proposal for the Doug and the mods

[wncbmw]

As evidenced by my post count, I spend a lot of time on this board. I don't have a double digit post count anywhere else! Some of my best friends have been met through this forum, so it means a lot to me.

So, it is troubling to me to see something happening that is probably a natural progression but splits us apart. Doug started this board for the R1150R bike and it serves as a wonderful resource for that model. But it has not been made for 5 years. Members are moving on to other bikes. Doug has generously added other forums for other models but we are becoming segregated!

It is to be expected but I would like to see a new forum added for General Motorcycling topics. For example, if I wanted to post a request for information on hi-viz vests, or helmets or the latest riding gear review, I don't think Off-Topic is quite appropriate. Off-Topic should be about things other than motorcycles. I would like to see a place where board members who have moved on to other bikes can go to discuss motorcycle topics. Otherwise, I fear that we will become splintered into our separate groups and lose some of the community field this board has.

So - is there any thoughts on this? Doug, is it too much hassle or is it wandering too far from your vision for the forum? Any consideration would be appreciated! And I thank you for your efforts to keep this thing afloat!

edited to add: I realize the subtitle of Off-Topic says other motorcycle related topics but it doesn't seem to generate much traffic! Maybe it is a poor suggestion but we certainly seem to no longer have a central forum that attracts everyone. Maybe I am off base. Any thoughts?

[rdsmith3]

Good idea. I concur, for what that is worth. It would be great to have more traffic on this board.

As an aside, I never understood why the Roadster was not more popular. The GS has great sales, but how many people actually go off road with it? The Roadster seems like a better choice, but I am biased.

[wncbmw]

I guess the problem is that this forum is just under-utilized by members as a central gathering point or 'family room' if you will.

And as a GS rider who turned to the Roadster, I agree with you completely on that point Bob!

[iowabeakster]

I feel the same way, Vann. I've been thinking about this a bit, too. I don't have any good suggestions. I always the read the OFF-topic. But, I am sure that most do not.

As long as I have this bike, this site is where I will go to learn...and to share what I have learned in (just about) 5 years.

The off-topic and playhouse I read and enjoy. But there is not much posted in those areas anymore.

What happens when I open up my bike and find badly worn clutch splines or I total the thing? I don't know. My next bike will not be a BMW, I am pretty sure of that. My biggest reason for coming here (and supporting the site) will cease to exist. For now, I just hope the driveline has good alignment (and ride defensively).

It sucks, I like you guys. (and for some reason, you put up with me) But, I almost certainly will find a new "motorcycle home" on the net that discusses the bike I own.

p.s. I wonder how much the GS sales have to do with the massive advertising campaign starring Ewan McGreggor? I also thought that the RT was the best seller. I am positve that is because BMW riders are OLD.
(OU812 I'm looking at you!)

[wncbmw]

Iowabeakster - what you cite is part of why I would suggest making a General Motorcycle forum more prominent! It would give folks who have moved to other bike brands a reason not to leave completely but to remain and contribute to other motorcycle-related topics!

Of course, the deadness of this thread sort of reflects the problem - lack of traffic in Off-Topic!

[Biff's R]

I generally look in off topic at least once a day.

This should be where the General Moto topics are, but it seems to be neglected by many.

[iowabeakster]

Look at the three posters on this thread so far... old timers... with quadruple digit postings.

The site overall has become less "chatty". It has more of a academic feel than a gathering of friends shooting the breeze with a beer in hand. I've felt like that we have been drifting that direction...well since Patrick left. Not nearly enough jokes and humor too! Maybe that's the German temperment we have absorbed from our bikes. Maybe everybody is afraid of putting us over our bandwith limit. I almost wish for the days of ABS debates.

I LOVE the idea of a more generalized chat-room. I hope people would feel free to discuss anything and everything. One thing that I have always wished we discussed more was "riding technique". I used to read the "ride well" section of Sport Touring. That was the only thing I read there. I think we all would do well to discuss more riding technique.

[sweatmark]

I think that the jerks in r12r section are maybe just too stuck-up.

You've noticed that too?!

[iowabeakster]

Who would say such a thing?

[wncbmw]

I think that the jerks in r12r section are maybe just too stuck-up.

Hey, I noticed that! Well, we were the originals! And I am one of the old farts too!

At least you guys are saying the same thing I was thinking. A central forum for all of us to get together and BS or share motorcycle info like gear and riding techniques. Stuff we all can use and enjoy, no matter what bike we ride!

We need more traffic in here! Maybe a change in forum name might help!

[famousperson]

I think that the jerks in r12r section are maybe just too stuck-up.

You've noticed that too?!

Why do you all think that? I am a denizen of the r12r section and I am neither a jerk nor stuck-up. I can't think of anybody who posts there that is. 98% of our topics are r12r specific, and would be of no interest to r1150r riders or others. Very occasionally someone will start a gear topic, or suggest getting together at a rally that might be suitable for posting here, but that is rare.

I agree with the poster that said that this section, Off-topic, needs more participation to be more appealing to the site's wider readership, but unfortunately, it needs wider readership to get more participation. What do do?!

I think a gear section would be terrific. I would certainly check in there more frequently than I do here, which, as an r12r participant, I find cliquish. That is not a criticism! It is just the nature of things. How about we reach out to each other and not snipe? I don't know how to do that, either, but maybe this topic is the beginning of a dialogue that could help.

Peter

[wncbmw]

First off, I need to clarify my last post, which I quoted someone else remark. I misread it, even after quoting it. I thought it was about the R1150R board, my hangout! And I thought (and still do) it was just a friendly jib and when along with the joke. My mistake. I meant to poke fun at myself, not anyone on the R12R board.

Peter, I am not sure what you consider cliquish but I sure don't see much of that in any part of the board. Except of course, all of us in our separate bike forums, which was my whole point. Not enough traffic on this part of the board to form much of a clique! Which is why I think a more general motorcycle forum would be a great way to increase traffic and mix us up a little!

Also don't see much sniping anywhere either, but my definition may be different.

[iowabeakster]

famousperson said,

I agree with the poster that said that this section, Off-topic, needs more participation to be more appealing to the site's wider readership, but unfortunately, it needs wider readership to get more participation. What do do?!

I'm not sure...
You could start a thread in your section about a flame war started by the cliquey R1150R guys in the Off topic section....

Glad you joined the discussion!

but maybe this topic is the beginning of a dialogue that could help

I totally agree.

[wncbmw]

To make the point of the whole reason I started this thread - not one but two R1150R riders I have known and ridden with for 6 years both traded for an F-series bike on the same day! Now, I will still be riding with them, for I know they will still show up at Bashes and other gatherings but they obviously will be hanging out more in another section of the board.

I think we need a forum with a more general motorcycle theme and it should be nearer the top, where maybe it could generate more traffic! And maybe keep the family that is this board a place to hang out together, no matter what we ride, and discuss motorcycle related topics!

[famousperson]

I think a gear forum would help bring us together. After all, an Arai is an Arai is an Arai, whether you ride an F, R or K.

[jfslater98]

Maybe Off-Topic!!!!! needs a re-name:

General Discussion
Moto-topics
Potpourri (I'll take helmets for $500, Alex)

The exclamation points may throw folks off. As in: Asshat Political Drudgery in Here!!!!!

Of which I have yet to find, but maybe I'm not looking hard enough. However, I am fairly certain this board is asshat-free, at least until the next spammer wanders in.

As for GS vs. Roadster, I am struggling mightily with that now. I want a GS for the leg room, won't feel badly if it never turns a wheel on grass, dirt or gravel... if I ever get one.