New and alone in Ann Arbor?

[Launchpad]

I just took the plunge and bought a 1200LT. Boy what have I gotten myself into.... Last ride was 20 years ago.
As I muster up enough courage to take the bike off its kickstand and try to keep her upright I got to wondering if I had any other riders in the area ??? You know, someone that would pick the bike up off me if they happened to be driving by and saw me making a fool of myself...
The wife says this is an ENCOURAGED MID LIFE CRISES but little does she know I have been wanting this for many years.
Anyhow...a seasoned rider or two in the area may be able to answer a few things for me like....what the heck does this button do?
Brian
Brighton, MI

[DaveDragon]

Welcome Brian, you made a good choice with the K1200LT.


Give us some details on year, color, accessories, etc.

Use the Search function and you'll find a wealth of great info.

Can't find it, just ask and some one will fill you in.

Woody lives southwest of you in Indiana. He's an ugly old cusshttp://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif, but a good feller and rider.

Welcome to the board.

[pdrstraw]

Hey Brian,

Welcome to the asylum!! You're going to love your LT. Take your time and get your mileage in, respecting the size and weight of this machine as you do so!

There are several of us scattered around the Michigan, Indiana, Ohio area that aren't far from you. Take some time and study this site. The search function can address many of the questions you'll come up with, but don't hesitate to ask away if you can't find what you're looking for.

We haven't had a meet/greet/eat gathering in a while. Maybe it's time we got some of the Michigan/Northern Indiana folks together. Stay tuned! This forum covers a fairly large area, so you'll see gatherings posted frequently for various regions (Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, etc). Next get-together posted is for this upcoming Saturday at the new BMW of Indianapolis dealership.

Take care...and enjoy your new machine!

Regards,

[phydough]

I did the same, 20 years off a bike then jumped on my LT.
You made a good choice.
Sift through the posts on handling at low speed and stopping. Try to find an area away from traffic so you can enjoy an uninterupted ride. Look straight ahead when you are stopping and look where you want to go when you turn.
This machine will feel smaller every time you ride it.
Oh, and whatever you do, don't push that button.

[paalao]

I just took the plunge and bought a 1200LT. Boy what have I gotten myself into.... Last ride was 20 years ago.
As I muster up enough courage to take the bike off its kickstand and try to keep her upright I got to wondering if I had any other riders in the area ??? You know, someone that would pick the bike up off me if they happened to be driving by and saw me making a fool of myself...
The wife says this is an ENCOURAGED MID LIFE CRISES but little does she know I have been wanting this for many years.
Anyhow...a seasoned rider or two in the area may be able to answer a few things for me like....what the heck does this button do?
Brian
Brighton, MI

Welcome to the asylum :)

I do not live remotely close to you BUT I was at same situastion like you with 20 years since I last had a bike and had been drooling over an LT for a while.

You get used to the handling and how you can be aware by always having the brake handle ready to be used when turning. I saved many drops by that and by shifting my weight on the bike when situations could come up.

I would also recomend that you find a nice smooth surface and maybe pad it a little bit and do a slow left over guided drop of the bike, just for the experience. just make sure you have someone there to aid you in the recovery.

I did that involunterely but it shure gave me som new added respect for my new GF which btw is what I call my bike!

She is my mid life crises gift to myself :)

I recomend you push that button if it is a pre 04 bike, just dont turn that orange button by the starter...when driving!

And yes she gets smaller by the day and the experience you gain on her.

0000-3000 rpm = grand old lady, comfy and scilent, sofa on two wheels.
3000-5000 rpm = a fisty big girl with a push, almost like a sport touring.
5000-8000 rpm = a fast full blown racing bike
8000-9000 rpm = red line, not tried that yet.....

[walnut11]

Brian
Welcome to the fold, I am in Stockbridge I'd be glad to meet up and show you the roads around this area.
Give me a PM and we can work out some details if interested.
David
99LTC

[Matt]

Give a holler if you're ever coming over to the west side of the state.

[VitesseLT]

Hi Brian -- Dang ... I just read this ... I rode over to Brighton and back late AM/early PM today. Sheesh ... well, I suppose it's better that I was riding than writing, but, PM me if you need any help or just to check in. - Sean

[Launchpad]

Thanxs all. What an awsome welcome to the group. Really looking forward to getting on the road and not doing it alone each time. I have gotten tired of making the weekend drives to nowhere with the car. I found some amazing off the beat'n track roads that are calling me to ride. Going to get off my duff now and head out for some gear tonight.
I have logged more than a couple hours now but it has all been in the garage. I can now tune the radio, and I found out why my butt kept getting hot. WOW...what a relief that was to turn that switch off. What a great bike. Only thing missing is a microwave... or have I missed that one too.
Brian

[walilisseu]

I did the same, 20 years off a bike then jumped on my LT.
You made a good choice.
Sift through the posts on handling at low speed and stopping. Try to find an area away from traffic so you can enjoy an uninterupted ride. Look straight ahead when you are stopping and look where you want to go when you turn.
This machine will feel smaller every time you ride it.
Oh, and whatever you do, don't push that button.
You're in good? company, I too am one of those 20 year hiatus from motorcycles types and came out getting the LT first ... GREAT bike, some "issues" you'll see discussed / repeated here, but overall a fantastic ride. Everytime I ride it gets more enjoyable :) .

[Launchpad]

Welcome Brian, you made a good choice with the K1200LT.


Give us some details on year, color, accessories, etc.

Use the Search function and you'll find a wealth of great info.

Can't find it, just ask and some one will fill you in.

Woody lives southwest of you in Indiana. He's an ugly old cusshttp://www.bmwlt.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif, but a good feller and rider.

Welcome to the board.

The new gal has yet to get a name..
2005 Graphite K1200LT
Bought it off the dealer floor with 1,400 miles/3 years old...go figure?
highway pegs, back rest, comm, Nav 2 and A WHOLE LOTA LOVE

[Rick-L]

The new gal has yet to get a name..
2005 Graphite K1200LT
... A WHOLE LOTA LOVE

Whole Lotta Love? Name'er the Lead (as in graphite) Zep

[patroa1]

Brian, welcome to the club. Your going to love the LT. If you have any questions or just need a hand I don't live that far .... maybe 10mi. Give my a hollar. Lived in Brighton for 10yrs, brother still does. Also know some great area roads.
Give me a PM and maybe we can get together.


Again Welcome!!!