! Maybe some more aggressive tyres and some dirt roads...

      Delete
  4. Oh that is pretty!!!

    And the story of the phone number is just priceless ... sorry I laughed and laughed, if I had have gotten a phone call like that I would have said much the same thing as Mrs Skoot just to see the reaction ... nice one Mrs Skoot :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brenda:

      I have never done anything this stupid, at least not recently. I can't imagine how I managed to email the wrong phone number. I was wondering why he wasn't calling me back

      Delete
  5. You would hate my Vespa. It runs off a magneto and doesn't even have a battery... so no accessories. I guess now you'll have to buy copies of Riepe's new book as a thank you for explaining to you the value of expensive German replacement parts?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mr Conchscooter:

      I love your Vespa. That is the only model I would have purchased . . . the P200E. My Lambretta also had the magneto system with NO battery. You should upgrade to the tubeless rims

      Delete
  6. Oh a nice shiney new toy to play with. Looks good Bob. Couldn't stop laughing about what Mrs Skoot said. You got busted in the act. Hope all is well at home and your not in the dog house.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chillertek:

      It wasn't funny at the time, I mean, how could I make such a stupid mistake. I am usually so careful. Lots of times things are described as better than what they actually are.

      Since the price of this bike was much lower than what I thought was reasonable, I thought it was a case of "you get what you pay for", and that it wasn't worth buying, but after I saw it and spoke to the owner . . . I was wrong

      Delete
  7. See Bob....there is truth to the saying; "It is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission"!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Roger:

      I have bought many cars and bikes. I usually just do the deal and bring it home. When I bought my V-strom I had it for nearly a week before Mrs Skoot even noticed.

      Delete
  8. I'm sure you were black and blue after Mrs. Skoot got finished with you. But look at it this way... now you'll match your bikes! :)

    Congratulations on your new ride!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lady Di:

      I got a chuckle out of your "black & blue", that is very innovative. I showed this to Mrs Skoot and she loved what you wrote

      Delete
  9. That is a Shweeeeet looking new ride Bob!

    With jugs that size might her name be Elsie?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Paul:

      Thank you. I've been taking it easy, getting things sorted out and getting familar with the different characteristics of the lower centre of gravity. I took it on the highway today and it rode like a dream.

      Everytime I look down and see the Jugs, I smile

      Delete
    2. You smile?? And yet you callously speak of hanging your legs on them!! No way to treat a lady!!!

      Delete
  10. Very nice Bob. Mrs. BobScoot must be a very tolerant person. But now for the really important question: Does it fit through the gate to the side of your house?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Canajun:

      the "R" goes through the gate much easier than the Wee. It feels a hundred pounds lighter and is much easier to roll around. It rides like a sports car, while the Wee rides like a Jeep

      Delete
  11. You are blessed with a very tolerant wife, my friend.

    This is a wonderful motorcycle and the colour is bloody brilliant. Never would have guessed that you have been drinking the Beemer Koolaid secretly.

    As this is the perfect touring bike what will happen to the V-Strom?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sonja:

      I have been looking for this particular model for nearly 2 years. Most are too expensive or too many miles. Not many come up for sale used. Right now it is set up for someone with short legs. You have to sit on it to believe it. It is so light and has tons of power. I will never go off road anyway so I thought I should change to a road bike

      I still have plans for the Vstrom that's why I needed the second bike

      Delete
  12. Congratulations on your R. That's a good looking bike, and every time I see one the owner looks pretty pleased with themselves. They also seem to be farkled to the point of coffeemaker and microwave oven. Have fun trading your farkles over from the WeeVee.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chris/Scootard:

      The R1200R has the classic style and is nearly perfectly balanced. It is made to travel all day long at highway speeds. It is so smooth and very easy to handle

      Delete
  13. Nice ride, Bob.....love the color.

    and oh, next time....keep the phone numbers straight! hahaha that was toooo funny!

    She'll be ok. It's still not tooo cold in BC, so a couple of nights in the "dog house" shouldn't be too bad on you.

    haha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat/ScooterChick:

      I don't need a Dog House. Did you forget that I have a Tent ?

      I can't believe that I forgot my own phone number

      Delete
  14. Beautiful bike! I really like the color. I like my F800 but am seriously looking at an R1200RT...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dan:

      I think the engine is nearly the same in the RT. Very smooth and lots of passing power. Just make sure to put a throttle limiter on your right hand, I know that's hard to do.

      Delete
    2. The RT is the same engine, but vastly different gearing. You know when you are doing 80 mph on the R, while the RT is purring and egging you on for more speed. ;)

      Delete
  15. Really nice color. What year and mileage?

    So, you didn't fill us in on what Mrs. Skoot said...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Richard:

      it's a 2009 model with some options, only around 22K kilometers. It is virtually new. I am growing attached to the colour. She said I could have it if I wanted

      I was thinking of upgrading my car, but I decided on this bike instead

      Delete
  16. Replies
    1. Karen:

      It was always part of my plan. I had been looking for a while and wasn't able to find a good one, until now . I am getting it ready for the KOA2013 tour, can't wait to see you again . . .

