K11 Owners Group

Geoff · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 2:15 pm Post subject: MotoGP in Indy

I had a wet but enjoyable weekend at the MotoGP races in Indy. Valentino Rossi won the GP when the race was red-flagged after 20 laps due to heavy rain and strong wind. Nicky Hayden finished second.

Indianapolis rolled out the red carpet for the event. (Myrtle Beach could take a lesson from Indy.) Bikes and vendors were everywhere. Part of downtown Indy was restricted to bikes only. One of the most popular events Saturday evening was the AMA Flat Track Championship.

This was truly an international event, with people from all over the world in attendance. General announcements over the PA were made in multiple languages like the olympics. When Rossi won his race, quite a few people waved the Italian flag. I saw three guys with an Italian flag draped over their shoulders. They were drinking Fosters and singing that "Olay, Olay" song you hear at soccer matches. Ducati had a whole section filled with people from the factory and its U.S. dealers, all wearing red, of course.

As I was heading to the interstate to return home, one of my saddlebags fell off my K1100RS and slid down the road. This was clearly a case of operator error. You see, in my haste to attach the bag in heavy rain, I failed to secure it properly. Fortunately, the car behind me didn't hit the bag. It was only scratched and I was able to mount it on the bike. (PM me if you've got an OEM bag or lids for a '94 K-RS.)

With gale-force wind and heavy rain, the ride home to Chicago was the most challenging I've ever experienced on two wheels. I wore two rain suits to keep warm and dry. Looking back, I don't know if I should feel accomplished or foolish. Then again, if things went perfectly, there would be no story to tell. As the saying goes, it's the ride, not the destination.
_________________
2000 R1100RT
2008 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic

BobZ(IL) · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:28 pm Post subject:

Glad to hear you enjoyed the event even with such deplorable conditions. With the marvelous summer we've enjoyed in the midwest, it's a damn shame this particular weekend went to hell. Thanks Ike.

We rode from the Chicago area to Laguna Seca for MotoGP last year. It was spectacular. Much more popular than Formula One events in the U.S.

I was scheduled to spend the weekend in Indy for the race but had flake out for a family matter Saturday. Low and behold you couldn't buy a one-day Sunday ticket for the race. At least I was warm and dry watching it on tv, although the coverage was pathetic.

Certainly glad you got lucky with your case. I had a lid come open one time and spread crap for half a mile.
_________________
'93 K1100LT
'78 R100S
'05 R1200GS
BMWMOA, CRBMWOA, ABC, K11OG #997

Live well, do good work, enjoy the ride.

rydor · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 9:44 pm Post subject:

My buddy had an extra ticket... I couldn't get off work...
Crying or Very sad

owrstrich · Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:03 pm Post subject:

indianapolis has been cursed in recent years with rain on race weekends... it had been beautiful in indianapolis for the past 4 weeks and then this...

well... next year...

johnny
_________________
yeeeeeehaaaaaaa...

Geoff · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:10 am Post subject:

Some interesting tid bits following MotoGP.....

- Four people were hospitalized on Sunday when the Yamaha canopy blew down.
- Due to a programming mishap, a Cardinal's baseball game was televised by local NBC affiliates instead of the race.
- TV Guide mistakenly called the event the "Red Bull Super Moto".
- Friday attendance: 30,978
- Saturday attendance: 52,010
- Sunday attendance: 91,064
- Sunday's attendance would have been an estimated 120,000 if the weather was better.
- Nicky Hayden is moving to Ducati in 2009: http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Sep/080915d.htm
_________________
2000 R1100RT
2008 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic

owrstrich · Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 9:26 pm Post subject:

das boot has not reported in...

he must still be on the shoulder waiting for the warranty tow to the nearest dealer...

johnny
_________________
yeeeeeehaaaaaaa...

Geoff · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:31 am Post subject:

Has there been a das boot sighting?
_________________
2000 R1100RT
2008 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic

Das Boot · Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2008 2:57 pm Post subject:

Hi guys,

The Boot made it in on Sunday night, the winds were probably the worst I have ridden in. The gas mileage on the GS leaves a lot to be desired, 39 MPG on the freeway at a constant 83 MPH, I was getting 12MPG better on the K11. The range is even worse at 150 miles the gas light comes on and thats topping the tank off on the center stand. Wind protection is obviously lacking as well.

On the plus side the bike only burned 3 oz of oil after 640 miles riding two up and loaded down. The handling of the bike is great and the ESA adjustable shocks are awesome. I have not had any leaks or quirks with the bike, outside of the gas gauge that crapped out around 400 miles. Other items like the front strut was replaced under warrranty, but did not fail.

The race itself was awesome, I had top notch seats in section E with over head cover and a clear view of the track and tight corners.

As always Johnny O. gave fantastic suggestions for eaterys, the German spot was extra special, the bar was awesome.

Best of luck,

I wish I was able to keep the K11 as a spare. I took about 60% cut in pay to work for a dealership, so I need every nickel Sad

_________________
Dom

Klinker · Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 6:38 pm Post subject:

Geoff · Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 2:05 pm Post subject:

Das Boot · Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 7:29 pm Post subject:

We just got in the new 450 enduro, can you say Kymco powered Shocked

_________________
Dom

Jim · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 1:53 am Post subject: Kymco powered?

please, tell me it isn't so!
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Das Boot · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 7:29 pm Post subject: Re: Kymco powered?

Jim · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 7:59 pm Post subject: Kymco powered?

...tut, tut, tut...
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Das Boot · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 9:32 pm Post subject: Re: Kymco powered?

owrstrich · Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2008 10:54 pm Post subject:

despicable...

johnny
_________________
yeeeeeehaaaaaaa...