Joined the Queue

[meese]

Well, I just got back from a nice chat with my local BMW sales guy. Put a deposit on a GT today. :D

He's gonna verify that the ASC option is listed as available on their ordering system, then get me a delivery date. I'm stuck up in Portland for the next few winter months, so there's no real hurry yet. At least that's what I keep telling myself. I'm sure that will change as soon as I have a firm date to count towards. :)

I only have one real problem left to sort out. I really like the Graphite/Grey combination, but I'm worried about how the Grey will look after 50K miles. Dayle really likes the Blue/Black, but, um, well, I'm just not sure I can ride the same color bike as Joe. :D Maybe I'll just have to paint mine something . . . unusual. ;)

Ah well, I still have a week or so to figure it out.

[messenger13]

Please allow me to be the first to congratulate you. :)

[zippy_gg]

Congrats Ken!
Did you get an 06 or an 07?
BMW is still offering that special deal where they make 3 payments on an 06, and I am looking more and more at the GT. I am trying to schedule a test drive with a top case installed so Kathy can also see if she will be comfortable.

[grifscoots]

Well, I just got back from a nice chat with my local BMW sales guy. Put a deposit on a GT today. :D

He's gonna verify that the ASC option is listed as available on their ordering system, then get me a delivery date. I'm stuck up in Portland for the next few winter months, so there's no real hurry yet. At least that's what I keep telling myself. I'm sure that will change as soon as I have a firm date to count towards. :)

I only have one real problem left to sort out. I really like the Graphite/Grey combination, but I'm worried about how the Grey will look after 50K miles. Dayle really likes the Blue/Black, but, um, well, I'm just not sure I can ride the same color bike as Joe. :D Maybe I'll just have to paint mine something . . . unusual. ;)

Ah well, I still have a week or so to figure it out.

Congrats, man. You'll just love it.

I love my gray and worry not about the paint job. It is a BMW and my Canyon Red, besides road debris, dropping and life, looked just beautiful at 108,000. I was concerned about the color showing dirt, it hasn't been washed yet (except by nature) and it looks great.

And.... carbon fiber looks killer with it. Already have the tank protector and eagerly await other bits as they come out.

You being a computer dood will really get off to the way the top case just swallow's a laptop.

I know you're not into that pesty power or handling thang.:D

You didn't mention any other options, but you will regret not getting the computer, ESA and factory Xenon (if it's available along with ASC). It's only money.

See if the folk's you're dealing with can get an answer if ASC if retrofittable. It's been shotgun on that one.

[hschisler]

:mad: Another LT notable and someone I look to for all things LT goes the GT route. Next thing you know, Grif will be getting one... I mean Joe will have one... crap.

Anybody still out there with an LT?

Congratulations anyway. :D

[Steve_R]

Hey Howard, not to worry. I still got mine and I'm not changing anytime soon.

[grifscoots]

This just in from the article from Webworld that Jeff posted:

Currently BMW is the only motorcycle manufacturer in the world to offer traction support as an option on series production motorcycles: Upon the introduction of ASC in 2007, customers will be able to order this revolutionary new system for all Boxer models with the exception of the R1200S Sports Boxer and the K1200GT.

I wouldn't let the lack of ASC stop you, Ken. This is a superb bike!

[meese]

It will be an '07, loaded with everything. The only options I don't care about are the tall windshield (will be instantly replaced) and shorter seat (will also be instantly reworked). I'm neutral about the alarm, but figured why argue for $235?

It is a special order, mostly because of the ASC option. I rode an '07 today, and the brakes felt just a bit different than the drop-an-anchor power brakes on my '02 LT. They stopped just fine and were plenty powerful, but did require more lever pull than I'm used to. I'm sure once I get a few more miles I'll adapt to the different, more linear feel. I think that Shealey called this one right (and you're welcome to ride it any time, David). I was able to engage the rear ABS a bit easier as well, but then again that was with no passenger, empty bags, and 200-odd pounds less weight than the LT.

