Riding is a practice.
And with enough practice, I’ll run across motorcycle enlightenment. The motorcycle doesn’t see much use during the cold months. With little protection from the elements and the relative ease of using the Vespa, I have to re-acclimate myself to the heavier, bulkier, less maneuverable machine.
I confess riding the BMW K75 brings its own, unique excitement. Different than the scooter, but rewarding in a way that the Vespa can’t match. Power, speed, and the physical mechanics of operating it creates a physical experience that’s more visceral.
I left the house to exercise the motorcycle, churn the oil and further ease myself into the comfort zone with this larger machine. Everything operated as expected but I have concerns regarding this 29 year old K75. Regardless of how flawlessly it operates there’s a part of my brain unwilling to accept it’s fine.
I had experienced the beginnings of motorcycle enlightenment.
Ethanol-Free Gas
There are few places around here that sell ethanol-free gas. Whenever I can I fill up the tank. I’ve heard horror stories of the potential destruction of engines and old rubber parts due to the alcohol in the fuel but more and more I’m beginning to think it’s all myth created by riders who spend more time imagining riding than actually riding.
Here’s an engineer’s view of the issue.
I recently had the motorcycle serviced including the complicated clutch spline lube. BMW recommends this service be done every two years to insure the splines on the drive shaft don’t wear out from lack of lubrication. I’ve read horror stories online complete with pictures of completely worn out splines, a major expense to fix. With all the service records in hand from the time this motorcycle was purchased in 1992 the service has never been performed. I imagine only one or two splines remain. So after 29 years I had a mechanic disassemble the motorcycle from the engine back to inspect and lubricate the splines.
The verdict? The splines are in pristine condition and still had lubricant after 29 years. He also changed the oil and filter, flushed the brake lines, replaced the rear hub oil, fixed a slow tire leak due to corrosion on the rear rim, did the Pennsylvania Safety Inspection, and went over the entire motorcycle to see if there were any problems and no issues were discovered. And when I picked it up I swear he waxed and polished the bike. Now I can focus on riding.
This episode with the motorcycle has also helped clarify another vehicle issue. Our 18-year-old Honda Odyssey van with 166K miles on it saw the A/C unit die. I had already replaced the A/C compressor 9 months ago (6 month warranty) and was now facing another expensive fix. Maybe it was time to stop trusting this otherwise pristine machine and buy a replacement. With the steep rise in prices for used vehicles my 15 to 20 thousand dollar budget for another van had risen to 20 to 25 thousand. A lot of money for A/C and a vehicle we only drive about 3000 miles a year.
The good feeling from the K75 influenced my thinking. I had Honda repair the A/C (with a 1 year warranty), bought new floor mats for the like new interior feel, and purchased a new stereo system and speakers at Best Buy so we can pair our music devices to the unit. For a fraction of the cost we have a “new” van.
More motorcycle enlightenment.
Being Weird
The culmination of these recent mental gymnastics reminded me not only of the reasonable choices regarding old machines but also that it’s ok to not necessarily follow along with what may seem like the normal, logical path in life. I feel weird sometimes though bucking the societal system. Ever longer hair, little interest in shaving until Kim says something, old but reliable vehicles, being less and less interested in buying “stuff,” and generally doing what I want with less concern about how it all looks to others, I’m feeling a sense of freedom.
Riding Lust.
Riding the K75 is an entirely different experience from the Vespa. I’ve quit trying to treat them the same and don’t wonder what’s wrong when I don’t stop so often to make photographs when riding the motorcycle. I want to move, go, and eat up miles. And where I have to work hard to keep the Vespa in motion, it’s just the opposite of the motorcycle. I have to work hard to pull over to explore a little dirt road or make a picture. I’m still not sure why but the riding lust is evident when I’m on the bike.
Food Failure.
On the way home I stopped at the Pump Station for a snack. Fifteen miles away I was imagining the taste of a croissant with a cup of tea. I became single-minded in that goal. A fine, personal reward for the jaunt around the valley on the motorcycle. And then I pull into the parking lot only to find it’s later than I think and the place has closed at 4 pm. Having my croissant dreams dashed is painful. There is nothing at home that would come close to the comfort offered by that flaky concoction. Nothing.
