Tell Us About You

[Geoff]

Shahram has spent, obviously, a bunch of effort to get this new site going! OK folks, don't just sit there lurking, jump in! What do you think, how about some introductions! How about something about why you are here! I'll take the jump. My name is geoff. I live in Hudson Wisconsin which is about 20 miles east of St. Paul , MN. I ride an 82 R100 airhead which has been converted to look like an 'S' bike. I'm just about 47 and have been riding since I was 10. Took a long, too long, break from riding in my 30's and five years ago got back into motorcycling. Many years ago, I admired BMW motorcycles. At the time however, I did not have the dollars to buy one since the Japanese bike were about half the price. A friend got me interested again and I bought the airhead. I enjoy an agressive riding style. I have been really intregued by the K1200 RS but upon hearing the announcement of the 's', have been holding off thinking that this might be the ultimate beemer!! How about it? geoff

[SHIVA]

This is a very cool idea Geoff... I'd like to see others' background. How about it people? By the way Geoff, why don't you post a pic of your bike?

Here's my background:
Shahram Shiva is a writer, performer and photographer. He is an active member of the BMW motorcycles’ world community. He is a contributing editor and colunmnist for BMW MOA’s monthly magazine BMW ON. He is the host of the very popular K12RS.com and the new BMWK1200S.COM sites. In March 2000, shortly after purchasing his new K12RS he organized the first-ever K12RS only gathering in the world with over 70 motorcycles in attendance. Following the success of this rally, single BMW model meets have become common place. Shiva was an active member of a BMW Internet forum for about 3 years.

He started riding at 12 on 80cc Yamahas. He is on his 3rd bike, a custom black, lean and very sporty K1200RS named Nandi, with about 50K miles on the odo. His first bike was a 500cc MotoGuzzi V50-III that he owned in the late 80's. Followed by a 1993 BMW K1100RS.

Shiva has interviewed and photographed a number of celebrities for BMW including: Laurence Fishburne, Jay Leno, Lyle Lovett, Catherine Bell and Jeremy Irons.

Shiva has been passionate about European automobiles and motorcycles since childhood. He grew up in 1970s with German cars in the family garage: a white Mercedes 220 and a cherry red BMW 2002.

[BOR15]

Hey Shiva,

Nandi ??? i have read and seen pics of your bike while i had mine. details later.

OK, My name is Boris. I live in Penrith Australia, its about 50km west of Sydney. I was born in 69 and will be 35 in 2 weeks. I did IT for 12 years and home audio for the last 2. I am now working in the electrical trades industry doing networking and smart wire.

I started almost 10 years ago on a suzuki gsx250f accross that i got while out hunting for a new car. I had to have it delivered because i didnt have a licence at the time and thought it was i good idea that i got one now that i have a bike. From that i got a CBR600 f3, had a bit of fun on it and sold it to my mate. Then stupid me, while talking to a friend who was selling his 98 k1200rs , said to myself "if he drops the price to 20K i will get it". Well it took all of about a micro second for him to go from 23 to 20 and before i knew i had been hit, i had a BMW between my legs. BLOODY TAXI !

She got sold 2 years later (longest i have held onto a bike ever) and i got a spank'n new 2002 VFR800 vtec. Well nice bike but 9 weeks later i got rearended by a guy on a blackbird, me doing 5 he dong about 60 kms/h on a freeway in traffic going dead strait.

So now i come to my current BMW r1100s, all i wanted to do was look at it, thats all. Kick a tyre or two, blip it, see what i could screw him down to for a laugh. AGAIN before i knew what hit me i was at the bank getting a counter cheque, and had another BMW between my legs. (Bloody Mungrel Wogs).

Now SHIVA back to you. i was registered with the k12 registry and I spent alot of time on VICS k12 site where i read and got alot of info. This is where i know you from. You had a nice montage (sp?) of your bike that took a while to do.

well thats it ppl. not much more to say at the moment.

Boris

[BillR4]

My name is Bill (obviously) and I'm 42 and live in the Philadelphia, PA area. I've been riding on and off for most of my capable life and have owned a few different bikes with the latest, a 1997 HD Fat Boy, being the most significant (at least in price anyway).

I own a small printing products manufacturing business and generally get my kicks either riding or playing bass in my band. I am married with two kids, one of which is five years old and has had the training wheels off of his two-wheeler for about a year now. (He's gonna be trouble later.)

I also am restoring a '68 GT-500KR which I've owned since 1982. Ya gotta love musclecars!