I'm also getting the comfort package, factory Xenon, and TPM. I'd rather wait a few weeks and get exactly what I want, then rush for something that's not quite it. This is a new process for me, as my '99 LT was factory-used (9K miles), and my '02 was new, but came as what they had on the floor (with a $3,500 discount and 0.9%, I was OK with that). But my crazy work schedule means that I can pay cash for the GT, so I'm getting it exactly how I want it.

Oh, and I'm less worried about how the paint will hold up than the Grey seat covers. I'm not the most anal about waxing and polishing ;), but I do wonder how the lighter color seats will handle the inevitable mud/slush/sandstorms/boot scuffs as the miles pile on. I don't think that the Graphite with black seats is as stunning as with the grey seats though, so I may end up going with the Blue/Black. Or maybe I'll just get it custom painted. Teal maybe, or dark Green, or maybe even Mauve. :D Anything but GoldWing yellow. :eek:

[hschisler]

Hey Howard, not to worry. I still got mine and I'm not changing anytime soon.Sure, you say that now. You just won't be riding it! :rolleyes:

OK, I'm feeling a little better.

[messenger13]

The way I seez it...
This forum got it roots on a Yahoo group.
Then it was bmwlt.net
Now it's bmwlt.com
Coming soon . . . bmwGT.com http://www.k-bikes.com/forums/images/smilies/4.gif (http://www.k-bikes.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=0#)

[meese]

Trust me, Howard, it was a tough decision. I was <this close> to buying Harry's Gold '05 and staying with the LT for another couple of years. But one of my goals is to run the '09 Iron Butt Rally, and I think the GT has the basic package to make an excellent LD bike. It will need the same specific modifications as any other LD bike (aux fuel tank, custom seat, aftermarket windshield, on-board water bladder, HID driving lights, two GPS systems, tank bag with 8 1/2" x 11" window for rally sheets, etc.), but the power, handling, and fun factor is tough to beat. And losing 200 lbs. curb weight is significant when running consecutive 1,000-mile days.

I test rode an R1200RT two-up today over a 20-mile loop of freeway, mountain switchbacks, and residential streets, and while it did everything fine, I just wasn't impressed. Plus I still don't care for the boxer vibration at anything above 50 mph. I've been looking at '05 LTs for quite a while now, but just didn't see enough of a change over my '02 to justify the cost.

Today was the first time I got the chance to ride a GT alone, without being followed by a nervous owner. Or maybe it was just me being nervous on a friend's bike (and thanks again, Jeff :)). The stock short windshield is a joke, as is the seat, but the bike just felt good. Smooth, powerful, confidently stable, and very fast. It'll take a little getting used to, but it confirmed all the positive things I'd guessed from the beginning, and the few small negatives can easily be addressed.

As I told my sales guy, "I've been over-analyzing this for months. I just needed to stop thinking, ride the thing again, and feel that it was the right choice." The paperwork soon followed . . .

[jgburns]

I still ride a LT (or will again soon). ... I think there must be at least three of us. ;)
Ken, be sure to get the safety harness option! I hear new GT owners have to sign an acceleration liability waiver when taking delivery ... that's if they've been trotting around on a LT. :bmw: Seriously, ENJOY!
ONE MORE THING, WATCH THAT FIRST 1/4 MILE ... IT CAN BE A REAL DOWNER! ... PUN INTENDED :mad:
:mad: Another LT notable and someone I look to for all things LT goes the GT route. Next thing you know, Grif will be getting one... I mean Joe will have one... crap.

Anybody still out there with an LT?

