What did I get into?

[Vance]

Hi there BMW Luxury Touring Community:

It was right before Christmas and I went and bought a new 05 LT. Got it with most the do-dads except the GPS system...after all...biking and being lost is half the fun....

But I have never ridden it (other than sitting on it in the showroom) haven't even heard it running so I don't know what it sounds like. I have ridden GW's so I know what tourning bikes feel like and I am all about comfort....

So...am I nuts? Buying this thing just on the testimonials? What should I expect when I get to ride it for the first time...it is still in the store and will be until the weather breaks (Marchish)?

Am joining one of our local BMW clubs and looking forward to going to VT in July...I am hoping I am in for a great time meeting others that like biking like I do.

Vance

[KBandit]

Hi there BMW Luxury Touring Community:

It was right before Christmas and I went and bought a new 05 LT. Got it with most the do-dads except the GPS system...after all...biking and being lost is half the fun....

But I have never ridden it (other than sitting on it in the showroom) haven't even heard it running so I don't know what it sounds like. I have ridden GW's so I know what tourning bikes feel like and I am all about comfort....

So...am I nuts? Buying this thing just on the testimonials? What should I expect when I get to ride it for the first time...it is still in the store and will be until the weather breaks (Marchish)?

Am joining one of our local BMW clubs and looking forward to going to VT in July...I am hoping I am in for a great time meeting others that like biking like I do.

Vance

i think its crazy to buy any bike in the winter in wisconsin, vance. but you bought a good one, and when the weather clears i'm pretty sure you're gonna love it.

[Vance]

Almost forgot this:

When I was talking to the Head Wrench after I bought the LT I found out that most of the staff in the dealership are also serious riders and belong to local clubs...so I asked him.

I suppose Gold Wind owners think that their machines are the best like BMW owners...but what do you think?

His reply:

"GW owners tend to like putting lights on their bikes....Beemer owners tend to like putting miles on their bikes.

Thought that was telling!

Vance

[tjwofevv]

I can't believe you are going to wait until March. It's going to be 46 degrees and sunny there tomorrow.

[Jerrod Maguire]

In fact, this bike is at it's best when it's cold out... with all the wind protection and heated accessories. Why are you waiting?

[messenger13]

I bought mine after shopping for a new bike, and choosing the K1200RS...the LT's much smaller sport-tourer. But the wife told me she'd rather I bought "something more comfortable for her". So we went on the internet. I showed her a pic of the K1200LT, and she said, "Oh, I'd ride THAT!". I called the dealer, they had the one I wanted in stock, we bargained over the phone, 4 hours later I was riding it home. I never rode one before that. I think I sat on one once, a few weeks earlier.

37,000 + miles later, and I can tell you. I made the RIGHT choice. And so did you. Welcome to the club!

As far as a GPS...I used to say the same thing as you. But once you have one, you can REALLY get lost. And, you can find roads that you never knew existed...right in your own backyard. The single most amazing accessory you can buy for a bike. I guarantee it!

Enjoy! :)

[Steve_R]

As far as a GPS...I used to say the same thing as you. But once you have one, you can REALLY get lost. And, you can find roads that you never knew existed...right in your own backyard. The single most amazing accessory you can buy for a bike. I guarantee it!

Only until you get you're low beam HID installed. ;) :p

[Vance]

I've been emersed in reading all the message board stuff and I'll tell you that you guy's & Gals' ROCK!

I've learned so much about some of the weak spots in the bike I can't wait to talk to my dealer before I pick it up. Lower drive train issue, CB & Intercom issue, etc. Hear his version of what BMW has done to address these points. Can't wait to meet up with all of you in VT.

[messenger13]

How bad can I be Vance? Guess what bike I owned before buying the LT?

Here's a hint:

http://home.alltel.net/paulsey_dsl/messenger13/honda_v65_sm.jpg


I've owned six of them in all. The above one being my favordest of them all. It's an '83 with a LOT of '85 parts on it ... by choice. I had a love affair with the Honda V65 Magna for almost 2 decades. But alas. The LT stole my heart. And the Kaw ZX-11 stole what was left. The final nail in the coffin was when I let my buddy borrow the bike pictured above, and he ran into a minivan at 55mph. No more V65...the end of an era. http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/sad/787.gif

[CWF]

Joe...is it OK for me to say it now that you don't have it anymore......that's one butt ugly scoot!!! :)

[messenger13]

I guess so. Heck, we'll probably all being saying that about the LT given enough time. Right?