I've always liked Harleys but am making the switch to a BMW simply to add new dimensions to the riding experience. The hog is great if I want to cruise, but I'm looking for a little more substance in my getaways. I test rode a GT last year and really liked it but when I got wind of a completely redesigned bike I knew that I had to wait. Consequently, I'll be taking delivery of the first K1200S that the dealer gets in.

[aesculca]

My name is Antonio Esculca. I´m 30 and live in Lisbon Portugal. I am a IT engineer. I´ve been riding since 1996. The bike I´ve had or still have are:

93 Yamaha XT 600 ( great beginner bike)
94 Triumph Tiger 900
98 Triumph Trophy 900
98 BMW K1200RS ( still have this one )
97 Triumph Tiger 900 (still got this one too...)

My dakar yellow/grey K12RS has 148000kms/92500miles and is stock.

The new KS is on my "to get" list, hopfully without having to sell the Tiger as the KRS is NOT for sale.

One more note just to say that the site is great ( Thanks Shahram) as was the K12RS.

Thats it for now.

Cheers,

Antonio

[TRAINER]

Motorcycle/racing history:

Raced go-carts on a dirt track from 78-82
Raced for Team Skyway (BMX bicycles) from 82-87

1st bike – (new) 1987 Katana 600

2nd bike – (new) 1990 GSX-R 1100 – Raced ¼ mile at Englishtown NJ

3rd bike – (new) 1991 GSX-R 1100 – Tracked this bike from 91-95. Intermediate/advanced
club racer in the open class at Pocono International Raceway. Sold my 91 GSXR in 95 due to back problems.

4th bike – (new) - 2000 BMW K1200RS – Back in the saddle with a fresh back and outlook on life. I met Shiva while attending a K1200RS rally in March of 2000. Sold the K in January of 2004.

5th bike – (new) current 2003 GSXR 1000 – Back is stronger then ever and am LOVING this bike. I am currently participating in intermediate level track days (Pocono) with Team Pro-Motion. This bike is simply in a class of its own – NOTHING I have ever ridden ever came close – this bike is best appreciated on the track – where it belongs! It’s like walking 4 pitbulls chasing a pack of rabbits – this thing just wants to GO! The track is the best place for the Gix 1000.

6th bike – (used) current 2000 Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic - This bike I picked up 2 days ago as a second knock around bike. I never had a cruiser before. I found riding the 1000 in the streets simply exhausting.

Cars:
Cars- in this order – some at the same time

1. 1988 Camaro IROCK Z 350
2. 1987 Corvette
3. 1982 Renault LeCar
4. 1981 Camaro Z-28
5. 1980 Camaro Z-28
6. 1979 Camaro Z-28
7. 1992 Nissan 300Z
8. 1994 Jeep Wrangler
9. 1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse turbo
10. 1994 Nissan 300Z twin turbo
11. 1996 Nissan Pathfinder
12. 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
13. 1998 BMW M3 4 door
14. 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
15. 2000 BMW 528i sport
16. 2003 BMW 325xi – current
17. 2003 Infiniti FX35 – current

And me:
Born in NYC (1970), grew up on Staten Island, college for 4 yrs in Syracuse NY, lived in south Florida for a year – now in North New Jersey. Gymnast – 1978-1992
Member of the 1988 Junior Olympic Gymnastics team – Gold medalist on still rings
Martial Arts 1983-1994– Jujitsu – nidan – 2nd degree blackbelt. Aikido – currently studying.
Syracuse graduate 1992 – BS Exercise Physiology
Former fitness model for an athletic clothing company. Today I’m just happy to fit into my jeans – priorities sure do change!
My fitness history left me with a damaged lower back. I have struggled and suffered from herniated discs for most of my life. 2 back operations later and today I feel 101%.

Currently I own a small private personal training studio in Fort Lee NJ.
I own a home in north NJ with my wife - married 9 years – with our 1 ½ old Weimaraner puppy.

I was a total adrenaline junkie - Para shooting, bungee jumping, ridden motorcycles 190mph+, NYC night club security, competitive martial art full contact competitions… blah blah blah… Now I'm married and that's all behind me...

Today, my Aikido studies help me remain grounded and assist me with dealing with stress that life throws our way. I believe in the balance of life.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it...

[Don]

Hello,

My name is Don Brister. I'm 50 years old and I've ridden since I was 18.

My first bike was a Triumph Bonneville. I've owned and ridden lots of bikes over the years and I've loved them all...some more than others. I've owned 3 Harleys, a Triumph, Honda CB750, Honda CBX, Suzuki RF900R, a couple of dirt bikes and (most recently) a Honda CBR1100XX. Thanks to friends and rentals, I've also sampled lots of other bikes.