Congratulations anyway. :D

[meese]

Ken, be sure to get the safety harness option! I hear new GT owners have to sign an acceleration liability waiver when taking delivery ... that's if they've been trotting around on a LT.Trust me, there's already a Bakup backrest waiting in my garage for it. And getting the ASC isn't a random choice. ;)

My first ride will be directly to Rocky Mayer to get the seats done. My second ride may well be my 1,000-mile commute to Portland. Gotta get those break-in miles taken care of. :D

[Randy]

The way I seez it...
This forum got it roots on a Yahoo group.
Then it was bmwlt.net
Now it's bmwlt.com
Coming soon . . . bmwGT.com http://www.k-bikes.com/forums/images/smilies/4.gif (http://www.k-bikes.com/forums/misc.php?do=getsmilies&wysiwyg=1&forumid=0#)Actually this group began on eGroups.com.


Have you looked where www.bmwgt.com takes you ?

:D :D :D

[messenger13]

Actually this group began on eGroups.com.Oops...forgot that. :o


Have you looked where www.bmwgt.com (http://www.bmwgt.com/) takes you ?

:D :D :DYea...I know. But I have a feeling that domain can be forwarded just about anywhere the bossman wants it to. :p

[Randy]

Yea...I know. But I have a feeling that domain can be forwarded just about anywhere the bossman wants it to. :pProlly.

Where is that boss man when you want him?

[Mitch_Rider]

Excellent Ken!
Excited for you and will look forward to many rides together, watching you on YOUR GT from my GT instead of your LT (even after you had the shocks done! LOL).
OK Ernie, you've held out long enough, time to make the move!

[meese]

I'm sure there's still some part of Oregon that I haven't ridding through yet. :) Actually, Jeff, I'd like to meet your friend with the tank bags and shelves. I have a few other ideas for him.

And as for Ernie, well, I think it's more Pauline that you have to convince. ;) Then we'll work on John and Art. Shoot, now I'm starting to sound like Joe. :eek:

[Mitch_Rider]

Ken,
Just let me know when you're in town and I will arrange something with Mark from Big Mak to get together.
Did you purchase your bike in PDX or CA?
Jeff

[Steve_R]

Sure, you say that now. You just won't be riding it! :rolleyes:

OK, I'm feeling a little better.I got to get this one paid off first and that's gonna a be a while. :( But it is still a great ride. Besides, it IS the fastest color. ;)

[grifscoots]

Prolly.

Where is that boss man when you want him?

I think she's still in bed sleeping.

[ErnieA]

OK Ernie, you've held out long enough, time to make the move!

Ouch! ...and to think Ken didn't call and gloat.:rolleyes: Keep up??? Just name the time and place... and I'll be there to smell the rubber and exhaust.:D

[ErnieA]

And as for Ernie, well, I think it's more Pauline that you have to convince. ;) Then we'll work on John and Art. Shoot, now I'm starting to sound like Joe. :eek:

Meese! Is this really you or has Joe snatched your log-in ID and is playin' a prank?:rotf: Naw, I know it's you... But to think that I need Pauline's permission for anything...Bull! Ouch! where did that boot come from? Ouch! Pauline, knock it off you know I'm just kiddin' here honey... Ouch! Gotta go guys....:o

[messenger13]

But to think that I need Pauline's permission for anything...Bull! Ouch! where did that boot come from? Ouch! Pauline, knock it off you know I'm just kiddin' here honey... Ouch! Gotta go guys....:o:histerica Hate laughing at a man when he's down...but . . .

[amarider]

Trust me, there's already a Bakup backrest waiting in my garage for it. And getting the ASC isn't a random choice. ;)

My first ride will be directly to Rocky Mayer to get the seats done. My second ride may well be my 1,000-mile commute to Portland. Gotta get those break-in miles taken care of. :D

Congrats Ken!

IF your having the seats done right away then theres no worries about the grey color now is there??

Now I just passed the GT idea and went all the way sport with the Ssssss. :D
I have the GS all set up for touring - Though I very surprised how comfy the S is on long rides. Think I'll take it to CCR this year.

Any how You'll love the GT and that power plant.