Besides...the V65 was the first production motorcycle to do he 1/4 mile in under 11 seconds. And, at 174mph top speed...it was one of the faster motorcycles, Period. So, it wasn't all about looks. And I was fine with that. I never got beat on one. :)

[Russ]

Almost forgot this:

When I was talking to the Head Wrench after I bought the LT I found out that most of the staff in the dealership are also serious riders and belong to local clubs...so I asked him.

I suppose Gold Wind owners think that their machines are the best like BMW owners...but what do you think?

His reply:

"GW owners tend to like putting lights on their bikes....Beemer owners tend to like putting miles on their bikes.

Thought that was telling!


Vance

...and what has been the constant recommendation for the first accessory to add to a pre-05 LT..........HID LIGHTS !!!!!!!

regards

[bob_menton]

...Can't wait to meet up with all of you in VT.

You won't find "all" of this list's members in VT, Vance - you'll only see SOME of this list's members - and when you see an LT, in most cases you won't know who it belongs to. Many of this list's members are strictly into LTs and motels - the MOA rally in VT is about ALL models of BMW, old and new, and more about tent camping. And when meetings of list members are arranged at an MOA rally, many members can't find the meeting place. Finding lots of this list's members at an MOA rally is an exercise in frustration, at best.

If you REALLY want to meet list members, plan a trip to CCR @ Chateau Elan in GA in late August. Almost all of over 550 people will be from this list.

- Bob

[Beemerider]

Joe...is it OK for me to say it now that you don't have it anymore......that's one butt ugly scoot!!! :)

Not sure if yer joking or not but quite a few mags thought it ugly too. I still think it's the sexiest power cruiser ever.

Harry, who bought one'o the first '83's (back then) too.

[meese]

...and what has been the constant recommendation for the first accessory to add to a pre-05 LT..........HID LIGHTS !!!!!!!True, but that's just so we can ride more miles. :)

[Vance]

I don't know why anyone would think this classic "Muscle Bike" is ugly looking. You just don't see bikes look like this one anymore. And guess what, it still cranks!!!!

[Beemerider]

...and what has been the constant recommendation for the first accessory to add to a pre-05 LT..........HID LIGHTS !!!!!!!

regards

Er, I put one in an '05 too. About the first thing I added! :)

[Vance]

Thanks Bob, I will take your advise into heavy consideration. I'd love to meet LT owners and hear about good roads and rocking trips. I hear there is some road in TN that is a must ride!

P.S. What is the difference between the BMW Motorcycle Owners Asssociation and the BMW Riders Association?

[Vance]

When I asked my dealer if I could upgrade to the HID like the 06 has, he said no as it take a different wiring harness. I'd like to have a Xeon head light. Did I spell that right?

[messenger13]

No...it's "Xenon". As in Xenon gas. And a great price on a kit is RIGHT HERE (http://www.cqlight.ca/catalog/product_info.php?Path=32_45&products_id=69). I'm ordering one (or two) from them next week.

[Vance]

No...it's "Xenon". As in Xenon gas. And a great price on a kit is RIGHT HERE (http://www.cqlight.ca/catalog/product_info.php?Path=32_45&products_id=69). I'm ordering one (or two) from them next week.

Joe, did I get it right? When you say HID are you talking about the Xenon head light? And thanks, I'd be interested in getting the kit.

Thanks

[Vance]

In fact, this bike is at it's best when it's cold out... with all the wind protection and heated accessories. Why are you waiting?

Hey Jarrod, it was 52 hear today and some people where playing golf and I saw one "dressed HD" out and about. My dealer has like 12 of us that bought bikes and are waiting to pick them up. I thought maybe April but my dealer said it's more like March. Not so much weather related but when we have had a good rain to wash the salt off of the roads.

But a day like today give me that tingle...."Shwing"....

