Intro

[Maloppa]

Greetings all. I hope this is the right place to post an intro. I just picked up my first BMW yesterday and am very excited to start a new sport. I will be riding one of the 09 F800GS bikes. I have dreamed of owning a 1200GS for many years and always felt it was to big of a bike to start on. I rode a lot of motor x when I was younger and have always liked that style of bike. My toy (a built Jeep) was stolen a couple of weeks ago and left me broken hearted. When I saw the new GS I knew it was time. I look forward to learning from everyone and attending some rides. I have been searching the web for tons of info, but everyone's input is welcome. My first job today is to obtain a helmet and start looking for some protective equipment for myself and the bike. I live in Huntsville, so any recommendations of places to purchase from and brands would be great. I intend on getting an Aria helmet, but haven't decided on the model yet. Thanks again.

[Norwood]

Welcome

Welcome to the forum and BMW owners of Alabama, your choice of helmet is a good one, the style with have to do with the fit for you. You have got a great bike as well and selection of proper gear is another good choice.

From Huntsville you have couple of BMW stores....in Birmingham and Nashville Tn...also there are some good retailers of gear as well in the area.

Chit Chat is the place to ask your questions, some others will chime in as well.

On the main forum page is some good information about the club, meetings, weekend outings and rides...so do some exploring on the web site too.

Hunstville (Ditto Landing) is the site of our annual club rally...
The Great Chicken Rally, held each year in late May.

There are several members in the Hunstsville area.

Welcome aboard..

Ride Safe

[Bikebum]

Welcome to the web site. We have a wonderful and active club of more than 400 members. I am sure you will want to be a part of that.

Just as a tip, You will probably get more response if you fill out your profile so everyone will know who they are talking with. Thanks.

[R90srider]

Welcome Maloppa.

There is an active group of Alabeemers in the Huntsville area, many of whom get together each Friday at 5 ish for beverages and conversation at the West End Grille (6610 Old Madison Pk.). Deciding where they want to go for diner is part of the conversation. You are more than welcome to join them there and I believe your new ride would receive a lot of attention. There are not many 800 GSs in the club yet.

If it has been a while sense you have ridden a motorcycle on the highways, please do yourself a favor and sign up for one of the Alabama Safety Foundation rider courses. They are conducted throughout the summer months at he Montevallo and Huntsville locations.

Our club has monthly camp outs and rides (weekends of the last Sunday of the month). This month, we gather at Ft. Toulouse in Wetumpka. Go to our website, BMWMOAL.org and click on the newsletter link. This is a good place to see what we are all about.

Looking forward to meeting you in person soon.

[Maloppa]

Thanks for the welcome. I ordered my arai helmet yesterday. I picked the XD3 model in black. What is everyone's opinion on Tour Master gear. I picked a TM Sonora Air Jacket. I am trying to stay dual sport. I had planned on taking an education coarse and was just going to sign up at the Harley place. I will check out the other info that was posted. Thanks again. I will definitely try and make it to a Friday night in the next couple of weeks.

[dixieoutlaw]

Maloppa,
Welcome to the forum and the world of GSing. I know you are anxious to get all your gear and get out riding. It is a little known fact that any GS that sits still for more than a couple of days develops and awful funk. You just don't want that to happen to your new bike. I live only 20 miles from Huntsville and I am offering to take your 800GS out and help break it in. I promise not to ride it in water over 18" deep nor will I ride in mud over 6". As you can see I am offering to sacrifice my body to keep your GS healthy.
Please post where and what time you want me to pick it up.
After determining your bike is sufficient, of course you will be invited to the Waterloo and Talladega dual sport rides.
Look forward to meeting you and do take the advice on taking the ERC course at Montevallo. It had been several years since I had ridden when I bought a R1150GS and you wouldn't believe the difference in confidence the ERC course made, not to mention it may have saved my life a couple of times.
Tourmaster gear is pretty decent gear, but none of it is any good if you don't wear it religiously.
You don't have to ask how I know that good gear can save a lot of hide and bruises.
Gary - The DixieOutlaw and club Redneck

[Florida Bob]

Malloppa

My name is bob and I am a gearaholic. Hi bob--

You want to become VERY familiar with a few websites. #1- New Enough. One of the best sites to get quality gear at fair prices. Work your way around the site and know this--their customer service is the finest.

#2 Good old Ebay. Terrific opportunities for near new riding gear. If you have any questions on this subject, I probably only spend 2 hours aday on Ebay Motors.

Take your time--be very patient. A good class will produce mucho safety. Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly. Later

[Maloppa]

Thanks for the info everyone. My helmet came in today, so I'll pick it up in the AM. I'll check out the web sites and I actually did pick up a set of Givi crash bars off e-bay. I had to barrow a helmet this weekend and go for a couple hundred mile ride. The bike rides excellent. Went with a TourMaster jacket, boots and gloves. No one carries pants in stock it seems, so I'll have to do some searching to find out what I want to order in that direction. Thanks for the info so far. I do plan on getting in a class. Has anyone taken the class offered by HD in Madison. It is 4 days and seems to have a good bit of time spent on a bike. I think I'm going to start with that one.

[dixieoutlaw]

Check out www.motorcyclecloseouts.com fro fair prices on riding gear. I have purchased a couple of pairs of riding pants and my wife's Oxtar boots from this site. Been satisfied with all purchases. They seem to have a good sale going on on Fieldsheer gear. Check out the Adventure Pants at $100.
Gary

[BMWWANDRR]

Welcome to the club. The people are great and the meetings/campouts are fun with a bunch of friends. You you along the way.
Greg