[sanjaun2]

Ken,
Just let me know when you're in town and I will arrange something with Mark from Big Mak to get together.
Did you purchase your bike in PDX or CA?
Jeff
Congrats Ken,
I will have to leave a day early to catch you now. There is a decent restuarant at Big Mak's exit in Vader. Sounds like a RTE to me. SouthSound had a fully loaded Grey GT yesterday except no asc. It did have TPM and HID.

[meese]

But to think that I need Pauline's permission for anything...Bull!I never said you needed her permission, any more than I need Dayle's. :) But as the wonderful husband's that we are, we do consider their comfort and convenience. That makes a big difference as the miles pile on. :D

[meese]

Jeff, I'm working with my SoCal dealer. I thought about Eugene (not least for the tax break), but the guys in Ventura have been great so far and I want to build a relationship there. The sales guy actually came from the old BMW dealership, and I bought my first BMW from him 10 years ago. Plus the owners are the guys from BMR products, and I respect both their business skills and riding abilities. I still need to get to know the service guys a bit better, but there's time for that.

[meese]

If your having the seats done right away then there's no worries about the grey color now is there??I can still have them covered in whatever color I want, including grey leather. And there is also the choice for the tank side panels and tail section (light or dark grey). I'll probably just end up with the black and be done with it. After all, appearance really is at the bottom of my priorities.

Any how You'll love the GT and that power plant.Oh, yeah. :D

[reelman]

I really like the Graphite/Grey combination, but I'm worried about how the Grey will look after 50K miles.
Way to go Ken!!! This will be a great combination of rider and machine. I assume that you are going to be washing the GT so often that you are afraid that you will wear through the paint. This is a side of you I have not seen before. :D It is very understandable with the GT, however.

Dan

[avonfloater]

Great news, Ken. Knowing how long you've been checking the GT out I suspect it's good to have decided. Iron Butt here you come!!

Denny

[jpalamaro]

Hey Ken, haven't visited this forum in awhile since I thought most of the GT guys were on K-Bikes. Well, after this picture, you may decide on the CGM colorhttp://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/125268195-M.jpg

[fas]

Well, I just got back from a nice chat with my local BMW sales guy. Put a deposit on a GT today. :D

He's gonna verify that the ASC option is listed as available on their ordering system, then get me a delivery date. I'm stuck up in Portland for the next few winter months, so there's no real hurry yet. At least that's what I keep telling myself. I'm sure that will change as soon as I have a firm date to count towards. :)

I only have one real problem left to sort out. I really like the Graphite/Grey combination, but I'm worried about how the Grey will look after 50K miles. Dayle really likes the Blue/Black, but, um, well, I'm just not sure I can ride the same color bike as Joe. :D Maybe I'll just have to paint mine something . . . unusual. ;)

Ah well, I still have a week or so to figure it out.

You will not regret the decision to jump from LT to GT. :yeah: One little letter makes such a big difference. Welcome to the gang.

[dpancerz]

This just in from the article from Webworld that Jeff posted:

Currently BMW is the only motorcycle manufacturer in the world to offer traction support as an option on series production motorcycles: Upon the introduction of ASC in 2007, customers will be able to order this revolutionary new system for all Boxer models with the exception of the R1200S Sports Boxer and the K1200GT.

I wouldn't let the lack of ASC stop you, Ken. This is a superb bike!


I wanted to ask this question days ago when I first read the excellent Webworld article that ElJeffe posted. Why is ACS not an option for the two bikes listed above? My heart is set on a K1200GT in the not too distant future (fingers crossed.....).

Thanks!

DWP

P.S. Congrats on the bike, Ken. Hope to be writing a similar thread one day.

[jayjacobson]

My first ride will be directly to Rocky Mayer to get the seats done.

Ken,

What if I join you for that first ride and we let Mayer tighten up two seats?

