Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Miscellany

A previous post compared my R12R to my husbands R12RT.  One area that seems completely subjective to each person's individual tastes is the cockpit of their bike.  Should it move with, or independently of, the handlebars?  That will be the $64,000 question for the next 30 seconds.  Here are the respective motorbikes in question.  I could probably get used to independent handlebars...but I don't have to, so I won't.  :)  To each their own.  I don't necessarily think one is better than the other, just what one is accustomed to.

cockpits_01
cockpits_03


cockpits_02
cockpits_04

Just take a look at the differences in those control panels!?!  My R has a tight little panel, just the necessities.  His has these dials and space for speakers and humongous mirrors!  LOL



A disheartening view :( 

bike_transport

...but my baby took great care of me over the weekend and it was my turn to return the favor.  She was going in for her 30K service and brake line recall.  Mr. Oilburner's was going in for its 12K service, new shoes and brake line recall also.  They should be back at home on Thursday.  :) 

I called to set appts for next week.  But they offered to send the trailer to pick the bikes up today.  I couldn't logically refuse.  It was just the emotional side that didn't want to let them go.




Crocs

I may fit in with this motley crew yet.  :)  Have crocs, will travel.  But notice the glass of wine and the baby camera.

25 comments:

  1. Great pics of the Crocs!!! Not sure about the colour though. You must of got emotional as the bikes left on the back of the ute.....I would !!!!

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  2. Who cares about the crocs...the picture was really of the wine. LOL! And the color is great for finding them in the forest: hunter orange. As I go hiking down the trail in a hand-stand.

    Yes, hated watching the bikes go away. Especially as I didn't care for the way he tied my bike down, using the kickstand. Luckily the shop is only 9 miles away...and I followed them there. :)

    Are you lucky enough to escort yours to service and wait for it? Or better yet, perform the service yourself?

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  3. OMG - another one of those croc-wearin' motorcyclists. They're Everywhere!! :) Love the color, btw.

    When I changed bikes, I thought the fixed cockpit/fairing would be strange, but in actual riding I didn't even notice it.

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  4. I like the 'naked' cockpit better, but having said that, I never had a motorcycle with lots of fairings and inbuilt stuff (scooters don't count) before.

    So, the croc mania has gotten you, too? Welcome to the club. Love the colour!

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  5. Hi Bluekat!

    Yeah, I have a feeling transitioning between styles would probably be fairly easy. It's just so surprising when you first encounter it, isn't it?

    I do know those fairings can be very nice in colder weather. At least one thing going for them. ;)

    So my dingy orange crocs fitting in? LOL

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  6. Hi SonjaM!

    In the effort of full disclosure, I have owned these crocs for over 5 years now. They aren't worn very often. They were terrifically lightweight for hiking (campsite shoes at the end of the day) but bulky! They have seen their fair share of dirt and are definitely looking a little dirty.

    But I do like the idea of the Mickey Mouse shapes like RichardM has. LOL.

    Maybe we both need to add to the fleet and see what all the others are hyping about? ;)

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  7. Lori

    I will not talk about crocs (tm)because I only do that on Bob's blog, but I would like to mention the tendency of BMW to fit those tacky looking clear plastic bottles for the clutch and front brake hydraulic reservoirs that wave about in the wind - the RT has lovely aluminium integrated reservoirs just like my GS and KT.

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  8. Lori/BeemerGirl:

    I smile as I try to find the wine and baby camera but all I see are those delightful Orange Crocs. But I don't think Crocs like socks, you lose the grip factor.

    The one thing I dislike about "fixed" cockpits is the lack of correctly aiming headlights whilst on dark, unlit, twisty country roads. Lights which turn with the handlebars are better BUT having fairings attached to handlebars makes your bike less stable in the wind as the wind will also buffet and challenge your handlebar steering inputs. With the fixed cockpit, all the stress is directed to the frame of the bike leaving the handlebars to steer as it was intended, thus the tendancy for touring bikes to have fixed cockpits. The resultant free space is also handy for Radios, speakers and other gadgets.

    BTW: Nikos has a pair of crocs too but he is too shy to display them

    bob
    Wet Coast Scootin

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  9. Here I was going to ask, "isn't there something aerodynamic about one vs. the other?"

    I see the issue is far more complex.

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  10. Dear Beemer Girl (Lori):

    Bobskoot is quite right in his initial analysis of the fixed frame fairing as opposed to the handlebar mounted fairing or windscreen.

    1) The fixed light can be an adventure on a curve. It is easy solved by mounting MotoLights on the brake calipers. (I did.)

    2) The New BMW 6 cylinder has a gimbel-mounted driving light in the fixed fairing that goes around corners. (Very neat)

    3) I have a handlebar mounted Parabellum Scout Fairing on my 1995 K75. I have the stock dash with four rocker switches, a voltmeter, and a powerlet for the GPS. It is starting to look like Pee Wee Herman's bike.

