Here’s JR’s first post – and it comes with bonus information on cigars!
The R1100s model was produced from 1999 to 2005, and came in various incarnations. It’s pedigree is derived from the R90s produced 25 years earlier, and with its firsts for a BMW (rear sets, clip on bars, rear seat cowl), it represented the sportiest option the German company had ever produced. It’s technical whiz bangery included a four valve per cylinder head (good for 98 horsepower), and a six speed transmission, another first for BMW.
I remember this model fondly, because my great friend and fellow daily bike-urious daily reader Justin S. bought one when it first came out, and I gave him a ride to go pick it up. On the ride home, I was so impressed with its looks and handling as he circled my car at high speeds on the highway. Later, as I rode it (and subsequently knocked it over and busted up a valve cover) I loved it’s overall capability, and hated the cost of its fancy magnesium valve covers…
The particular example is really the best of the early models. No crazy Teutonic block and vomit paint jobs, comes with both styles of cases (city and touring lids), only 38.5k miles, and extra tires. I think this bike is a bargain, and the owner has lots of great pictures which seem to show a well kept and tidy motorcycle! Find it for sale in Glen Allen, Virginia for $4,600 here on Craigslist.
Now, I’m ending each of my posts with a few relevant facts:
1) The Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles of uninterrupted tarmac, with no driveways, no commercial traffic and limited intrusions onto itself….no other road in the US can claim this, except one–the only other federal government sponsored and maintained road…the Natchez Trace.
2) The Rodriguez Cigar factory in Key West produces the series 84 in a “robusto” size…I’ve been enjoying these for over 20 years, and they are fantastic!