[meese]

What if I join you for that first ride and we let Mayer tighten up two seats?Sounds good to me. I just gotta figure out when this is all going to happen . . .

[grifscoots]

Sounds good to me. I just gotta figure out when this is all going to happen . . .

No build date yet?

[meese]

My sales guy can't get a straight answer on when the ASC option will be available on the GT. I'll be having a talk with him very soon . . .

I want to support the local dealer, and build a decent relationship, but I'd also like to know what's going on so that I can make my plans. If it's gonna be a several month delay, then there's always that '07 GT posted in our Classifieds. It's local, and it has everything I want except for ASC, so I could be riding it in a matter of days.

But I gave the dealer a deposit already, and although I'm not committed to a specific bike yet, I hate to go back on our verbal contract. I'm sure that once it all settles out the ASC option will be a simple software upgrade, meaning I could have picked up a bike a month or more ago. Too bad BMW waits so long to get this kind of information out there, or they'd have my $20K already.

[jayjacobson]

Sounds good to me. I just gotta figure out when this is all going to happen . . .
No hurry. Give me about a months notice and that will work.

[meese]

Just got a call from my sales guy. They've found a loaded GT, including ASC, already on its way across the ocean. :dance:

Should be here in about 3 weeks, unless the ship manages to run aground somewhere along the way . . . :eek:

[zippy_gg]

Just got a call from my sales guy. They've found a loaded GT, including ASC, already on its way across the ocean. :dance:

Should be here in about 3 weeks, unless the ship manages to run aground somewhere along the way . . . :eek:Just make sure your shipper does not use the Titanic or the SS Minnow!:histerica
Good to hear you are getting exactly what the doctor ordered Ken!:cool:

[Mitch_Rider]

Ken,
Big time Conrats on the good news! What color?
Let's see, three weeks...it might just get here in time so you can make it's maiden voyage the IBA get together in Daytona on the 9th!

[EzyMount]

From what I am hearing about the seats, ref. long term dis-comfort and the way they are made, (Flimsy Pan) you might want to conisder adding a seat uprgrade to your wish list right up front... Sargent is taking reservations right now ..

[jayjacobson]

Just got a call from my sales guy. They've found a loaded GT, including ASC, already on its way across the ocean. :dance:

Should be here in about 3 weeks, unless the ship manages to run aground somewhere along the way . . . :eek:
Congrat's Ken! That's going to be a long three weeks....

[meese]

Ken,
Big time Conrats on the good news! What color?
Let's see, three weeks...it might just get here in time so you can make it's maiden voyage the IBA get together in Daytona on the 9th!Dark Graphite. Dayle wanted the Blue, but she's getting a new car soon so she let that go. Though I may just repaint it with that radar-blocking paint. ;)

And I have thought about Daytona. Why can't I break the bike in with a 50CC? :D But I'll probably still be up in Oregon, working to pay for all the new farkles.

[meese]

From what I am hearing about the seats, ref. long term dis-comfort and the way they are made, (Flimsy Pan) you might want to conisder adding a seat uprgrade to your wish list right up front... Sargent is taking reservations right now ..Trust me, the seat will be the first thing that gets changed, followed quickly by the windshield. I've already spoken with Rocky Mayer, who did the seat on my LT. And I'm local to both Aeroflow and Cee Bailey, so that's covered.

[meese]

My GT arrived at the dealer in SoCal yesterday. :dance:

But I'm stuck working in Oregon for the next couple of weeks. :( I'm sure it'll be a short two weeks. Honest. http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/1/7/8/whistling.gif

No hurry, no pressure. http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/1/7/8/waiting.gif

[Ted]

My GT arrived at the dealer in SoCal yesterday. :dance:


I'll go get it for ya - I think I have a Ken Meese nametag somewhere...

