Greetings From New Member

[BeemerBen]

My name is Ben and I have a black 2004 R1150R. It's barely got 10,000 miles on it and so far most of my riding has been commuting to and from work, about 13 miles round trip. Well, my job is done and now I'm planning on doing a little tour of the southeast to visit some friends and relatives. Leaving Stuart Florida, my first stop is Folly Beach, S.C. (I say first stop, but that's not quite accurate, that's where my first destination is). It's about 500 miles from Stuart so I'll probably stop over somewhere around Jacksonville, Fl. After a few days in Folly Beach I'll head a little north and stay with some more friends in Myrtle Beach. Then up to the Outer Banks (Manteo - Kill Devil Hills) to visit an old girlfriend. After that I'll head due west and go to Raleigh to visit my brother and his family (although they might be out of town, forcing a change in plans). After that I head up to central Virginia to see on old, old high school/college friend and his family in Farmville, Va. A few days there and then I'll head west again to catch the Blue Ridge Parkway and head down to Chattanooga, Tn to see yet another friend. That should give me a great opportunity to catch Deal's Gap and ride the Tail of the Dragon. After a short while there I'll head south and visit my parents for a few days in Tallahassee, Fl before returning back to Stuart.
I've got new tires on order and they should be here Friday. Have to get them installed and continue to make plans... what to pack... I'd like to get some accessory driving lights (expensive) and a GPS that mounts to the handlebars, but boy those are expensive, too!
Anyway, I've been checking out the site lately and reading up on a lot of useful information. Thanks for having me.

[angellr]

Welcome. Great place with LOTS of information. Keep the rubber-side down and have a great trip!

[BeemerBen]

Salt Lake City. Wow, you've got some great ridin' out there! I was originally thinking about heading west (Utah alone would be a paradise to ride) but that's just too far and I don't know anybody out there.

[angellr]

Salt Lake City. Wow, you've got some great ridin' out there! I was originally thinking about heading west (Utah alone would be a paradise to ride) but that's just too far and I don't know anybody out there.

Hey, its not too far out here ... just a few hundred miles! Plenty of us fine folk that live in/near the scandal ridden city of Salt Lake City and the rides out here are really nice.

[towerworker]

Welcome!

You won't be far from me when you hit Farmville Va. I'm in Staunton, Va. Know Farmville very well. Ride safe and if you get up this way and have any mechanical troubles give me a call. I'll be glad to watch you work!

Seriously.........will be glad to offer assistance--540-448-5767

Wayne

[BeemerBen]

Thanks, Wayne,

Looks like Staunton is about 100 miles from Farmville, correct? Too bad it's not in the southwesterly direction, as my next destination is Chattanooga. Maybe we can still meet somewhere. Too bad my friend doesn't have his bike anymore.

Incidentally, how often does everyone change their motor oil? I was told it's OK to go 6,000 miles between changes. My bike had its 6,000 mile service right before I got it and by the time I get down to Tallahassee, Fl (where my parents live and there's a BMW shop), I'll be a little past due for the 12k service. Since I'm just over 10,000 miles now, should I change the oil before I head out or wait until I get back down to Tallahassee (by which time I might be at 13,000 miles)?

[towerworker]

No I would definitely not wait that long. I also think 6k is too long unless you are using synthetic. I use Castrol 20/50 and change at 3k. If we start talking oil here you will get flooded with opinions! And sure we could meet up somewhere if you have time.

Wayne

[BeemerBen]

Cool. I have new tires, a filter wrench, filter and oil being delivered on Friday. Any special precautions to take when changing the oil, or it just a straightforward 20 minute procedure? I guess the filter comes with a crush washer. The oil I got through Beemer Boneyard is Liqui Molly 20W-50. Familiar with it?

[Buckster]

Welcome beemerben.
The crushwasher may or may not come with filter. If you ordered it online, it probably will not. I re-use my crush washers several times over with no problems. If you go to the main message board page and scroll down to "mechanical", you will find instructions for most your bikes maintenance. There is alot of great info from the members of the forum. Consider becoming a member as it has been the best money I've spent for my bike!

[BeemerBen]

Thanks Buckster,

I went to that mechanical section you mentioned but there's not much there, only three links. Do I have to be a member to access the links pertaining to maintenance, or am I missing something? I'm not finding it. Thanks.

By the way, the oil, filter and tires should be here tomorrow.

[BoxerSteve]

I went to that mechanical section you mentioned but there's not much there, only three links. Do I have to be a member to access the links pertaining to maintenance, or am I missing something? I'm not finding it. Thanks.

Looks like the mechanical section articles have been moved to the FAQ forum:

viewforum.php?f=18

[BeemerBen]

Thanks, Steve,

I just wrote to Doug to sign up for a year...

[BeemerBen]

Hey Wayne,

I saved your phone number on my phone. My plan is to leave for my trip on Tuesday. I have several stops first, but don't be surprised if you get a call from me in a couple of weeks, when I'm visiting my friends up in Farmville. Maybe we can meet up and do a ride...

Thanks, Ben - Area code (954)

[ron prior]

Hi!,.My name is Ron. I live in Ohio, and have an 04 R1150R Roadster, ferro Blue. Recent purchase, but my 6th BMW.

The mototcycle can use & will get some attention, but got it at a decent price, & have my plans

Am searching for a rear wheel at this time, and later perhaps a "cat" by-pass.

So anyway, I'll be on here from time to time.

Other M/Cs owned...two Kawasaki Vulcans, a 99 Drifter & a 00 Nomad, as well as a 72 Yamaha XS-650

............anyway, sorry........there goes the neighborhood..........Ron