Comments on: Confessions of a BMW Addict

By: Jaime Cruz

Jaime Cruz — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:27:20 +0000

I used to be a BMW Fanatic. I’m a member of the 400,000 mile club. But then BMWNA screwed me ROYALLY in 2018 and I swore I’d never buy ANYTHING with the BMW Roundel no matter HOW many wheels it has. The company is no longer what it was when I bought my first BMW in 1985 and that’s a pity. I’ll run my 1999 K1200LT into the ground (238,000 miles and counting) and if I ever need to replace it it’ll likely be with a Honda Goldwing.

By: Lem M.

Lem M. — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 00:27:45 +0000

I was in the XL List Sportster club and went on a few rides with Moshe. Now, almost 30 years later, I serendipitously stumble across this story in Rider… What a pleasant surprise. I’m glad you are still doing what you do best Moshe, being the perfect diplomat for whatever you find yourself on and disseminating great knowledge, wisdom and stories.

I ended up on BMW also. It’s really nice to ride without dropping fillings and vertebrae…

I hope you have a great, adventure-filled new year, Moshe …

By: Clayton Fuller

Clayton Fuller — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 17:43:28 +0000

Great article and inspiring. 1 year ago at the going age of 76 I bought my first BMW. A RnineT pure. I loved it so much I decided I needed another one so I just bought a R1200RS. My wife thinks I’m crazy but we just celebrated our 50th anniversary and she‘S starting to change her mind.

By: Jerry

Jerry — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 17:37:42 +0000

In reply to Alan Reid.

Have you looked in to sidecars? I have seen – at Indy – a sidecar rig which the rider rolled his chair into the specially adapted sidecar, and operated from that position.
My brother was born with spina bifida- he became a real gearhead, loved cars and bikes and the people around them- he also had to ride vicariously-
He became active with Shriners Hospital (we live near their Chicago hospital) and also got involved with GLASA – great lakes area sports association- did amazing things with young people and veterans doing things they never expected to do- playing hockey, kayaking and so on. He had a GTI with hand controls that never failed to impress the kids at Shriners.
good luck to you!

By: Dean Lear

Dean Lear — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 17:30:36 +0000

My BMW story echos yours a lot. Bought my first BMW sight unseen in 1971 from William Walters BMW in San Antonio, Texas in 1971, a blue toaster tanked R75/5 short wheel based beauty. My very first ride on a Beemer was when I road it from the dealer to home in Kerrville, Tx. Since then I have owned more Beemers than I can count, ridden coast to coast, border to border and darn near every where in between. Been to the BMW Motorcycle factory at the invitation of BMW in ’77, even into their Skunk Works. Lucky enough to have founded a BMW Motorcycle dealership in ’73 and still at 80 plus years love riding my 310GS in the Mountains.

By: Moshe Levy

Moshe Levy — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 23:03:58 +0000

In reply to Gary Frey. Thanks for the kind words, Gary

By: Gary Frey

Gary Frey — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 22:19:48 +0000

In reply to Carl GRAHAM. Yes, indeed ! While I have the earlier 1200 model, it is nearly perfect for the type of riding I do. I do wish BMW could make a down-sized fully equipped boxer version that was maybe in the 450 lb range, and more like a modern R60, but I am sure they couldn't sell it if they did. Bikes are getting so large and heavy that it is frustrating, as I get older, to have to be foreced to revert to chain drive Oriental bikes that do not have the sophistication and incredible experience of riding a Beemer.

By: Gary Frey

Gary Frey — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 22:08:08 +0000

A wonderful article, and thanks so much for writing it and sharing ! I reside in Appalachian Ohio and ride a 2015 BMW r1200RT, the most enjoyable bike I’ve ever owned (with only one caveat..it’s weight, as I am 71 years old, and only 5’8 and 138 lbs). BMW’s are great bikes for those who actually place more value on the ride than on being seen or heard.

By: Alan Reid

Alan Reid — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 21:49:53 +0000

Sadly, I have never had the expertise of riding a BMW. I was close though, 17 miles to be precise. In the summer of 2002, I left work early to ride the 25 miles to my nearest BMW dealer to pick up the brand new K1200 RS I had bought using my Yamaha TRX850 as a part exchange. After covering 8 miles I was approaching a roundabout at approx 40 mph when a car pulled out right in front of me, no more than 20 yards ahead of me. Needless to say, I didn’t manage to evade hitting the side of the car, was jettisoned over the hood/bonnet and my legs were splayed either side of a road sign, tearing my left leg completely off. Of course there were quite a few associated injuries, ruptured spleen, 7 fractured ribs, a puncture lung etc. Those were the major injuries, which left me having to use a wheelchair. I still suffer the loss of freedom my bikes gave me and nowadays I find myself living vicariously by watching hundreds, of not thousands of YT videos, reading Biking mags etc. I’m 70 now but still have the yearning all true bikers feel. I’m glad you took the plunge as I truly believe that BMWs are among the best motorcycles you can buy. Ride safe my friend and keep an eye open for 80 year old idiots coming out of junctions. Best wishes from a Scottish ex-biker.

By: Carl GRAHAM

Carl GRAHAM — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 20:38:53 +0000

For many years I’ve drooled when I saw a BMW on the highway. I thought I couldn’t afford one. Then two years ago I purchased R1250 RT and wondered why I waited so long. I love it and ride every chance I get.