Hey everyone,
I figured it’s finally time to introduce myself properly. I’ve been around the group for a while, quietly learning from all of you, but I didn’t say much before because… well, I didn’t even have the bike yet.
I’m based in Weston, near Fort Lauderdale. Many years ago I used to ride a Honda CBR100F, but when my daughter was born, I sold it, and that was the end of my riding days… or so I thought.
Fast forward to today, now at 59 years old, I picked up a 2021 BMW R18 First Edition about a month ago. It’s pre-owned, but with only 2,200 miles, basically like new. I couldn’t resist.
Now here’s the funny part… the bike has been sitting in my garage ever since. Every time I walk by, I literally give it a little pat and tell her “just a little longer…”. Since it’s been so many years, I had to take the basic rider course again for my endorsement. I passed it, but my appointment is coming up on the 10th, so I’m still waiting.
In the meantime, all I’ve been able to do is start it, clean it, admire it… and of course, install a few Wunderlich goodies already.
Once I get my endorsement, I’m planning to take it easy at first, probably riding around Weston and Pembroke Pines, maybe out toward the Everglades for some calmer, more relaxed rides. To be honest, I’m a bit nervous after all these years, but also really excited.
I’m definitely looking forward to meeting some of you out there. Riding solo isn’t really my thing, so it would be great to connect with fellow R18 riders and anyone else on Harleys, Indians, Triumphs, or other classic-style bikes.
Warm greetings to everyone in the group, and if anyone is around my area, I’d love to meet up and ride sometime.
I figured it’s finally time to introduce myself properly. I’ve been around the group for a while, quietly learning from all of you, but I didn’t say much before because… well, I didn’t even have the bike yet.
I’m based in Weston, near Fort Lauderdale. Many years ago I used to ride a Honda CBR100F, but when my daughter was born, I sold it, and that was the end of my riding days… or so I thought.
Fast forward to today, now at 59 years old, I picked up a 2021 BMW R18 First Edition about a month ago. It’s pre-owned, but with only 2,200 miles, basically like new. I couldn’t resist.
Now here’s the funny part… the bike has been sitting in my garage ever since. Every time I walk by, I literally give it a little pat and tell her “just a little longer…”. Since it’s been so many years, I had to take the basic rider course again for my endorsement. I passed it, but my appointment is coming up on the 10th, so I’m still waiting.
In the meantime, all I’ve been able to do is start it, clean it, admire it… and of course, install a few Wunderlich goodies already.
Once I get my endorsement, I’m planning to take it easy at first, probably riding around Weston and Pembroke Pines, maybe out toward the Everglades for some calmer, more relaxed rides. To be honest, I’m a bit nervous after all these years, but also really excited.
I’m definitely looking forward to meeting some of you out there. Riding solo isn’t really my thing, so it would be great to connect with fellow R18 riders and anyone else on Harleys, Indians, Triumphs, or other classic-style bikes.
Warm greetings to everyone in the group, and if anyone is around my area, I’d love to meet up and ride sometime.
, not sure what the backrest looks like but you adjust the rear shock by removing the RH side panel, it’s held on by four pegs in rubber grommets, can be a bit of a pig to pull off (for the first time but once you’ve done it once you know how it all looks underneath). Then you get access to the rear shock adjuster nut, you don’t need to remove the seat. It’s all on the forum if you search but the gist is……rewind the nut anticlockwise all the way till it hits stop. Then turn it clockwise gently until you just start to feel the slack being taken up, that’s your starting point. Then turn the nut however many full turns to match your weight with a spanner or socket. The chart used to be in the manual, if not I know it’s on here somewhere. From memory I did mine 8 turns. Some folk replace the shocks, it’s personal choice. My bikes are all standard. There’s not a lot of suspension travel, it’s how it is, so you soon adjust your riding style to avoid holes and ridges etc, it’s not an Africa Twin after all! 