[zippy_gg]

My GT arrived at the dealer in SoCal yesterday. :dance:

But I'm stuck working in Oregon for the next couple of weeks. :( I'm sure it'll be a short two weeks. Honest. http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/1/7/8/whistling.gif

No hurry, no pressure. http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/1/7/8/waiting.gifKen, I can try to keep it in my garage if you'd like... but I heard them GTs like to escape and put miles on themselves.:rolleyes:
I too have to wait before getting my new (to me) 05 LT in FL.:(
Fortunately I still have my 03 to ride in the meantime, and the weather is just great.:D

[Ted]

Ken, I can try to keep it in my garage if you'd like...

Gilles - the idea was to get the bike CLOSER to Ken's house....besides your garage doesn't have such a good track record - lol!

[zippy_gg]

Gilles - the idea was to get the bike CLOSER to Ken's house....besides your garage doesn't have such a good track record - lol!Ted, the idea was to surprise Ken with a new bike ALREADY BROKEN IN!:rolleyes: . Besides my garage would love to have a brand new bike in it! It is a brand new (to me) garage since I just moved into a house in Van Nuys.

[Ted]

well then, congrats on the move!

[jayjacobson]

My GT arrived at the dealer in SoCal yesterday. But I'm stuck working in Oregon for the next couple of weeks. I'm sure it'll be a short two weeks. No hurry, no pressure.
Big balla' "K" hookin' up the GT!

[meese]

I'll go get it for ya - I think I have a Ken Meese nametag somewhere... :histerica

[jayjacobson]

Ted, the idea was to surprise Ken with a new bike ALREADY BROKEN IN! Besides my garage would love to have a brand new bike in it! It is a brand new (to me) garage since I just moved into a house in Van Nuys.
Gilles, I also moved into a house in Van Nuys, not so long ago. You have my deepest condolences!

[meese]

Ted, the idea was to surprise Ken with a new bike ALREADY BROKEN IN!:rolleyes: Trust me, it'll get broken in soon enough. Seems I need to be in Toronto in May, and I may just have to take the scenic route there and back. :D

[zippy_gg]

Gilles, I also moved into a house in Van Nuys, not so long ago. You have my deepest condolences!I think we need to drown our sorrow in a few cold Guinness...:D

[jayjacobson]

I think we need to drown our sorrow in a few cold Guinness...:D
Oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh yyeeeeaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Well, it just so happens that I have an ENTIRE refrigerator shelf full of Guinness, Harp and Smithwick. At 32.0 degrees, even!

[meese]

Oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh yyeeeeaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Well, it just so happens that I have an ENTIRE refrigerator shelf full of Guinness, Harp and Smithwick. At 32.0 degrees, even!Take a couple of those Guinness out and leave them on the counter for a couple of days, and I'll be glad to join you. :D

[jayjacobson]

Take a couple of those Guinness out and leave them on the counter for a couple of days, and I'll be glad to join you.
That's a tough one, Ken. I'm just not sure it's right to abuse a perfect bottle of the world's finest adult beverage like that!

[meese]

Tell you what, Jay. Meet me in Dublin and we'll try it both ways then compare notes. But I'll not be responsible for what happens when you ask an Irish bartender for an ice-cold Guinness. You might as well ask for a straw while you're at it. :eek:

And if we make it late May/early June, we can pop over to the Isle of Man and maybe take a lap or two ourselves. That ought to be fun on the new GTs. :D

[zippy_gg]

Oooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh yyeeeeaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Well, it just so happens that I have an ENTIRE refrigerator shelf full of Guinness, Harp and Smithwick. At 32.0 degrees, even!I still have about half a case of Guinness left in my fridge plus some Sam Adams Boston Lager... Let's connect!
We are going on a ride to Solvang on Sunday with a local ST group. Care to join us?

