MY first 1100 has left (gone to my brother) and has been replaced by a very nice GS1100G which I have put close to 10,000 miles on in the last 12 months. (Robbinsville 2007 & Galena 2006)
Let this be confirmation that the GS has been more than a passing fancy. I have seen them through hard times and stayed with them when things were not all we had hoped. They also introduced me into a new world of motorcycle riding, maintenance and restoration.
I recognize I am not perfectionist on my bikes. They are not perfect and have there peeling clear coat and rust on chrome here and there but those bad boys have drug me over a good deal of the country.
This summer I put the GS750 on Craigs list and it sold. I did not sell it cheap. It left and another bike came. It is a 1971 BMW /5. It has the 750 engine and in truth it is a very interesting bike. I also discovered with the old boxer that the center of gravity is much different than the GS. It was the first time the GS seemed top heavy.
Then I came across a 1988 BMW K100RS with incredibly low miles (14,000) that had been owned by 2 different physicians since 1990 and had been stored in heated garages and maintained by the local BMW dealer on a yearly basis. The bike was not without superficial issues (scrape on fairing) but she stole my heart.
I put 2 more GS's on craigs list but no action. I had told myself I wouldn't take $ out of savings or get a loan to buy it. I was going to need to work it out. Then it occurred to me, maybe I could talk them into a bonus at work. I have worked there 5 years and never had a bonus before but maybe a Halloween bonus was just what I needed. The Gods smiled graciously upon me and the K bike (can you say sweeet!) is in my yard.
Next spring the 1100G and 700 will go back on craigslist.
I have to believe this doesn't really make me a bad person or unfaithful in a significant way. I never really said until death do I part from the GS's.
Next spring I hope to introduce you all to the new additions at Brown county and Robbinsville or other events that may take place through the year, with the proviso that they keep running and end up as dependable as a GS.
Over the winter aside from putting a crank in the 550, I plan on replacing the fork springs on the /5 and cleaning up the bing carbs. I also want to lube the splines on the K bike. Oh they Joy!
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