[BeemerJoe]

Well all my peeps, it's time to hang it up. Decided to sell my LT. Just seems I get too nervous riding anymore. At 67 years old, i've ridden motorcycles for 45 years, and this is really the first time i've actually gotten skittish on the bike. Not that i'm scared of it, but i'm much more scared of the "Other" drivers. Here in Florida, it's gotten just totally ridiculous with the texting and the "bikers don't matter" attitude. Between the Texting and the Elderly "that shouldn't be on the road", it's just no fun anymore. Went out for a ride a couple of days ago, and pretty much had to lay my bike down when someone just pulled right in front of me. So glad for the ABS system. Stoped literally on a dime. Then at a Walmart parking lot, some idiot just pulled out and i had to swerve onto the sidewalk almost hitting a civilian. This happens almost daily now when i ride.
Anyway, I've put her on Cycletrader. If anyone is interested in a great 06 Lt, with all the upgrades and fixes, let me know. I'm asking 8k which I realize is above NADA, but as I said in the add, the prices are all over the board on this bike, as it's getting harder and harder to find one in good shape, especially a post 05 model. Been nice being on this forum. I learned alot since i was almost 40 years on a Harley, and didn't jack about the Beemer.
Thanks all for your ears.

 

[bmwcoolk1200]

Sorry to see you go Joe but I understand. I see it up here although probably not to the degree you do with a heavier elderly population on top of the head down texters chasing Pokimon in the middle of the highways. Hope you get close to your asking price as I know the cost and labor of fixes and upgrades.

 

[Notahog]

Good luck! Being 70 myself I understand your pain. I probably need to quit riding but I never did say I was real smart. I have already told my wife that if something happens to me on a motorcycle, do not worry because you know that I was happy. I say ride and keep the sunny side up.
Leon:smile:

 

[ValkyrieRider]

Well BeemerJoe, that's a bummer ! All the idiots in cages are certainly against us; even when they see you, there is no respect. I admire your guts to know when to stop riding. I have not gotten there yet. I mounted really bright lights on the ol girl and keep my finger on the horn around traffic; try to stay on the backroads too. God Bless

 

[Lynn_Keen]

Well Joe, hope you can fine another pass time to fill the void left after giving up the bike. I'll have to admit that I have started thinking about how much longer I can continue to ride. At 77 years old and with 50+ years of riding those thoughts become increasingly more frequently. Used to live in central Florida, Orlando area, and traffic and inconsiderate drivers were becoming a real problem. About 7 years ago we moved to NE Florida, Baker Co, about 5 miles from the GA border. Lots of country roads up here with little to no traffic. Also moved from an LT to an RT about 8 years ago when the wife stopped riding with me. The combination of a lighter bike and available country roads has allow me to keep riding. But of course, the question of how much longer can I do this safely remains. Best of luck to you.

 

[Voyager]

Well all my peeps, it's time to hang it up. Decided to sell my LT. Just seems I get too nervous riding anymore. At 67 years old, i've ridden motorcycles for 45 years, and this is really the first time i've actually gotten skittish on the bike. Not that i'm scared of it, but i'm much more scared of the "Other" drivers. Here in Florida, it's gotten just totally ridiculous with the texting and the "bikers don't matter" attitude. Between the Texting and the Elderly "that shouldn't be on the road", it's just no fun anymore. Went out for a ride a couple of days ago, and pretty much had to lay my bike down when someone just pulled right in front of me. So glad for the ABS system. Stoped literally on a dime. Then at a Walmart parking lot, some idiot just pulled out and i had to swerve onto the sidewalk almost hitting a civilian. This happens almost daily now when i ride.
Anyway, I've put her on Cycletrader. If anyone is interested in a great 06 Lt, with all the upgrades and fixes, let me know. I'm asking 8k which I realize is above NADA, but as I said in the add, the prices are all over the board on this bike, as it's getting harder and harder to find one in good shape, especially a post 05 model. Been nice being on this forum. I learned alot since i was almost 40 years on a Harley, and didn't jack about the Beemer.
Thanks all for your ears.

Have you considered moving? I live in rural PA and encounter he occasional idiot on the road, but it is hardly a daily occurrence.

Or a lighter bike where the avoidance maneuvers are easier with less chance of dropping a heavy, expensive, plastic clad bike?

