My First Motorcycle

In my late thirties, I caught the motorcycling bug while exploring back roads in Pennsylvania’s horse country and neighboring farms. I dreamed of a helmet full of adventure, along with the smell of fresh-cut grass and horse manure in the summer and wood fires and woods in the fall. I noted the camaraderie among bikers, who would wave at each other as they passed on the road.

My friends, who were engineers, recommended BMW motorcycles, which they rode themselves. After purchasing a BMW coupé via European Delivery and touring the BMW Welt, including their Munich factory, I knew I wanted not just a BMW car but also a BMW motorcycle.

My friend Jerry promised to teach me how to ride and help me select a quality used bike once I completed a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. I learned the essentials in those classes, which used Honda Rebel 250cc bikes as trainers. However, I would advise against buying a 1200cc motorcycle as a first bike. Instead, start with a smaller, lighter bike around 250cc and progress to an 800cc motorcycle as your skills improve.

I struggled to find a bike that fit me well, but I found a 2-year-old, mint condition 2008 K1200S on Craigslist at a great price. Jerry test drove it and rode it home for me, as I was too nervous about dropping it.

The K1200S falls into the hyper-sports touring segment, with an across-the-frame four-cylinder engine and plenty of torque. It features a duolever front wheel suspension and integral ABS brakes, which I never had to use. At 561 pounds, it’s too heavy for the track, but stability was my primary concern. The 2008 model addressed quirks from earlier years, but I wished it had Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA).12

The previous owner added an aftermarket windshield, BMW panniers and a center stand. Jerry and I installed DDM Tuning HID Lights (low and high beams). Mostly because I feared dropping and damaging the bike, we added R&G Racing Crash Protector and a number of other R&G shaft, case, and bar end protectors. Finally, for safety, we installed Skene Design Photon Blasters and P3 Lights and a Stebel Nautilus air horn.

I rode the K1200S for five years, toured numerous counties in Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, and attended a BMW Rally in the Finger Lakes, exploring surrounding wine country in New York. Fortunately, I never had an accident or dropped the bike.

Maintenance was minimal until the ABS pump and fuel line coupler needed replacement, which were expensive repairs not covered by BMW’s warranty or recall. Otherwise, the bike was flawless.3

 

Updated on December 3rd, 2023