(Part 2) Top products from r/Motorrad

Congrats on taking your first steps to a lifetime of riding passion.

Those older Boxers are a blast to ride.

Below is my standard response for newer riders, to help build skills and confidence as you embark on an amazing adventure:

Advice to New Riders

Motorcycling can be a lifelong passion, but you have to be smart about it and remain ever vigilant.

The training mentioned below is mostly US-based, but there are similar courses around the world, and most of the books/videos will apply no matter which side of the road you happen to ride on.

My best advice for newer riders: understand that motorcycling is a skill, and focused training and proper practice can make you a better, smoother, safer rider.

Experienced riders understand the Fundamental Truth of riding: Motorcycles aren't automatically dangerous (despite what naysayers will repeat ad nauseam), but they are quite unforgiving of mistakes.

Every rider has to know their own skill level (regardless of the bike they're riding), but it's sometimes hard to know just where that skill level is. And even harder to learn how to raise that skill level without putting yourself and others at serious risk.

As a kid, you didn't just jump on a bicycle and head directly out into the busy street, did you? I imagine you were given a small starter bicycle, maybe with training wheels, and you rode around the driveway or backyard until you got better at balancing, steering, and stopping. Then the training wheels came off, and you graduated to bigger bicycles as your skills grew.

Motorcycling is much the same. Start small, build your skills and your confidence, then progress as your time, experience, and budget allows. Most of that has to be done on the bike, of course, but there are several good resources that you can use during the down time to help improve your understanding of motorcycle physics and best riding practices.

And when you are riding, your entire attention should be focused on the ride. No distractions, no stressing about work or family or relationships or life. And no riding impaired under any substance, legal, illegal, or otherwise. You have to focus 100% of your energy on the road. Remember, your #1 goal is to make it safely to your destination, no matter what the road throws at you.

Side note: When you're out on the road, legal Right of Way means nothing if it means that you get hit by some idiot who's not paying attention. Being legally right is for courtrooms afterwards, whereas simply recognizing and avoiding the dangerous situation before it happens is a much better way of staying safe.

It bears repeating that ATGATT should be your normal mode right from the beginning. This brings us to another Fundamental Truth about riding: Pavement hurts, but with the right gear, you can walk away relatively unscathed. Remember, it's much easier to repair/replace a broken motorcycle than a broken person...

But it's better not to crash, obviously, which is where skills training comes in.

Focused, professional training from a qualified instructor is always worth your time and effort. Having a skilled professional trainer watch you from outside and critique your style is invaluable in reaching that next skill level, and in building confidence.

Even after 4 decades and around 600,000 miles on two wheels, I still take regular training courses and track days, still read up on riding skills and accident avoidance, and still "practice" on every single ride. It's what keeps you safe out there.

On a side note, ABS is a great thing to have on a motorcycle. It just sits there unobtrusively, unless you need it during an emergency braking situation when it kicks in and can easily save your ass. Like ATGATT, it can be the difference that lets you walk or ride away from an incident.

The MSF offers their Basic Rider Course and Advanced Rider Course, which are well worth the small time and money commitments. Some riders might already be at that point, or beyond, so they'd be looking towards developing more advanced riding skills, as mentioned below.

Riders of any skill level can start with Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well, More Proficient Motorcycling: Mastering the Ride, & Street Rider's Guide: Street Strategies for Motorcyclists by David Hough. Then move on to Twist of the Wrist I & II by Keith Code and Smooth Riding - the Pridmore Way by Reg Pridmore.

Many of the ideas and techniques explained above can be practiced locally. Just find a large empty parking lot if you're in the city, or a lonely side road if you're out in the country, and try to recreate what the books are telling you.

And if you're interested in doing much longer rides, you should read Don Arthur's excellent Fatigue and Motorcycle Touring, which I re-read before every extended multi-day ride.

Then continue with the Twist of the Wrist I & II videos (can also be found on YouTube).

And don't forget some helpful websites, such as The Pace, The Pace 2.0, The Fine Art of Braking, and TrackDoD Novice Group Orientation.

That will set you up for a skills-based track day such as Ride Smart, where the point isn't to "win" or to "put a knee down" but rather to expand your riding skill set by practicing all the above ideas in a safe and controlled environment, with immediate feedback from qualified instructors.

You can also look at instructor-based training, such as Lee Parks Total Control program. And there are a few other places that offer one-on-one training as well.