[zippy_gg]

Take a couple of those Guinness out and leave them on the counter for a couple of days, and I'll be glad to join you. :DJoin us and I'll put a couple of bottles in the microwave for you Ken!:rotf:

[jayjacobson]

I still have about half a case of Guinness left in my fridge plus some Sam Adams Boston Lager... Let's connect!
We are going on a ride to Solvang on Sunday with a local ST group. Care to join us?
Whhaaaatttttttt?! Sam and Guinness? Wow! What a perfect combo. If only I wasn't working all night Saturday..........Thank you so much, however!

Hey Gilles, just for the hell of it, what time you leaving on Sunday morning?

[jayjacobson]

Tell you what, Jay. Meet me in Dublin and we'll try it both ways then compare notes. But I'll not be responsible for what happens when you ask an Irish bartender for an ice-cold Guinness. You might as well ask for a straw while you're at it. :eek:

And if we make it late May/early June, we can pop over to the Isle of Man and maybe take a lap or two ourselves. That ought to be fun on the new GTs. :D
Yes, Ken you are right! There could be severe unrest if I were to introduce ice-cold Guinness on the other side of the pond.

BTW, do you think we could get a couple GT's in Dublin?! I might need to make a fast get-away after such treachery.

[zippy_gg]

Whhaaaatttttttt?! Sam and Guinness? Wow! What a perfect combo. If only I wasn't working all night Saturday..........Thank you so much, however!

Hey Gilles, just for the hell of it, what time you leaving on Sunday morning?Jay, we are leaving around 7:30 a.m. to be in Santa Clarita at Cycle Gear by 8:00 fueled and ready to go. Our house is on Victory and Sepulveda.

[meese]

BTW, do you think we could get a couple GT's in Dublin?! I might need to make a fast get-away after such treachery.Have you seen the roads in Ireland? There's no such thing as a fast get-away. :) My favorite was a two-way country lane, about as wide as a bicycle path, called "PassIfYouCan". :D Unfortunately, the picture didn't come out, and we never made it back that way. :(

But if I ship the GT anywhere to ride, it's gonna be the Nürburgring (http://www.touringeurope.org/biker-tours/faq/riding-the-ring.cfm). :D Followed by a couple of weeks in the Alps/Dolomites. Just stay off the Autostradas and everything will be just fine. :D

[jayjacobson]

Jay, we are leaving around 7:30 a.m. to be in Santa Clarita at Cycle Gear by 8:00 fueled and ready to go. Our house is on Victory and Sepulveda.
Wow, 8am! You guys are hard core. I don't even get off until 6am. Thanks so much for the invite and have a great ride.

[jayjacobson]

Have you seen the roads in Ireland? There's no such thing as a fast get-away. My favorite was a two-way country lane, about as wide as a bicycle path, called "Pass If You Can." Unfortunately, the picture didn't come out, and we never made it back that way.

But if I ship the GT anywhere to ride, it's gonna be the Nürburgring (http://www.touringeurope.org/biker-tours/faq/riding-the-ring.cfm). Followed by a couple of weeks in the Alps/Dolomites. Just stay off the Autostradas and everything will be just fine.
Talk about the ride of a lifetime....................................

[meese]

Talk about the ride of a lifetime....................................Yes, it was. :D

http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/1/7/8/Sonne.jpg

http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/1/7/8/Tremola.jpg

http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/1/7/8/Grimsel.jpg

[jayjacobson]

Yes, it was.
WOW! Incredible! Yes, it was.

Where is this again? Swiss Alps?

[meese]

WOW! Incredible! Yes, it was.

Where is this again? Swiss Alps?Yep, Swiss Alps. The hotel is where we stayed in Andermatt. You could easily spend a week there, riding excellent loops in any direction. There are several other similar towns in the area, but there isn't a bad road going into or out of Andermatt. The Dolomites are also spectacular, with great roads running all around huge, jagged peaks of mountains.

For more details, pick up a copy of Motorcycle Journeys Through the Alps & Corsica (http://www.moto-maps.com/products/books/alps/alps.html) by John Hermann. He's a BMW guy who has ridden the Alps twice a year for something like 20 years. :D