[messenger13]

Yes...to upgrade your current halogen lamps, you want a true HID Xenon Gas conversion kit. There are a lot of kits and replacement lamps out there that are NOT true HID kits. They are for show...with no GLOW. (I just made that up...pretty clever. OK...not really. :o ) You will want to search the forum and find out which kit you need. Your '05 uses a different kit than my '02. Also...you will need to decide whether you want to replace just the low-beam, or do both beams. I personally think the low-beam is all I want/need. Then again, I have two sets of MotoLights on my LT already. And, another set of halogens that are going on at the time I install the HID kit.


http://home.alltel.net/paulsey_dsl/messenger13/motolights.jpg

[Vance]

Yes...to upgrade your current halogen lamps, you want a true HID Xenon Gas conversion kit. There are a lot of kits and replacement lamps out there that are NOT true HID kits. They are for show...with no GLOW. (I just made that up...pretty clever. OK...not really. :o ) You will want to search the forum and find out which kit you need. Your '05 uses a different kit than my '02. Also...you will need to decide whether you want to replace just the low-beam, or do both beams. I personally think the low-beam is all I want/need. Then again, I have two sets of MotoLights on my LT already. And, another set of halogens that are going on at the time I install the HID kit.


http://home.alltel.net/paulsey_dsl/messenger13/motolights.jpg

Thanks Joe. Your ride rocks!

[danbrew]

Hi there BMW Luxury Touring Community:

It was right before Christmas and I went and bought a new 05 LT. Got it with most the do-dads except the GPS system...after all...biking and being lost is half the fun....

But I have never ridden it (other than sitting on it in the showroom) haven't even heard it running so I don't know what it sounds like. I have ridden GW's so I know what tourning bikes feel like and I am all about comfort....

So...am I nuts? Buying this thing just on the testimonials? What should I expect when I get to ride it for the first time...it is still in the store and will be until the weather breaks (Marchish)?

Am joining one of our local BMW clubs and looking forward to going to VT in July...I am hoping I am in for a great time meeting others that like biking like I do.

Vance

You'll enjoy the heck out of it. Plenty of time between now and "Spring" to ride the bike. As you noted, it was in the 50s today. I used to live in Brookfield, right off of Calhoun Road in Rolling Meadows. Am now 100 miles south in a western burb of Chicago. There's plenty of time to ride in the "winter"...

Enjoy!

[pkpr1998]

Vance, Joe has decided to take care of a few bike things this winter, just ride your bike to Ohio and have Joe install your Xenon's!

And, IF you want to meet all of these nice people, you gotta attend CCR this year in Braselton, Ga. "you meet the nices peolple on this board"...... oh, that was a Honda thang!

[Vance]

Vance, Joe has decided to take care of a few bike things this winter, just ride your bike to Ohio and have Joe install your Xenon's!

And, IF you want to meet all of these nice people, you gotta attend CCR this year in Braselton, Ga. "you meet the nices peolple on this board"...... oh, that was a Honda thang!

Very cool! Just looked at the website and the timing of the year looks good. I'll have to ask my other "2-up" how her schedule looks. So....after you get to the CCR and park your rig and get a cocktail in your hand...what happens?

[messenger13]

So....after you get to the CCR and park your rig and get a cocktail in your hand...what happens?

Tech sessions
An awesome vendor area
You'll be near the "mecca of motorcycle riding" . . . so RIDE!
Meet your new cyber-friends
The annual Booze Brothers' parties
Spend more money than you brought with you
Hang w/ messenger13 and watch him make fun of the likes of "Chipster" (aka pkpr1998)
Watch Grif pull up with a ceeegar in his mouth, Sandar the Magnificent in the saddle, and a gun in his holster! :D
Participate in the silent auction
Volunteer at one of the hospitality booths
The list goes on & on...

[pkpr1998]

Hang w/ messenger13 and watch him make fun of the likes of "Chipster" (aka pkpr1998)

messy13 is just jealous! He is not as good-looking as Chipster and he wants to live in the south like Chipster!

CCR, you will get to ride some of the most famous and scenic countryside that you have ever seen. Now, if we can find a way to get Joe on the track!

[messenger13]

Better get off the computer Chipster. Duddy's helicopter will be there soon to pick you up! :D

[pkpr1998]

I'm doing that now. Helicopter? Didn't ya' know with landing strip and all I have Lear that picks me up for my commute!

Y'all have a good day. Today is my 46th; yea I know, I don't look 46, more like 35 !

[messenger13]

http://www.bigbikeworld.com/forum/smileys/smiley15.gif 46?! http://www.bigbikeworld.com/forum/smileys/smiley15.gif


http://www.bigbikeworld.com/forum/smileys/smiley36.gif http://www.bigbikeworld.com/forum/smileys/smiley14.gif http://www.bigbikeworld.com/forum/smileys/smiley14.gif http://www.bigbikeworld.com/forum/smileys/smiley36.gif

[Vance]

I'm doing that now. Helicopter? Didn't ya' know with landing strip and all I have Lear that picks me up for my commute!