It was a sad way to end a ride.
A real, first world problem.
Our family tradition is every ten years Vicki gets a new car and I get the cast off. However, she has not want a new car. She is quite happy with her 21 year old Avalon but was unhappy that a/c control panel lights had burned out and I was unhappy that it looked shabby with the clear coat burned through on the front bumper and side mirrors. So, for $35 I got a used a/c control panel, new were not available, and with help from YouTube I replaced the old one. A paint shop fixed the bumper and mirrors and buffed out all the scratches for $300. Now she has a “new” and we are both happy.
I think it’s difficult to find contentment with old vehicles, or anything else for that matter, in the face of advertising, marketing, and social pressure to conform to ever newer and more exciting things. But I have moved closer and closer to what you’ve been doing and in the cold light of day, there is little real advantage to spending thousands and thousands of dollars to have something newer. I’ve bought enough brand new cars in my life. I’ll spend my money differently now.
That old BMW is looking pretty good. Took me a minute to recognize where you got the gas. We’ve had lunch under that gazebo, bought from the market right there.
Older machinery. I recently made a post on a Jeep forum about keeping ours because it has wind up windows, key operated door locks and ignition (no fob) etc.
There’s something to be said about the simple mechanics of older vehicles. New ones seem an electronic and digital nightmare.
That’s a good analysis of their differences. I find it even more so with my 50 cc scooter and my sportbike.
Brent
I bet that would be an even more dramatic different Brent. I’m pleased that I’ve finally figured out I don’t need to treat each the same.
GREAT stuff as always, yep two different beasts for sure prop or jet on two wheels still flying anyway you slice it…..Steve your thoughts mirror mine most of the time …Kinda scarry really , our apperance,ahhh Dont worry b Happy …Dr.Don
It’s taken me some time to fully appreciate the BMW. And now that I have, I’m looking at new pages in the atlas. The motorcycle promises to carry me farther.
Appearances are deceiving!
Remember years ago when you said “I feel like a bird on the scooter” and I responded that I feel like a fighter pilot? Now you get it.
Yes, I get it now. I kept trying to ride the motorcycle and stop to shoot pictures in the same way I did with the scooter. And every time that strategy failed. The motorcycle just fundamentally changes the riding experience. While I might not be exactly a fighter pilot, I am at least a long range bomber pilot!
That has to be the happiest-looking photo I ever have seen of you !
Do you think the kickstand has anything to do with the reluctance to pause on the bike. You do need better ground under you with the bike than with the scooter. It has been 60 years now and our bikes were lighter when I was riding small displacement bikes and my vespa was 125cc but it was a lot easier to get the Vespa on the kickstand on unimproved ground.
Have you considered fairing that shelter your legs for touring ?
I felt the important difference though, was the amount of stuff you could hold between your legs in the Vespa while commuting. That is hard to beat.
Out this way, rust, not wear is the enemy of old vehicles.
Paul always says I look grim in pictures. Not sure why I look so different in that one. But I have my happy side!
While the weight and cumbersome nature of the motorcycle has something to do with my reluctance to stop to look around and take pictures, I think it actually has more to do with the focus on riding. Once I am on the motorcycle I seem to be much more focused on the ride and much less on the landscape around me. That’s why I’m not stopping.
I don’t like the looks of the fairings on the K bikes. Besides, I ride with overpants and the wind and weather isn’t a problem. Until I do more long rides it will be difficult to figure out what I need. If anything.
Rust is a problem here as well. The winter salt and slush do a number on things. So far all of our vehicles are in good structural shape. My fingers are crossed that it stays that way!
That happens to me regularly, I rush to the other town and arrive 10 minutes after they close. It’s a long story. But that happens on my slow scooter and my fast car either way the place is closed (or closed on Mondays or closed on Wednesday). I usually have a back up plan…off to the Pump Station if the Honda Motorcycle store is close (its closed on Wednesday). Paul “Closed on Wednesday” Ruby
I so take my time enjoying just about everything these days that when I finally do reach that fave Cafe, the clock has truly run out. “Oh well, I will leave that little bit earlier tomorrow” I say, deluding myself. Don’t seem to be in the same hurry these days and I do see this as a good thing.