I'm hoping to learn a lot more about BMW, and particularly the K1200S, from you guys. I was shopping around for a new bike when I heard about the new BMW.

I also enjoy sports and vintage cars and have owned a couple of Porsches. My wife and I really enjoy going to California each August for the Monterey Historics, Concorso Italiano and the Pebble Beach Concours. The car forum on this site was a pleasant surprise.

Thanks Shiva.

db

[lejos]

I´m 47, began riding when I was 18. I had back then a Lambretta Scooter and an Ossa 250 TE. I didn´t ride after that for almost 15 years. In 95 I got a used Honda Shadow VT 1100, and I rode it to the Artic Circle in Alaska. After that I bought my first Beemer, a GS1100, then three different CBR 600, a K12RS and a CBR11xx, which I still own with one of the 600s.
I´ve been looking for a while for the bike that can be the perfect combination of the two bikes I own, and I think this new K12S could be just that.

[OSM62]

My History:
1. XV 535
2. VS 1400
3-5. K100RS 4V (3 Times)
6-8. K1100RS (3 Times)
9. ZX12R
10. K1200GT
and a Zephyr 750, Trident 900, R100GS P/D, ZXR750RR, ZZR 1100.
The Next one (money?) was the k1200s.

[Duolever]

G'Day
Normally post as Davo on Adventure rider site but since i needed another handle on this new site i went for Duolever. handle-lever get it? i know its pretty bad. Anyway i'm now planning and scheming on how to convince my wife that i really need a new bike and that i know i siad i would stop blowing all our money on motorbikes but i really really need it!! I've got a couple of months to wear her down though!

[spnorm]

Well I'm also Sven (my name on the UK VFR Club & other forums) as I registered at work on Friday but the activation e-mail didn't get through - damn IT Nazis

I'm 35 and been riding since I was 16.

For the past 4 years I've had Honda VFR's as they suit my needs - quick, comfortable and good handling.

I'd like a little more power for two-up touring, but the current big sports tourers compromise the handling too much i.e. the Blackbird and Hyabusa. I'm hoping the K1200S is the bike I've been looking for, although the panniers look a bit small.

My interests outside biking are mountainbikes, movies and my Japanese Akita dog.

Regards,

Steve

[SHIVA]

Hi, Welcome to the forum. If you want I can rename this handle Sven and delete the other one. This way you can use the handle that you are used to. S

[San Carlos]

My name is John, 48 years old and live in the SF Bay Area. I am a Biomedical Engineer working for company developing a treatment for glaucoma (you have to see to pilot a motorcycle). I've been riding since 16, starting with a BSA 441 Victor, Honda 450, Honda 305, Honda 750F, BMW K75, and now a 2001 K1200RS. My interest in cars is more practical, owning a series of Volvos until recently I bought a 2004 Acura TL. The TL has some real punch and I am finding that I want to put my foot into it.

I'm married with an 11 year old son, love to sail and ride the coastal roads. Skyline Hwy and Hwy 1 is in my backyard.

When the 'S is available I am thinking of trading in the 'RS.

Generalissimo, thanks for the forum.

[martin]

Hi all, my name is Martin, I'm 36 years old, 20 of them driving my 3 bykes :

1984- Yamaha DT80
1988- Yamaha XT600
1990- today BMW K100RS 16V

I'm Spanish, nice country for motorbykes, living in Barcelona which is more or less all the year between 10 and 30 celsius degrees, with less than 10 days per year of rain (the perfect city for motorbikes, with more motorbikes than cars, special city facilities for bikers, etc...)

I drive today my 14 years old K100RS 16V, 165000 Kms, and thinking in something new, the K1200GT seems something not really new for me, it is like a remake, the K1200S surprised me in the best moment.

The main problem to buy a BMW is that the only reason to change is that...to change, my old K is working perfectly....and it's difficult to explain the non bikers why do you change a perfect machine...

I suppose the change will be incredible.

[DESERT-RAT]

Hi all,

My name is Travis, Im 21. This will be my second bike, iv mainly been a car person up to now.

(Subaru Forester, Subaru WRX and Subaru EA wagon.)

As perth roads get more and more clogged .............driving is a POINTLESS excersise.

So im now riding.

trav

[SHIVA]

Hi Trav, Welcome to the forum. What was your first ride? S

[DESERT-RAT]

My first ride was a sv650naked in a nice bright yellow.

