A Long-Winded Intro from Central Ohio..

Hello and thank you for this fine VFR web site! I'm a 48 y.o. physician who never operated a motorcycle until I passed the Basic Rider Course in 6/06, after which I rode 8000 miles on a used 2002 Honda CB 750 Night Hawk during the remaining 2006 riding season, including 2500 miles of 2-Up riding. I rode extensively throughout southern and southeastern Ohio, which offers many fun and challenging twisties.

The Night Hawk was a great learner bike, but by the end of my first riding season I found myself wanting a larger bike, a sport-touring bike at that, so I custom ordered a fully loaded 2007 BMW K1200GT. My Beemer was sweet-- in addition to a full complement of both standard and optional BMW amenities (including GPS) it was also equipped with an Autocom Super Pro AVi Duo kit, and an Escort 8500 radar/laser detector. (Toys can be rather addictive!)

I began riding the Beemer in 4/07, and while this big bike was heavy by my standards (~630 lbs. wet weight) I did very well for the first 13,500 miles, which included another 2500 miles of 2-Up riding. Throughout 2007, I quite deliberately challenged myself with this new motorcycle; I sought out the most technically difficult and challenging roads in the hilly areas of Ohio, and I rode my ass off.

Then, in 10/07 I went on my first touring ride in which I visited my older brother (who is a veteran rider, MSF instructor, etc.) who lives in southwestern North Carolina (motorcycling Heaven). Over the next 4 days, he introduced me to Deal's Gap, where I had a great time, and we also rode a good many other mountainous roads in NC and TN that were far more technically difficult (in my opinion) than the Gap. All went well, and when I safely arrived back home 1000 miles later, I was feeling fairly optimistic about my basic riding skills and my initial abilities to well ride the K1200GT, even though I was a newbie.

During the long ride back home to Ohio, I was increasingly thinking about the Gap and many of the other mountainous roads I'd tasted for the first time, and I realized that while the K1200GT is a fine motorcycle... it's big, it's heavy, and it's decidedly more of a touring than a sport bike. I then knew that I wanted to also own a more sport-oriented bike, one that's lighter, more nimble, more flickable, and way more fun in the corners and twisties. But, I didn't want the cramped and uncomfortable posture of a pure sport bike, so the VFR sounded like a good combination of sport-like handing with more comfortable riding posture. Thus, soon after I came home from NC, I ordered a new, 2007 Honda VFR800A, which would not arrive until sometime this year. OK....

Meanwhile, on 11/10/07, I set out on my Beemer to ride a 250 mile circuit among numerous roads in southern and southeastern Ohio roads which I'm very familiar with. But there was one issue I ignored on this day: My mind was troubled and was still replaying an argument with a girlfriend at the time, and I should have had the common sense to not ride that day, but I did, thinking that the pleasure of the ride would cleanse my mind of cluttered thoughts. Big mistake.

All went well until I happened to momentarily lose my focus and concentration while traveling westbound on OH. Rt. 56 in Vinton county. I ended up going through a series of S-turns too hot, mentally spaced out, and not paying attention. I ended up in a low-side crash in which the motorcycle was totally destroyed. The frame was snapped in 3 places, the drive shaft was fractured, etc., but I was able to get up and walk away with only minor injuries, because of luck I suppose, but mostly because I was wearing full protective riding gear from head to toe, which I always do.

The Beemer is gone. Meanwhile, my new 2007 VFR800A (red) recently arrived at Honda BMW Northwest in Hilliard, OH. I've not yet rode it, but she's gorgeous. I ordered it with side and top cases, along with a Zumo 550 GPS unit, Autocom Super Pro AVi kit, and a radar/laser mount from CycleGadgets.com. I'm so looking forward to riding my VFR in the near future. I'll post my initial impressions once I've lived with her for a while.

Thanks for listening!

Kurt

 

Welcome to the VFR experience, Kurt!!!

I finally made this most righteous of purchases last July and coudn't be happier about my decision. I've been on two wheels a bit longer than you, but I can relate to your crash story. Been there done that, so to speak. Not going into details now, but I'll say that those "mental gymanstic" moments where one gets that almost whispering voice, or slightly out of balance gut feelings, will be more heeded in the future for you. Right? It's usually the first year or two of riding that those things happen, but even with almost 35 years for me, sporadic during the mid and late 80's to maniacal miles thru the last 15 years, I still have some questionable moments...

Treat your new mount with respect, and dignity...but by all means, ride the snot out of it!! You do have mighty fine roads in the vicinty, I've gone though that portion of the state on my SportBarge...Valkyrie Interstate..on my way to visit a good friend in the Lancaster, Pa area.

Doctor, eh? Got a PMS cure for a frozen suburban Chicago guy? Not to worry...spring is right around the corner. Or that's what I've been told.

Just to make sure I'm not misunderstood: Parked Motorcycle Syndrome, but you knew that anyway...

 

Alas, the search for the "right" motorcycle can be a long and in your case painful journey. Congratulations on getting it right on the 3rd try!

 

Welcome

Your among friends here

see you down

the road!

Try running Rt800 from the Ohio River to just south of Canton/I77

good time!

 

Welcome

Hey Kurt, welcome and might I say your "long winded" intro was well written. Glad to hear you are no worse for the wear for the beemer mishap. Riding gear is a pretty good deal. I'm pretty sure you will enjoy the vfr. From what I have heard, read, and experienced, I think it will be a great bike for you. Also, it is always good to have a doc on call. Again, welcome. EVvy:welcome:

 

Many thanks to all for your warm and supportive welcome. I'm looking forward to learning much here!

Kind regards,

Kurt

 

Yes, indeed. Well written your introduction was. :clap2: We do not mind long posts when they are informative and well written. Your lesson is one we all need to heed for that lack of concentration moment can come to us all.

Good choice on the VFR. Welcome to the club. Enjoy the new ride!