New (Old) Guy in NC, USA

[Mister Moo]

Yo. 61-year old rider here. The last three rides were Gold Wings (1200/1500/1800); I rode the GL1800 for the past nine years. It was great for trips with Mrs. Moo and handled well enough for local riding, going to work, etc. After knee surgery two years I ago I got the heebie-jeebies about the weight and footing down on some loose gravel, sand or oil and screwing up the orthopedist's work. After two years of looking at the ride mostly sitting in the garage I sold it thinking, "OK - that's that. No more bikes." That period lasted three weeks and I "discovered" an R12R with 64k miles, Sargent saddle, a clean history and dealer service, three BMW cases and a 20" windshield. Gotta say it's a really sweet ride and Mrs. Moo thinks the ride is gentler, if somewhat breezier, than the 'Wing.

I love the weight, the feel, the handling, the rumble and the ride. It's like a Gold Wing with none of the disadvantages. Wish I'd come around to one years earlier. I'm all in. Hobbies are coffee roasting at home, pipes, cigars and keeping my beloved 1987 Porsche Carrera Targa running (if not looking) like new.

Nice board - thanks for having me.

Dan
Lizard Lick, NC

[mogu83]

You don't stop riding because you're getting old, but you get old when you stop ...
Welcome aboard.

[Lost Rider]

Never heard of someone comparing a Gold Wing to a R1200R, it's nice to hear from someone with lots of experience on what I hear is the most comfortable touring bike around making that connection.
Sounds like you found the perfect bike, 64,000 miles and your new bike is just now fully broken in.

Welcome to the board Dan, happy riding!


-Finn

[David R]

I went from a 2000 RT to the 12 R1200R. I have made the same trips with the new bike. Its just more fun.

I think its BMW to the bone. more like my airhead.

Enjoy!

I now have a parabelum windshield. Girlfriend does not like it.

David

[Mister Moo]

...I now have a parabelum windshield. Girlfriend does not like it.

David

What's not to like? I can live with the large windshield but it is probably going to come down to a fairing sooner or later. Looks like thee Parabellum is most folks first choice. After decades on a GoldWing I can't see the R12R having anything comparable other than, maybe, a Hannigan upper/lower combination but that sure draws from the charm of the light, clean bike. I guess this is a hairy topic taken up elsewhre, though.

[sjbmw]

Welcome a-board!

Great bike.

Great hobbies too.

[Clem]

Dan, Great to have you with us. We all feel the same enthusiasm about the Roadster. It's wonderful you and the wife enjoy touring by motorcycle. Hope the Boxer gives you both years of pleasure.

[deilenberger]

Dan,

Only problem I can see - you'll find this compulsion to "go ride the bike.." starts taking over your life. Not that I'm saying this is a bad thing, it's a sign how much fun these puppies are to ride. I imagine in Lizard Lick there are some great roads to go riding on..

[Mister Moo]

...I imagine in Lizard Lick there are some great roads...

Stick in a lizard these days and everything sounds better than it is; flatish country near Raleigh, some gentle rolling, no shortage of fragrant backroads and mostly 12-months of riding; nice when tobacco and cotton are coming in. I liked summer better back up Cut Throat Ridge, Blackburn Holl'er and all like that in Wilkes County. Hellooooooo Wilkes County! 2 1/2 hours from there now - and that's only 25-minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Parkway is beautiful but overrated if 45mph and crowds get on your nerves - gotta pick your time; nearby backroads are spectacular.

Beach two hours east - foothills two hours west. A little something for everyone here. We got a neat little mountain (https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CU3t ... AG0184.jpg) near Winston Salem. Come by.