Return to riding

MRB · Post by **MRB** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 6:29 pm

Hi All

First time logged in so hope this is correct.

Just returned to riding after a break of 25 years. Last BM was an R80/7 we collected in London , did the Isle of Mann, Dutch GP etc and spent 10 weeks camping around Europe before shipping the bike home to OZ. That was back in '79 and I stopped riding around 1980 when the kids came along.
Picked up a new R1150R yesterday so rapidly trying to recover my riding "skills". Intend to use it for the occasional day trip through the hinterland (rain forrest) and down the coast. We live on the Gold coast, Queensland.

I am very aware of the dangers (and my own mortaity now age 56) so I am interested in adding anything I can to aid in visibilty and safety. Can someone comment on the LED tail light options that I have read about on the board?

Thanks.

fnfalman · Post by **fnfalman** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 6:52 pm

Well, you can get aftermarket LED tail lights or you can get the BMW LED secondary tail light. The BMW unit mounts underneath the license plate. It is bright!!!

Post by **Brooksie** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 8:00 pm

Welcome back! I bet you had an "urge" to get back on two wheels for quite some time.

Airman1 · Post by **Airman1** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 8:49 pm

MRB,

I returned to motorcycling after a similar break. I bought my R1150R just under three years ago. I think you'll find that it's still a joy to ride. I don't think that part ever leaves you. It's still great to hurtle down the road on my black BMW. More fun really as I couldn't afford a great bike like this years ago.

MIXR · Post by **MIXR** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 8:56 pm

Hi mate - Welcome to the club!

Have a look at the Aussie LED Shop. They are on the 'net and have a whole heap of LED stuff for bikes and cars. Very sensibly priced. A fellow by the name of Keith Simpson has been very helpful for me. Just google it and it will come up. Really fast postal service on orders and you can order on line or by fax, email, phone etc.

Post by **tipstall** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 9:52 pm

The signal minder with the running lights seems to work very nice. At dusk I notice it on the bike.

Post by **TonyT607** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 11:01 pm

Martin, welcome aboard. I use the Kisan Signal Minder in running light mode and I also have the brake light LED's installed - I can't remember which ones, but they are not the BMW piece. They're quite bright. I've been told the back of the bike looks like an incoming 747 from the rear.

Post by **KHaynes** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 1:55 am

G'day Martin. It's an exciting time for you ahead. It sounds as if you're going through the same life transformation as many of us do when midlife arrives. Welcome back to the road.

Post by **Boxer** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 11:59 am

You're more likely to have someone run out in front of you or turn into you as they are turning left and talking on thier cell phone at the same time. Run brights during the day, or even better get a headlight modulator. Wear bright clothes and wave at everybody all the time.

Tail lights are nice. I use the HYperlights that blink and then stay on with the brake light. The best defense is to keep a sharp eye out for possible cages infringing on your safety space.

Vigilance! Constant vigilance! That and staying away from the cage buggers.

Post by **geechie** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 12:22 pm

Welcome back to the road.

You're gonna love modern motorcycles.

Be careful, O.K?

George

Badger · Post by **Badger** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 1:32 pm

the kisan signal minder which lets you use the blinkers as running lights, turn off the turn signals by hitting the same button a second time, and automatically shuts off the turn signals after a programmed period of time....is worth every penny......easy to install.....

dhw

silverr · Post by **silverr** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 1:34 pm

any recommendations on a headlight modulator? Are they just plug and play like the signalminder? That sounds like a good idea to me!

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 2:14 pm

How ya going Martin....just letting you know that the biggest danger riding up your way on the Gold Coast is all those Meter Maids..

I think it's my duty to warn the others here about the dangers of riding on the Gold coast...

http://www.metermaids.com.au/

http://thecouriermail.com.au/extras/fed ... tMaids.htm

http://www.abc.net.au/goldcoast/stories/s1340441.htm

How do you keep your eyes on the road with beautiful girls everywhere wearing nothing but a gold swimsuits.....geees I'd crash in no time...

Take it easy and you'll be ok...maybe use those horse blinkers..

Congrats on the new bike...what colour?...and I'd just like to add that adding lights will not help much..IMHO...you need to look out for yourself and not expect others to see you...you could be be dressed in fluro and have flashing lights all over and they'll still say.."Oh..I didn't see you".

Good luck and take it easy mate.

DJ

Capt. Blackadder · Post by **Capt. Blackadder** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 2:28 pm

Welcome back, Martin!

(DJ, you bastidge... now I can't leave my desk for at least half an hour.)

MRB · Post by **MRB** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 5:25 pm

Hi All
Thanks for so many responses.
I have asked the BM dealer about the extra LED brake light and await his response.
I will order the Kisan signal minder and their headlight modulator as well - looks like USA is the only way as I can find no local sources..
I have led cluster globes comning for the existing indicators , brake and tail lights.
Thanks to all for the suggestions and yes, I know I could have flashing neon signs and someone will still say "sorry I did not see you". I am watching everything around me and probably riding like an "old lady" so far.
Was I so paranoid 25 years ago? Probably not. I have even looked at the "Hit Air" jackets as a possible future purchase.
DJ- its blue.
I have moved interstate from all my old motorcycling friends and this was great to get some feedback..Again thanks to you all for making me feel so welcome.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 6:01 pm

I will order the Kisan signal minder and their headlight modulator as well

I don't think you will be able to use it here (it's ilegal)...if the cops don't get you first you might bring on a road-rage incident..you don't need that.

Just keep riding like a little old lady till you gain more confidence..try and avoid busy traffic and riding in the rain when you can.

I'm not a big fan of the air-jacket..do you already have a good jacket..good gloves and boots?

DJ

MRB · Post by **MRB** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 9:04 pm

Hi DJ

Thanks again.

I was afraid of that. I will still try for the additional brakelight and give the headlight modulator and signal minder a miss.

I have other transport options so the BM was intended for the weekly R&R ride, fine weather and probably mid week (I am sort of retired). Don't plan to ride in the rain.

I have a Collins textile jacket with armor, a Nitro full face, Draggin Jeans (with the knitted Kevlar seat, knees and hips) and I am waiting on a pair of the short "Speedboots"

All comment most welcome.

MRB · Post by **MRB** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 9:49 pm

DJ
What don't you like about the Hit Air jackets?
Seems like a logical step but I guess without exhaustive testing its hard to say how well they work in real life.

camfarm · Post by **camfarm** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 5:10 am

Quote: "or even better get a headlight modulator. "

I wonder...in the U.S. when an oncoming driver 'flashes' his headlight it means: "I am yielding the right of way to you."

Does the headlight modulator get the same response from drivers? Remember these are cage drivers.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 7:37 am

DJ
What don't you like about the Hit Air jackets?

I'm no expert..it's only my opinion...do those air jackets have armor as well..if not they should..you can have a silly little fall were you don't want to turn into the Michelin man...and I think it's better to slide to a stop and I think an air jacket would make you grip,bounce,roll forcing arms into un natural positions..the air will not help that..I also know the American air jacket people were con-men..I posted about it some time back under the title 'Con-Air'..

..and the system that activates it is a bit suss..imagine going to get off your bike for petrol and forgetting about the leash and..pooof!...how embarrassing..

...I'm sure there's good and bad things about them...I just don't think they have proven themselves yet.

DJ

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