 

[radar41]

Hanging it up?

Joe,

We each must come to that decision on our own terms.

A lighter machine is always a wise move at our ages. I do enjoy the smaller machines, especially my R100RS.

About "hanging it up" - 0 I turn 76 in a couple of weeks, to celebrate, I'm leaving Saturday (on the LT of course) headed down through SW Colorado (to ride the awesome roads there), then into AZ and finally into Utah for the Moki Dugway (again on the LT), then to SLC for the MOA rally, I'll be the skinny, ugly, old fart on an ancient LT.

 

[beech]

Sorry that motorcycles have come to an end for you. I do understand. I think about it a lot. Traffic is so nasty now, much different from even ten years ago. I am lucky to live in a smaller rural town and can get out into the country in just 5 minutes. But my day will come also. I am fighting it by going with a smaller bike that is much lighter and very fun to ride. I can see it in the cards, I may not replace my larger road bike if it fails.

 

[BeemerJoe]

I've had no issues handling the LT. I'm 6'2" tall at 225lbs and handle her very well. My issue is the safety factor of others. Living in the area that i live in makes it very very dangerous. Moving is not an option. I'll miss it of course, but can find other hobbies. It's been a good 45 year run. Just time to stop. Just not as much fun as it once was.

 

[EddieLo]

Good luck! Being 70 myself I understand your pain. I probably need to quit riding but I never did say I was real smart. I have already told my wife that if something happens to me on a motorcycle, do not worry because you know that I was happy. I say ride and keep the sunny side up.
Leon:smile:

lol, I was in the 4th grade when you were born. I first rode as a passenger on a Harley in 1949. I just celebrated 79 years 18 days ago. I have TWO LTs. But I seem to ride them less and less. I don't have any problems with other drivers (cars) my main issue is as I get older I seem to be shrinking, lol. So getting harder and harder to flat foot at stops. So looks like it's time to thin the herd (I have 17 motorcycles)
Eddie in San Jose

 

[fatbob307]

Move to Wyoming. Pronghorns are the biggest hazard here. Taxes are low too!

 

[EddieLo]

Move to Wyoming. Pronghorns are the biggest hazard here. Taxes are low too!

I always thought it was the pronghorn, not the elk.

 

[MarkF]

When I get there I will get a Scooter, Sidecar or trike. If not then a Miata!

 

[Voyager]

When I get there I will get a Scooter, Sidecar or trike. If not then a Miata!

I am hoping for a self balancing motorcycle by then. :smile:

 

[EddieLo]

Mark, stay clear of trikes. We just had a double fatality here in San Jose. So far no exact cause but I've heard three-wheel bikes are not very stable. On the other hand, a two wheel up front bike is very good in handling (Cam Am) My primary EDR is a Yamaha Morphous. Auto tranny and great for city streets. I take it on the freeway only when I have to. Don't know too much about sidecars. I do know the Miata is a great little car, but I think I might prefer a Fiat 124 Spider.

 

[EddieLo]

Voyager, you may want to get the Honda Riding Assist concept motorcycle.

 

[Voyager]

Voyager, you may want to get the Honda Riding Assist concept motorcycle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWEOXuiDqh4

This is one of the possibilities I had in mind, but I think I like the BMW flywheel concept a little better.

 

[WillH]

Then there is the Palm Beach Gardens resident Venus Williams who was involved in a fatal wreck that apparently is no one's fault:

Is it prudent to go whizzing through an intersection when the light only just turns green and there are cars stopped in the lanes beside you?

 

[BluBeast]

Just like "Voyager" I live in south central Pennsylvania. Except for the interstates roads here are hilly, curvy and generally free of traffic. I can ride the back roads not seeing another vehicle for 5 minutes at times. Drivers are generally respectful of motorcycles. Almost every garage has a motorcycle in it. Central Pennsylvania is motorcycle country. If I did not live in this area I probably would not be riding. Good luck Joe.

 

[Ron02LT]

Damn....watch too many of those crash vids, and ya feel like just surrendering your divers license...

Just watching the body language, the arrogance of those at fault is amazing. Everyone else should just get out of [their] way . Then the pedestrians that are just oblivious to the traffic ! Makes one wonder sometimes, just what the hell people are thinking ?