      Delete
  17. Awesome bike Bob. Love the color, but then I might be partial to blue.

    Congrats on the new ride.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trobairitz:

      This particular blue is also growing on me. I really like it too. You just have to see it in person but you will, one day

      Delete
  18. Nice ride, just tell Yvonne you're selling the V-Strom... it won't sell this time of year, nobody is buying bikes. Except you, sssshhhhhhhh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Troubadour:

      SHE also mentioned something about selling it but I still have plans for it, and it is already set up for touring. You can't believe just how small it feels. It is lighter than the Vstrom but with twice the engine

      Delete
  19. Ah yes, welcome to the Teutonic Riding Brotherhood, prepare thy wallet.....

    Seriously, that's one beautiful Beemer you got yourself there.......just think, shaft drive, no more oiling of the dang chain. I never should have strayed....oh well.

    Looking forward to your ride reports on the beemer.

    dom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dom:

      it is nearly the perfect touring bike. The RT's seem so large and heavy. I have lusted for an "R" for a while now, but the new ones are too expensive.

      The past couple of days I have been getting used to it. It takes a different riding style due to the lower centre of gravity. When I ride the Strom again I know it's going to feel anemic and lack finesse

      Delete
    2. Well, I don't know about unrefined as I've not ridden a wee....but yeah, probably slightly lacking in power.

      Ya know, you could ride the Wee down here to Colorado, that and some cash, and ride the Vee + sidecar back.....just saying.

      Delete
  20. "so I rechecked my email (which I sent a copy to my phone) and to my horror I had typed in Mrs Skoot's cell phone number by mistake."

    That might be the funniest thing you've ever written here, Bob! And congrats on your new bike. Hopefully you won't be so gimped up from sleeping on the sofa for a month that you can't ride.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Doug:

      I still can't believe I wrote the wrong phone number. Must be old age creeping in . . . I love the bike, I don't know how my Strom is going to feel when I ride it again

      Delete
  21. Congratulations Bob, that is one fine bike. When I met you, and later when I met Yvonne, it was fairly obvious to me that she must have the patience of a saint. Nice way to stretch the envelope though. I can't wait to see what you've got planned for the Vee. Saving it for riding lessons for me?!?!?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David:

      You should take a motorcycle course. You already have the basics, it's only the shifting. There's nothing like gearing down for the corner and accelerating out . . . Gary has got the 250cc running again, new engine . . . I am sure he would let you learn on it but you never allow any time for yourself to relax

      Delete
  22. Congratulations Bob!

    N just back frome Athens Greece

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nikos:

      thank you. I had been looking for a while now and finally this one came up. The GS was too tall for my short legs. As compared to the V-strom, the "R" feels like a sports car

      Delete
  23. Oh my ... I'm soooooo jealous. Always wanted a R1200R but somehow it never happened. It's also just a tad low for me, but I think I could live with that. When we were out last weekend looking at bikes for my wifey she also sat on the R and it seems she really liked it.

    It's a girls bike, so we can help you there easily, have a girl here who would gladly help you out and ride it ... ;-)

    Good luck with your new toy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Guido:

      I have always loved the "R1200R". I started noticing them a couple of years ago and sit on them when I am at the dealer. They seldom come up for sale used. If it wasn't this bike, it may have been the Tiger 800 next Spring

      Delete
  24. Hahahaha - best "own goal" story I've heard for years, absolutely excellent!!!

    Congratulations Bob, it's a gorgeous colour.

    Ummm.... didn't Yvonne recently get a new car?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Geoff:

      it was so funny that I just had to post this. I am not good at keeping secrets, as you notice. I was going to upgrade my car but decided that I would rather have the "R".

      I am growing attached to the Biarritz blue colour. Yes, we also got a new Subaru CrossTrek, went for our first outing today.

      Delete
  25. Hmmm...a small part of me never forgave Oilburner for getting a Biarritz Blue bike. Always the color I loved the most. 99% of me didn't mind with him. You however??? Be prepared for major cold shoulderage!!!

    :). I'm happy for you!! But I still think your weestrom plans are BACKWARDS!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lori:

      You mean . . . Oilburner's RT is biarritz blue too ? I don't think you have a cold shoulder, that's the first thing I'm going to check when we meet. Don't forget it's NOT my fault, remember I was originally going to get that Silver one . . .

      Delete
    2. Oilburner's first RT was Biarritz Blue. You know, the one he totaled. ;). The one now is a deep meta flake gray.

      Delete
  26. Bob,

    I'm a little late to the party, but congratulations on the new bike. There is no turning back now that you have drank the cool-aid! If people ask you why you are honking your horn, just say you're happy! Don't tell them you are trying to turn off the turn signal.

    May your R1200r take you many miles and many new places.

    GAW

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GAW:

      How did you know I was honking my horn. It happened several times already. I'm not used to the signals yet. I guess we all went through this learning stage. I wonder why Beemers have to be so different

      I'm planning on taking a longer trip next year. Perhaps even to your neck of the woods

      Delete