Author Topic: Tough problem to have? (Read 4862 times)

JonJo · « **on:** August 01, 2016, 20:57:22 »

My old man, at the age of 82 has decided to hang up his boots. He was out on his Beemer RT1200 yesterday when, twice, he slowed because of vehicles stood on his side of the road. As he approached them he realised that they were just shadows of roadside bushes. He phoned me today to tell me he didn't think his eyesight was good enough to be riding any more so did I want his beemer. Must be heartbreaking for him and took a lot of guts to admit he can't ride again.
Anyway, I'm more than happy with the strom. It's the best bike I've had and I'd struggle to find room for the beemer.
I've done a bit of google research and the '06 model seems to have mixed reviews. Looks like the BMW quality suffered as they couldn't produce enough to meet demand so farmed out production to Kerblekistan (or somewhere similar).
What would you do? Keep the strom and bin the beemer? Have both and keep one outside? Is the beemer worth having?

wurzel · « **Reply #1 on:** August 01, 2016, 21:02:53 »

That is so sad for your Dad, bless him, if he is attached to his bike I would keep it, and keep the strom, maybe leave the bm in dad's garage and just keep it fresh with a ride out here and there.

Hugo Magnus · « **Reply #2 on:** August 01, 2016, 21:03:11 »

You know what to do. There will be someone somewhere who will be happy with the Beemer.

kwackboy · « **Reply #3 on:** August 01, 2016, 21:22:07 »

So sad.... but if he is capable of getting on the bike I'd keep it and take him on the back so he can still enjoy his bike.

Rusty Nuts · « **Reply #4 on:** August 01, 2016, 21:31:03 »

Tell dad you can't ride two bikes, can't store two, get him to decide to flog it and take himself on holiday.

Yoyo · « **Reply #5 on:** August 01, 2016, 22:26:32 »

Sounds like the best plan Rusty

.

In me shed · « **Reply #6 on:** August 01, 2016, 22:42:10 »

It's sad when we have to admit we're getting old but at least he is man enough to admit it before he does himself (or someone else) an injury. I'd ask him how attached he is to it and go from there.

Robotstar5 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 01, 2016, 23:08:50 »

Also, get him to an optician in case there's a problem needing early treatment to stop it getting worse?.

Andy M · « **Reply #8 on:** August 02, 2016, 07:19:39 »

Definately go see the optician/doctor. I'm thinking cataracts, which can be treated.

If it comes down to it though, the BMW would be the one I'd get shot of. Worse quality, bad design, complexity for the sake of it, awful dealers....

I've had 6 of the things. The complexity started with the K. The cheap nasty quality came in with the F650 revamp. The last good one was the R1100.

Andy

JonJo · « **Reply #9 on:** August 02, 2016, 15:56:00 »

Thanks for the replies folks. I'll have a ride down at the weekend and talk it over with him. I'd already suggested selling it and using the money for him to go on holiday. Think I'm going to try and push that idea some more.
He's got macular degeneration btw. No getting better.

JonJo · « **Reply #10 on:** August 06, 2016, 16:10:40 »

He wants my Strom!

It's the first time he's seen it and it was love at first sight. All of a sudden his eyes aren't that bad.

Flipping eck. Never saw that coming.

Rich:-) · « **Reply #11 on:** August 06, 2016, 16:23:49 »

priceless!

"I never saw that coming..." nice pun too.

MartinW · « **Reply #12 on:** August 06, 2016, 16:31:51 »

Rusty Nuts · « **Reply #13 on:** August 06, 2016, 16:43:01 »

Blindsided, as it were.

wurzel · « **Reply #14 on:** August 06, 2016, 21:24:28 »

That's great news...maybe a new machine will get his confidence up, sight pemitting.

Graham62 · « **Reply #15 on:** August 06, 2016, 21:56:19 »

JonJo · « **Reply #16 on:** August 14, 2016, 13:23:37 »

The beemer came home with me today. The strom is in the old man's garage temporarily. He's insured for it but I'd be surprised if he uses it. Need to work out how to store them both here just to take the temptation away from him.
Anyway, chuffed with the beemer on the open road but it's one heavy, numb lump in town. Not sure I'll be commuting on it.

JonJo · « **Reply #17 on:** August 19, 2016, 16:46:11 »

Hell's teeth I should have listened to Andy M.
Beemer has been cutting out (fuel pump controller apparently) and also jumping out of gear. Nearly cacked myself first time it happened - went with a right bang. Not the sort of thing you want to happen when you're making a finely judged overtake.
I seem to have got myself a parcel of trouble and the old man is having the time of his life on the strom. Haven't got the heart to take it back just now, he's chasing around like a three balled tomcat.
Beemer is in next week for some recall work (including fuel pump controller). Once that's done I'll be looking to trade it in for another strom.

JonJo · « **Reply #18 on:** September 06, 2016, 14:47:28 »

Beemer traded in for another strom today. That's my third in a year. I'll be keeping this one. Picking it up next Monday so I'll post some pics then.

tallpaul · « **Reply #19 on:** September 06, 2016, 15:13:24 »

Lesson learned, eh?!!