I do miss my BV250 and will return to the scoot platform well before my riding best before date is due. The ease of operation, handiness, accommodation, casual vibe and size/weight all attract. I currently ride large and a small motorcycles and though the smaller bike encourages less ambition, more stops and observations it is still a motorcycle with six gears and stratospheric revs. My limited scooter experience would suggest as has been pointed out that the time aboard is less about the machine and more about the environment you happen to be riding through. Perhaps it’s the twist and go, the size, the ease of putting the machine just about anywhere. Less about the machine and more about where the machine is taking you and where the ease of operation frees up energy for the wander ponder?
You’ve summed up the difference between motorcycle and scooter well. This line says it all for me:
“Less about the machine and more about where the machine is taking you…”
The Wander Ponder! Sounds like something I may steal for a post title!
I suppose we just need to accept what happens and move on.
Repair or replace? Each major repair I face this question. My 70’s have further dulled any lust for new or more – except as it refers to experiences. My little (2004) Beemer 650CS’ repairs during the last 3 years equal about 25% of buying new. That little Beemer is perfect for me. My 2002 XT 225 offers me gravel back road / road allowance exploring limited by my skills and confidence. Hiking in the woods allows me the essential meditative connection with my surroundings. Sometimes, even now, I find it on my little XT. Wandering, camping, finding a great little Mom and Pop to stay or dine in. I yearn for the freedom of being on tour on my Beemer. I try not to perseverate about being unable to travel now, nor around how that may evolve after Covid no longer dictates. Closer? Slower? Perhaps my next stage on this ride may be a scooter?
The question of repair or replace remains a challenge for me. The pressure to consider things disposable, or that I “deserve” something new is powerful. I suppose the $240 billion spent annually in the US on advertising has something to do with that.
COVID has made everything seem, or actually be weird in terms of travel and thinking about travel. I’m not sure what normal will come to look like but I think I’ll be fine whatever it is. I’m open to change and feel no need to tightly grip my version of normal. It’s a different sort of adventure now.
Closer and slower has become my mantra. And the scooter is much better suited for that. But the motorcycle is fun to ride so I’ll adjust!
For what it’s worth Steve, I’ve done the lubing of the splines maintenance test twice now and it was easier the second time, there’s just some stuff you need to get out of the way in order to access the splines, I am sure you could do it easily enough. I follow the tutorial online which I can send you a link to if you wish.
Go ahead and send the link. I assume you’ve been doing it on the R bike. From what I’ve read and the step-by-step videos I’ve seen on YouTube, the process is much more complicated on the K bikes. I’m not sure I’ll ever want to tinker with the bike at that level but who knows what tomorrow will bring. I never thought I would like tea, gardening, or listening to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. So maybe some future spline lube could be in my life. I have a big motorcycle lift after all…
I have recently joined the motorcycle club as well and must say I’m enjoying it way more than ever expected while the Sprint sits quietly in the corner for now. Agreed, getting off and taking pictures is not what it’s best for but riding it is so much fun – more torque, bigger wheel stability, engine braking makes it feel safer as well… it’s just a 125cc enduro/supermoto style bike so it’s still light and nimble enough to throw around on small roads. The main thing I’m missing is storage space which is entirely nonexistent on the thing!
A motorcycle has been, and continues to be, a wonderful change of pace for me. I knew I would enjoy it since I’ve ridden so many motorcycles previously, but I have been surprised at how it fits into my riding life. The K75 is heavy compared to a 125cc machine, and it has a lot of storage space with two side cases, but it cannot rival the Vespa in terms of ease of use and utility. But I no longer compare them and instead enjoy what they each have to offer.
You’re right about the wheel stability and engine braking. Those change the feel on the road. We have so many hills and mountains here that it is definitely nice to be able to downshift and not ride the brakes so much.
I think I have a similar experience in what regards the balance between bikes and scooters. My Vespa GTS rides (or my Lambretta rides) seems to push me to stop for photos everytime. With my bike (Honda NC700 Integra) is the opposite. I did a near 2000 kms rally here in 5 days with the bike and I didn´t even care to take my Fujifilm. 5 or 6 photos on the phone, and that´s it! So strange.
I can appreciate the experience. It takes me a little more effort to stop for pictures.