another newb sort of

[Jeff Roof]

Hi guys, another newb sort of. I’ve been riding sportbikes for over 20 years up in the mtns of North Georgia. I actually had an R1100S back 99. It was brand new, yellow and mandarin. I’ve had many bikes going back to my ZX10 in 89 all the way through too 2005. I had several sportbikes including one of the original 1500 RC51’s that came out in 2000. Included in the variety was a brand new GSXR1000 every year from 2001 thru 2005. I even went to the total dark side with a few Harleys here and there. Now back to my point on the R1100S. When I bought the 11S back in 99 it was because my wife started riding with me and at the time it was the only bike I could find with a decent passenger seat. I have never had or wanted a beemer. So I take it home and immediately regret the decision.. The bike was quirky surged and shook at idle. It was just not my cup of tea. It sat in my garage for a solid year untouched. A well respected friend came over one day and offered to take it out and run some gas through it. After his evaluation I decided to start riding it again. Long story short after not liking the bike initially I ended up falling in love with it. The only complaint was that it didn’t have enough power and this was the reason I eventually sold it. The past two years I found myself at 48 feeling a bit old to be riding sportbikes, almost to the point of it being embarrassing. Especially since this whole stunting scene has emerged. Everyone you would tell what you ride would immediately tell you about one they saw wheeling down the interstate. Not too mention law enforcement view them as an absolute criminal activity. I sold my last GSXR1000 and bought a Harley and had relegated myself to slow speeds no handling and hanging out with people that in my opinion were not riders or at least not by my definition. My best riding buddy of 20 plus years followed the same path. Well in the process of doing all of this we found ourselves totally unhappy with our riding situation. So one day I’m sitting around brain storming trying to figure out which way to go and what to go on. I did this almost daily for two years. This is when I remember the R1100S. I called my buddy and said like I had so many time ( You know what we need to do) this time however it hit him like a light switch turning on. We have since gone and bought 2 of them. Mine is a 99 and his an 04 BCR. I now appreciate the bike as I should have originally since I’m no longer power hungry and I’m absolutely in love with it. The best part it is as good as anything I’ve ever ridden.

One side note, I met Bob Hancock back in 99 at T.W.O. He had one identical to mine.

[wood-d]

Originally Posted by Jeff Roof

The past two years I found myself at 48 feeling a bit old to be riding sportbikes, almost to the point of it being embarrassing.

I'm 51 and I do not feel too old or embarrased riding an R1100S. I really don't give a rats a$$ what people think about me or my bike. If they think I'm too old, it's because they're too old in the mind ;-)

[Rapid Dog]

...welcome....the S will do you good...

[MykolG]

Originally Posted by wood-d

I'm 51 and I do not feel too old or embarrased riding an R1100S. I really don't give a rats a$$ what people think about me or my bike. If they think I'm too old, it's because they're too old in the mind ;-)

Aw, you guys are just kids. I'm 65 and love my R1100S. It has plenty of power. I'm not a racer but I love the way it handles the twisties and accelerates.