Iv swiched to BMW due to the fact i live 500 meters from BMW Auto Classics in Perth. The sales guys managed to con me, no turning back now .


Trav

[SHIVA]

SV650 is a good bike. It keeps being picked as the best bang for the buck in US mags. But I think you'll really love the KS. S

[JoeG]

Hello to the list!
Just wanted to Hi, I'm in Nebraska riding and maintaining a BMW 1150RT(the best, do anything bike I've owned so far). I learned to ride as a military dependant in Germany in a German-American motorcycle club from 1975 to 1977. I attended the 1976 500GP races during a club "treffen" along the Mosel river to "the Ring." I thought I knew how to ride until I spent a day riding with Eric Buell through the Ozarks in 1996. It was then that I decided to turn up my education and have since raced 3 seasons on YSRs and taken track and begining racers courses at least once nearly every year since. My favorite track so far has been Laguna Seca. I got to ride the ZX6R(636) to three best consecutive laps of 1:58 the day after World Superbike with California SBK school(level 4). Besides motorcycles my other passion is Road Bicycling. IMHO there is probably no better compliment to motorcycle riding/racing/travel than Road cycling. At least you'll never agree with the stock motorcycle seat reviews! A four hour bicycle ride at respectable speeds will make the longest day on a motorcycle at the track seem easy!
Finally, you can count me as one of the folks who made it to the essay level and is standing by for the 20 Aug e-mail that will allow some lucky BMW loyalist to strafe the candy-canes at "The Ring"
Nice job on the site by all who do the work.

[busabum]

Greetings all,

My name is Brian, and I live in Glendale Arizona. It's going to be another hot one here today.

My first bike was a 1977 RD400 (unless mopeds count) that I bought new in the crate in July of 1977. I've ridden all manner of bikes since then and my current rides are a 2003 Hayabusa and a 2002 GoldWing.

[steve mac]

Hi,
this is a great site, it's helping me brainwash the wife that life realy will be all for nothing if i can't have a K12S.
Currently riding a R1100S which is great bike had it for about a year, had a VFR 800 which was ok, and an old Suzuki before that.
I'm a Bike instructor for the Army which is great fun I'm 30, married, no kids, I've been in the British Army since I was 16 and I'll probably be here for a while longer.

Regards to all and love the site

Steve

[MarkJon]

Hello All

My name is Mark Calabrese and I live in Germantown, TN. I'm 52 years old and have only been riding for a little over two years. I started on K75s that a dear friend loaned me and now I own a R1100s Boxer Cup repkila. I've been driving BMW's (four wheels) since the late seventies and currently own two '88 M3's and a 2001 M Coupe.
The last two years of riding have been two of the best year's on the road, after growing up not being allowed to ride I'm trying hard to make up for lost time.
The new K1200s has really caught my attention and I can easily see me owning one. Time will tell.

[Burningman]

Yo! I had been to Shiva's other site when I was debating the K1200RS/GT. Cool to see a site dedicated to the new machine. I'm 35, and have been riding for 12 years. My current ride is a 1996 Yamaha V-Max that I bought new. I had a Virago before that. I live in a cold city in Canada so I only put about 10K km on my bike every year, more if I manage to fit in a summer tour.

I love the V-Max but taking it through a set of twisties is a heart-pounding episode of head-shake and chassis flex. With my abilities far surpassing the suspension of the V-Max, I've been looking at buying a new sport touring bike for the last couple of years.

There are currently two machines that I'm considering, the new Beemer and Yamaha's FJR1300. The Yamaha is by far the more frugal purchase but the BMW is really where I want to be.

[SHIVA]

Burningman, Welcome to the forum. Look forward to your contributions. Cheers, S

[dnepr1036]

Hello to all of you!

First; thanks to Shiva, I finally made it! I only wanted to pop in and say hello. I am an Norwegian, 56 years young, living in Vilnius, Lithuania, together with my beloved Lithuanian wife, two cats, my green Ural, my red Dnepr + my new BMW F650CSA. So far; nearly 18000km on the midtnight blue one, including two trips to Norway.

Why on this board with a "bike" like that? Seems to be a nice place to be, if you aks me! Nice, devoted people ++. In spite of my age, I can see the K1200S in my future (next spring) Nice, nice and one more nice! My wife wants the best for me and my life, and if "the best" means the K1200S, she would nearly kick me to the BMW shop here in Vilnius!

I usually talks to much with very little to say; time to shut up, but I am looking forward to continue reading and maybe posting? on this forum!

Best regards from Vilnius,

Rolf