Lessons from the Road
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
I believe in traveling light myself, and I like trying the local food, and I avoid the big roads and cities.
If I avoided BMW riders I would have to avoid myself as I have been riding BMW's since 1988. I have an '02 1150 GS with 81,000 miles and an '09 1200 GS I just bought in March with 11,000 miles on it. I bought both new. I have been riding HD's since 1974. BMW riders are a little eccentric. Do make it a point to talk to them. Be subtle, ask them about their bike and how many miles they have on it. Ask about where they have been this year. Then tell them where you have been and how many miles are on your bike. Unless they ride Harleys too then it will shock them because they think Harley riders only bar hop and polish chrome in the garage. Be warned though that they may find you amusing if you are wearing shorts, fingerless gloves, and a dew rag with skulls, and riding a low mileage bike painted and chromed out like a 1970's pimp car.
I always have fun ridng my Harley around BMW riders and riding my BMW around Harley riders.
If I avoided BMW riders I would have to avoid myself as I have been riding BMW's since 1988. I have an '02 1150 GS with 81,000 miles and an '09 1200 GS I just bought in March with 11,000 miles on it. I bought both new. I have been riding HD's since 1974. BMW riders are a little eccentric. Do make it a point to talk to them. Be subtle, ask them about their bike and how many miles they have on it. Ask about where they have been this year. Then tell them where you have been and how many miles are on your bike. Unless they ride Harleys too then it will shock them because they think Harley riders only bar hop and polish chrome in the garage. Be warned though that they may find you amusing if you are wearing shorts, fingerless gloves, and a dew rag with skulls, and riding a low mileage bike painted and chromed out like a 1970's pimp car.
I always have fun ridng my Harley around BMW riders and riding my BMW around Harley riders.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,763
Likes: 371
From: North of Hell, South of Heaven
There's a few of things I disagree with...
1) I like to pack more than I need because I never know when I may need it.
2) I have to have a map. I only like getting lost to a point, then I want to find my way to that cold beer I was looking for.
3) BMW riders may be weird, surprisingly, they are more likely to have an orgy in their hotel room during bike week.
1) I like to pack more than I need because I never know when I may need it.
2) I have to have a map. I only like getting lost to a point, then I want to find my way to that cold beer I was looking for.
3) BMW riders may be weird, surprisingly, they are more likely to have an orgy in their hotel room during bike week.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,553
Likes: 17
Leave the Wife/Girlfriend/Significant Other at Home: No matter how much they tell you they enjoy riding on the back of your bike - they are lying. They would much rather be at the mall or the spa. In fact; chances are that you are going to have to stop at a mall at some point on your bike trip if they come along. The real reason they want to tag along is to keep an eye on you and ensure you aren't having any fun without them. Women hate the idea of you having fun unless they are part of it. Plus, deep down; they don't trust you - not that they should but I'm just saying..........
We had to go to Milwaukee for her graduation, which is 200 miles from our home. We went non-stop until just before entering Milwaukee when I decided to gas up.
When she was climbing back on the bike to finish the ride, she said if this is as often as you'd stop on a real trip I don't think I'd enjoy it.
In retrospect it kind of sucks because I like having her along. She's not the spa or mall going type. Either way, as long as you wear the pants in the family the rest of that jazz ain't a problem.
Only thing I'd add to your list is bring Imodium AD!