    4) I refuse to wear crocs.

    Fondest regards,
    Jack • reep • Toad
    Twisted Roads

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  11. I continue to refuse to be drawn into the crocs (tm) debate.

    N

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  12. I guess I've gotten really used to riding with a fixed fairing and it's huge windshield. I've never really gave it much thought until a colleague asked how I could ride without being able to see what the front wheel was up to. But he is a dual sport rider and it probably is very important to be able to see the front wheel when picking your way along a dirt track.

    The shop actually transported the bike riding on the sidestand!?

    Richard

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  13. Hi Nikos,

    I am only aware of those damn peripheral reservoirs when they get in the way and I fear bending them. I have read someones account of being hit with a soda can that sheered off the clutch reservoir...luckily he wasn't hit with the soda can directly. Thanks for inviting the worry back in. :)

    -Lori

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  14. HI Bob,

    Couldn't find the wine and camera? For shame... LOL :)

    I hadn't even remembered about fairings affixed to handlebars!! Another layer of dynamics to ponder.

    I think the fork mounted lights are great. I have seen some images of a R12R that has then, they are low profile but highly effective. I look forward to seeing how you enjoy them.

    -Lori

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  15. Hi David,

    You are correct, physics and aerodynamics and handling. The more informed you are, the better decision you are going to make. LOL.

    It is like talking about oil or windshields. People have their own experiences and their own preferences. But sometimes someone comes along and makes you see it in a different like.

    For instance, at first look, I was not interested in the boxer, too wide of a look/feel. I wanted compact. Until someone said in passing, if you go down the heads will prevent it from going down on your leg. SOLD!

    -Lori

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  16. Hi Jack,

    1) I've seen your Christmas tree light setup. I can't believe they aren't landing small engine aircraft in front of that bike...and people still can't seem to "see" you. Fireballs does have an impressive lighting display. I would probably have installed fork mounted lights if the previous owner hadn't installed some nice Hella's on the engine guard already.

    2) I watched BMW's video for the adaptive/gimbel light on the 1600. Very nice!! I wonder if the technology will be adapted to more bikes. Makes be think of the Tuckers.

    3) I had forgotten about handlebar mounted fairings. I am assuming that you enjoy it without complaints. I hadn't even remembered them until Bobskoot mentioned them, since the only one I have seen for the R12R is butt ugly!

    4) Personal paradigm? LOL :)

    -Lori

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  17. Hi Nikos,

    Don't fall asleep around Bobskoot. He just might glue some crocs onto your feet.

    -Lori

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  18. Hi Richard,

    I wonder if fairings/windshields are more advantageous in some environments. In your picture, that windshield is murky and covered in dirt. If you didn't have that much forward protection it would be all over you. But in the South those same fairings would prevent cooling airflow to the rider in the high summer.

    Well, I had to request different tie down points because of the bar risers. (I got the feeling the guy they sent out to pick them up wasn't too experienced in that area). So I will have to inspect my airflow wings on the forks before accepting the bike back. But this all lead to him lashing her down not at a vertical angle. Therefore he left the kickstand down, even though there wasn't weight on it. I still didn't like, nor appreciate it. But it wasn't going to hurt the bike too much that I could request they fix it. I still hate not being in control of her. :(

    They still aren't back in the barn. They had hoped to have them returned today. I think the brake line recall is what is holding it up. Hopefully they will be home, safe and sound, tomorrow. (Fingers crossed!!)

    -Lori

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  19. Lori

    If only - I just cannot find crocs(tm) my size so easily!

    N

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  20. Nikos via Lori:

    Ah HA, I just caught you mentioning Crocs (tm) . . .

    WHAT, they don't come in extra small like other extremities

    bob
    Wet Coast Scootin

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  21. Nikos and Bob,

    Actually, I was a little scared to find out what might be up with Nikos' feet that Crocs would be difficult to find... Theories abound, but I ain't asking! :)

    -Lori

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  22. My crocometer(tm) has sensed an input here.

    Dear Bob, Mrs Nikos says that she has no issues with my extremities (size, quality, fidelity etc etc).
    I'm just a bit untidy around the house and pee standing up sometimes.

    my foot size is 49/50 continental or around 14/15 US - can you help?

    Fondest regards, N

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  23. Hi Nikos,

    And would you like a pair if I could actually find them in your size?? Color of my choosing?? ;)

    -Lori

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  24. Lori

    That's an offer that would be rude to refuse!

    I would even photograph them on the Acropolis (at a time of my choosing).

    N

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  25. LOL, Nikos. Careful what u wish for. I'm not above doing just that! Just looked through Whole Foods that usually has a good selection...must be seasonal. So do you want to stick with the previously given size? Cuz I am gonna find them. :D

    would love to see them on the Acropolis!

    -Lori

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