Motorcycling has been a significant part of my life since I was 14 years old. Except for a period of time (1992-1997) when I was busy building a business (and driving a Corvette), I have owned a motorcycle since 1966. In total, I have owned 11 motorcycles. My first seven were Japanese models, the last two being a 1974 Kawasaki Z1 and then a 1982 Kawasaki KZ1100 Shaft. Upon my return to motorcycling, I have discovered and developed a fascination for BMWs. While not particularly flashy or in vogue, they have a quality of uniqueness and a substantial amount of engineering. BMWs are noted for their longevity. BMW routinely competes in and wins competitions requiring endurance. Prior to 2005, BMW had won the last five Iron Butt Rallies and their automobiles (yes, BMW does make cars) even won LeMans in 1999.

Some innovations introduced by BMW:

My return to motorcycling (on Memorial Weekend, 1998) was marked by the purchase of a 1984 R80RT. When I purchased it on May 17th, 1998, the R80RT had a little over 56k miles. I rode it 10-¹/₂ months and put almost 7,600 miles on it.

Wanting something a little better suited for two-up touring, I traded the R80RT for a 1995 K1100LT with nearly 49.5k miles on it on April 16th, 1999.

Still missing that "Airhead" feeling, I purchased a R75/7 with 107k miles on it on October 17th, 1999.

However, with work getting in the way, I had trouble riding and maintaining two machines. So, on that fateful Friday the 13th, July 13, 2001, I sold the R75/7.

It's a new day and a new era as I traded the K11LT for a new R1150RT on July 16, 2002. I put more miles (52,379) on the K11LT than on any other bike I've owned. The KLT, although a wonderful touring bike, was getting a little long in the tooth so it was time for a change.

On October 3rd, 2003, I reached a milestone by having ridden BMWs over 100,000 miles.

On December 18th, 2004, I accumulated 50,000 miles on my R1150RT.

By December, 2005, I accumulated a total of 250k miles lifetime (115k miles Japanese models; 135k miles BMWs)

My first Saddle Sore 1000 ride was certified by the Iron Butt Association on February 18, 2006.

My first Bun Burner 1500 ride was certified by the Iron Butt Association on May 29, 2006.

On June 18, 2006, I accumulated 75,000 miles on my R1150RT.

On August 13, 2006, I accumulated a total of 150,000 miles on BMWs.

On June 22nd, 2007, I accumulated 100,000 miles on my R1150RT.

On January 13, 2008, I accumulated 300,000 total motorcycle miles.

On August 29, 2008, I accumulated 200,000 miles on BMWs.

On November 23, 2008, I added a 2004 Kawasaki KLR 650 to the stable.

On November 16, 2010, I accumulated 150,000 miles on my R1150RT.

Stats:

I completed SCMA/AMA California Parks Adventure Tour in 2008. Click here to see how I did.

¹ 1,128 miles put on by Bob Gray (aka "Bad Bob") to the Roadrunner Rally in May, 2000 and have been subtracted from the total.
² Commuting miles tallied for the benefit of my friend Jeff Bliss who once commuted more than I do.
³ Dates in parentheses indicates that I still own these bikes.
⁴ I rode a little over 115k miles on 7 Japanese models from 1966 to 1991.
⁵ Includes rental for Edelweiss Tour June, 2005 (1,190 miles).
⁶ Less than 48 hours (SS2000).
⁷ Less than 59 hours.
⁸ Previous "best" was 22 months from 02/00 to 11/01.
⁹ Most "efficient" SS 1000: August 3, 2007 (16h 0m)

Some of the motorcycle organizations I am associated with:

The BMW Motorcycle website can be found by clicking here.

Trips I have taken within the past 12 months:

⁵ Days interconnected by nights out on the road.

The 10% Rule

Click here for the Rogue's Gallery.