Looking for northern NJ LT owner(s)

[egs]

I live in Basking Ridge, which is just north of where Rts 78 & 287 meet in north/central NJ. I'm looking for someone within a reasonable ride who would be willing to help me get to know the bike better. (That and to take a ride or two!)

I've read the manuals and am practicing my 'Ride Like a Pro' stuff. Am still learning my way with the bike though and am not totally comfortable with it. It's far heavier and more complicated than anything else I've owned. I'm thinking a couple hours one morning or afternoon of 'look at this', 'notice that' and 'do it this way' will help a lot. For instance, I've read the manual and fiddled with the buttons but still can't get the radio to play while the bike is running (only works in the Acc position). :confused: Probably something obvious.

Maybe I'm just impatient, but I don't have hours to figure it all out on my own. There's nothing like spending a little time with someone who knows the bike. A suitable bribe of food is being offered.

Any volunteers?

PS - Am pulling the rear wheel tonight to have a new tire mounted. Is it as easy as the manual makes it sound?

[jackd]

Am pulling the rear wheel tonight to have a new tire mounted. Is it as easy as the manual makes it sound?

Pulling the rear wheel is as easy as it sounds.. It should slip right out once you remove the cover for the license plate. There should be a thin shim between the wheel and the rotor.. make sure it's there when you mount the tire back to the bike.

[myk_edwards]

Have you tried the memberlist?, have done a very quick search 4 ya,

see PDF. find the user near you and PM them.

[rdwalker]

Hi, Eric - a thought just occured to me while driving home (cars are wonderful for daydreaming...).

Do you have an intercom installed on your bike, like the BMW CommSystem? Make sure that the HS/EXT (Headset/External) switch is in the depressed position (External Speakers).

The intercom is active only when ignition is on and takes over from radio, routing the sound to headset if so selected. If your headset is not plugged in, you'll hear no audio.

With ignition off, intercom releases control to radio which remains on in the accessory key position. This could explain the symptom you are reporting.

[rmg08057]

Eric

There are also the Regional Boards on this web site...see down towards the bottom of the list of Forums. Try the North East USA Forum. If you can't find someone soon, I'll use it as an excuse to ride up and give you a rider's persepctive on the bike.

[egs]

[QUOTE=rdwalker]Hi, Eric - a thought just occured to me while driving home (cars are wonderful for daydreaming...).

Do you have an intercom installed on your bike, like the BMW CommSystem? Make sure that the HS/EXT (Headset/External) switch is in the depressed position (External Speakers).

Robert, Good call on the IC switch - one click to EXT and all is well. ;)

Next step is to set up the headsets in our helmets for the IC.

[rdwalker]

Eric:

I am glad it was so painless. Hopefully your replacement of rear tire was just as easy. I believe that you are lucky enough to be no more than 1/2 hour away from "Touch of Class" and probably only a bit further from "Cross Country BMW".

Of course, using a dealer for tire change is no guarantee of proper installation. I just had a new set put on my 'RS and discovered that the previous ones were installed (by a now-defunct shop in Ledgewood) with the light-point marker 90 degrees away from valve - resulting in a humongous weight needed for balance. Hmmm...

Not too many other places will handle the rear wheel, though. The local Honda dealer here does not have proper adapters to perform balance. FYI, I have used a custom shop in Boonton, called Virtual Cycle, which already went through every one of my K-bike wheels with seemingly good results at about $30 each.

This past winter I did ponder getting my own tire-changing equipment (there is a lot of good info here in the forums), but decided that it will not amortize for a long time given the numbers of tire changes I need. Plus, it will take up room in my garage and by the time I infrequently use it, I'll forget how to do it and mangle the wheel.

Regards, R.

[drifter36]

I don't want to hijack the thread but the former head mechanic for Garden State BMW, John Stephans, lives in Milford and is doing work from his house. I have used him twice (new tire install was one of the jobs) and he will be doing my 24k service. He is meticulous and does excellent work.

He has a website http://cyclecraftmotorcycles.com/default.html

BTW, Robert,
I'm in Morris County (Rockaway) and would be happy to hook up with you some time.
Bob

[drifter36]

Eric,
If you want to hook up for a ride as well, let me know.
Bob