Skills-based track days and private training can be found all over the country, if only you search for such things.

And when you're done perusing all of the above information, then sit down and watch On Any Sunday, On Any Sunday 2, and On Any Sunday, The Next Chapter

.

That should keep you busy for a while.

And remember to enjoy the ride...

I finally gave up on the adjustment for now and ordered this. Hopefully it will fit. The same item is available elsewhere as a "Harley shift lever puller" at about twice the price. :)

• Two RAM Balls mounted to the upper triple tree clamps
  
• Two RAM Arms (5") pointing out left & right
  
• iPhone XS Affixed to a MotoPowerPuck (wireless Qi Charger) held by aHondo Garage Perfect Squeeze mount
  
• InReach SE mounted toGarmin's USB Charger
  
• Sargent Seat Heated controller
  
• GoPro Remote mount(behind iPhone)
  
• Sena Remote control (far left affixed with rubber grippy material to the spacer left of grips)
  
• BurnsMoto Dual USB Hella DIN Port
  
• Grip Puppies
  
• Machineart Moto ADVance Handguards
  
• SW-Motech Mirror Extenders(I have wide shoulders)
  
• Touratech Collapsible Adventure Mirrors

Yea its faster than some but slower than some cars. I have the gs for some commuting and light trail use. I got a cheap aftermarket windshild and it actualy looks great with the styling of the bike.

I have an older edition of this one. Not super detailed per se, but great photos and general info that gets kinda detailed.

I wouldn't buy a overpriced manufacturer specific motorcycle dolley. I would look out for a general purpose dolley like this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B006ZB8SCK/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=all , and buy a separate front and rear stand that fits your bmw model if needed. All of this together should cost around 150$.

If you do have lots of money to throw around, then the linked product looks fine from a quality perspective.

Try this...
I use mine for anything over 2 hours of riding and it helps a lot. I want a custom seat eventually but it is low on the list of expenses right now...

https://www.amazon.ca/MadDog-Gear-Coleman-Comfort-Protector/dp/B006JMK7N8

I leave the clips in place when it is off so it is easy to pit on and off and the clips are not in the way when off

https://imgur.com/gallery/vfS1R

Can confirm. Autosol is pretty good. I've used Never Dull on my dirty aluminum engine block and it cleans up, I tell ya! I prefer Never Dull, but use both.

I had that happen to me when riding in a group, it bounced off one of the guys behind me and landed in the weeds without a mark. Took me a second to realize what all the honking was about.

I ended up replacing the BMW screw used to hold the seat with one from Amazon, combined with that white plumbers tape it never came out on its own again.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A9NHHNQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01

If your battery is completely depleted, the Tender JR won't charge it. I opted for the OptiMate 4 CAN BUS edition.
https://www.amazon.com/OptiMate-DUAL-PROGRAM-BMW-CAN-bus/dp/B004ZG9Z60/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482250769&sr=8-1&keywords=optimate+4

I think these are

I think this channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRZEzmVmi88hqnVKe7d-wIg - might have just what your after. Also, http://www.amazon.co.uk/AK46-Suction-Syringe-500ml-Metal/dp/B000RA0XLO or something similar for next time

I've got both factory manuals, and they're worthless unless the previous owner kept maintenance logs in them (mine did). I'd recommend getting the Clymer manual. I've used it to guide me through multiple tear-downs and rebuilds.

The stock GPS location is terrible, most people I know of have relocated it.

Full list of stuff I've done to mine:


Item | Source
---|---
Low Seat | BMW Dealer
Barkbusters | http://www.bikebiz.com.au/products/Barkbusters-Storm-S7-Handguard-Kit.html
Soft Bag 3 | http://www.bikebiz.com.au/products/BMW-Large-Soft-Bag.html
Crash Bars | http://www.nippynormans.com/engine-bars-and-sump-guards/wunderlich-engine-bars-red-r1200r-lc-r1200rs-lc
Nav Sun Shade | http://www.nippynormans.com/r1200rs-lc-2015-on/wunderlich-sun-shade-navigator-5
Paralever Crash Pad | http://www.nippynormans.com/r1200rs-lc-2015-on/wunderlich-paralever-slider-double-shock-r1200gsadvlc-and-more
Nav Mount | https://www.motorcycleparts-hornig.com/BMW-R-1200-RS-LC/Navigation-and-Communication/GPS-Mount-44015.html
Bar Risers | http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/322059901344
QL Evo Ring Keyless | https://www.sdmoto-parts.com/en/r1200-r/353-sw-motech-quicklock-evo-tank-ring-bmw-r1200r-keyless.html
QL Evo Engage Electric | http://www.ebay.com/itm/252710540953
Radiator Guard | https://www.sdmoto-parts.com/en/radiator-guards/3312-evotech-radiator-guard-bmw-r1200rs.html
Touring Windscreen | https://www.sdmoto-parts.com/en/r1200-r/1440-puig-light-smoke-tall-touring-windscreen-bmw-r1200rs.html
Front Axle Sliders | https://www.sdmoto-parts.com/en/fork-swingarm-sliders/540-sw-motech-fork-sliders-bmw-s1000xr.html
Switch Guard | https://www.sdmoto-parts.com/en/r1200-gs/2813-wunderlich-sidestand-switch-guard-bmw-r1200gs-lc.html
SAE USB Plug | https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HPBWTKQ
EZ CAN Accessory Manager | https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NC2PVO1
Light Brackets | https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/171345535571
Baja Driving Lights | https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/191659737032
Baja Rock Guards | https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZHUMDQW/
Headlight Covers | https://www.slipscreens.co.uk/bmw-r1200rs-2016-headlight-protector/
Frame Caps | https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/272909538960
Panniers | https://www.bmw-motorrad-bohling.com/uk/bmw-motorcycle-pannier-set-touring-r1200rs-k54-codeable.html
Inner Bag Left | https://www.bmw-motorrad-bohling.com/uk/bmw-r1200r-k53-innerbag-for-touring-pannier-left.html
Inner Bag Right | https://www.bmw-motorrad-bohling.com/uk/bmw-r1200r-k53-innerbag-for-touring-pannier-right.html
Crashbar Centre Support | https://www.procycles.com.au/product/wunderlich-center-strut-crash-bar/
Air Horn | https://www.adventuremoto.com.au/tt-sb-10100-b-denali-soundbomb-split-dual-tone-air-horn
Air Horn Brackets | https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/173029875672
Shad 58X Topcase | https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/263536289358
Shad W0RS15ST Top Mount Kit | https://www.fastbikebits.com/product/3590/
Shad 58X White Lid | https://www.fastbikebits.com/product/4120/
Phone Mount | http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/161997388486
RAM Parts eBay thirdgearau | RAM-B-238U, RAM-B-201U-A, RAP-S-KNOB3U
RAM Parts eBay JA-GPS | RAP-S-KNOB3U x2, RAP-B-200-12U, RAP-B-230-1U

I bought a RAM mount that clamps to the bar next to the Nav. I tend to use my handlebar location more because the phone covers the instruments some, especially with the windshield lowered all the way.

Anything wrong with the Battery Tender Jr? Battery Tender 12 Volt Junior Automatic Battery Charger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CITK8S/

I have a slightly more modern cousin to your older K but some things are the same:

Preface: Grab your self a clymers:

link

Get familiar with parts fiche:

MAx BMW

Get used parts and kits

Beemer Boneyard

as for your questions:

1. Looks suspicious, like someone put that in later on, the parts fiche makes no mention of this sort of tape installed.
   
   
2. probably your measuring part doesn't work properly.
   
   the replacement is
   
   62 16 1 459 565 (<---BMW PART#) PETROL GAUGE $121.17
   
   
3. can't help you here im afraid, but anything ignition related is pretty expensive, so pick your battles.
   
   
4. you can do this on any bike (upshift without a clutch) but it doesn't really make that big of a difference for day to day riding. I don't do it on my K1200.
   
   5)Routine maintenance is a bit more involved with the Ks than what the PO lead you to believe. It's not hard but grab the clymers and read up.
   
   another good site for K-bikes is k-bikes

My bike had been sitting for 6 years prior to my ownership, and the tank had completely rusted out near the fuel pick up. The way I cleaned it was duct tape over the holes and then dump a bunch of small nails in the tank and some acetone, and really shake that baby up. Dump the nasty acetone out, and then repeat till clean. Then I got a shop vac and vacuumed all the remaining garbage. After that I got this and it worked like a champ.

This of course was for a more extreme case, but no ugly putty on the outside of your tank to worry about. If you don't care just scotch brite the surface and maybe a little acetone or isopropanol to clean it up, then putty.