(06-18-2023, 07:14 AM)Duckbubbles Wrote: I have 3 BMW's in my shop.
A 1985 K100/1100RS that I bought new and am just about to turn 330,000 miles. Rather than rebuild the 8 valve engine I bought an 1100 16 valve and swapped it in. Going strong, but the 70's technology suspension beats me up.
My next oldest is a 2003 R1100S Boxer Cup Replika (Randy Mamola signature) that I absolutely love. Bought it a little over 5 years ago with 10,000 miles on it. Just over 29,000 now.
My new bike is a 2023 R1250RS and the best of the bunch. I had two R1200RS's. The first had recurring water pump problems and BMW bought it back from me. The 2nd I traded for the '23 after throttle issues.
Three seems to be the magic number for me.
Frank
I recall upgrading the suspension on one of my K100s - going from stock with springs in both fork tubes to one. About that time I also put on a smaller profile Pirelli sport tire, and I recall being pretty happy.... Of course, I was working with a different body and mind-set at the time, and doing a lot of commuting.
And glad to hear that one of best looking R bikes - the Mamola signature - is being ridden as it was intended.
Surely there must be an aftermarket fix to keep the bond strong between you and that older K100 RS. (I note for instance, Ted Porter's got some nice Wilbers products for the rear. - I'm sure he and Jeff would have an opinion if you called.)
In response to your thread, I am only allowed one motorbike at a time. It's usually big and versatile. (Yes, I'll rent one for a course on the track or dirt, though my physical therapist objects to the latter.)
Not only do I get to know the bike, but it also cuts down on worry and responsibility. Reminded of that this morning, when in response to some intermittent low beam lamp faults, I grabbed a new bulb and took a look. Yeah, the old bulb was cooked at 17,000 miles, but so was the plastic that houses the plug. And the plugs themselves were a little corroded.... So, a little extra time out of the day to clean things up, apply a little dielectric grease, and slip in the new bulb. (Pretty relaxing, and at times, I wonder why I sold most of my tools - until I remember that time wrenching steals from time riding.)
The point is, I can't see multiplying my responsibility and worry to a herd of potentially needy machinery..., well, until I have more time (and money) or the wife becomes demented and can no longer count.
The guy with the airhead in the picture I posted from the rally keeps over 100 bikes at a time. Not clear to me how or when he sleeps.