Y'all have a good day. Today is my 46th; yea I know, I don't look 46, more like 35 !


Happy B-day Brett. Looking forward to meeting you and Joe both. I'm 47 going on 29....cause I got a new "ride" to look forward to. You both seem like characters......I'd like to meet.

:bmw:

[sanjaun2]

The V65 Magna was a nice bike but...... It had more power then the bike could use. That's why I bought its superior brother. The V65 Magna..... In red/black/silver of course. Now that was a sweet looking machine!

[Beemerider]

The V65 Magna was a nice bike but...... It had more power then the bike could use. That's why I bought its superior brother. The V65 Magna..... In red/black/silver of course. Now that was a sweet looking machine!



Shirley you meant V65 Sabre...? ;)

[sanjaun2]

DOH,
My senior moment must have kicked in again, Yes I meant SABRE. I still see them for sale from time to time and they are asking more than I paid for mine brand new in 84. Never did ride Shirley though....

[KBandit]

honda V-four engines are among the best-built engines you can buy. there was a problem with cam pitting in the early 750 cc models, but other than that they are a fabulous design. smooth, powerful, reliable.

[messenger13]

honda V-four engines are among the best-built engines you can buy. there was a problem with cam pitting in the early 750 cc models, but other than that they are a fabulous design. smooth, powerful, reliable.
Pitting cams was only the symptom. The real issue with the early Honda V4s (circa '82-'86) was a lack of lubrication to the top end, thus frying and pitting cams, etc... Fortunately, Holeshot Performance developed an oil mod kit that fixed the problem. I performed this mod to 4 of the 6 V65s that I owned. Another flaw with the V65s was, due to the powerful motor, one missed shift and you bent shifting forks. Ouch! And expensive. Due to the engine design, repairing the tranny meant removing the entire motor and splitting the cases. BIG fun! And time consuming work. I never bent a shifting fork...but I did have the pleasure of doing a complete engine rebuild once. Just because...um...(young and ambitious = stupid).

As for the Sabre being a better alternative to the Magna. Not! Jay "Pee-Wee" Gleason set the 1/4-mile record on a Magna...not it's ugly duckling step-brother, the Sabre. :D And the Sabre wasn't much better in the twisties either. It just looked like it should've been. :p

Honda has a really great page regarding the 1983 Honda V65 Magna (http://powersports.honda.com/the_story/heritage/heritage_milestone.asp?Decade=1980&TargetUrl=Milestone/Milestone_Model_0104.asp&PrevPageTitle=&bhcp=1). Enjoy. :)

[Steve_R]

Today is my 46th; yea I know, I don't look 46, more like 35 !

ROTFLOL. Brett you look older than me and I'm....... well, never mind. ;)

Happy Birthday, Dude!

[Beemerider]

Another flaw with the V65s was, due to the powerful motor, one missed shift and you bent shifting forks. Ouch! And expensive. Due to the engine design, repairing the tranny meant removing the entire motor and splitting the cases. BIG fun! And time consuming work. I never bent a shifting fork...

Well if it emits a serious rattle when in second gear, I bent one. Too many second gear wheelies. Nice of Honda to full warranty if for me though...

Anyone ever wear out the primary to secondary transfer gear case? Yeah I did that too. Parts on Honda, labor on me.

[messenger13]

Anyone ever wear out the primary to secondary transfer gear case?
No...but I did strip a U-joint though. All revs...and NO GO!!! :D

[Vance]

The V65 Magna was a nice bike but...... It had more power then the bike could use. That's why I bought its superior brother. The V65 Magna..... In red/black/silver of course. Now that was a sweet looking machine!

Brian, you are correct in the point about more power than the bike could use. What was it...132HP or something like that on that little frame. I understand that many a V65 Magna's frames ended up wrapped around a tree or the like. I bought my 1986 Magna three years ago with 11,000 miles on it and mint condition ($2,800) then proceeded to freak out a pimply faced crotch-rocket kid on a pure drag. It definitely is not a "balls to the wall" twisties bike. The only time I go through the non-red part of the tac. is on a straight-away and not from a dead stop. And then I make it to about 4th gear and shut it down at....well...let's say over the speed limit....ouch fast!