The big news in the touring motorcycle world is the new BMW Six cylinder motorcycle. The first six cylinder motorcycle introduced in almost 30 years, it is putting the touring world into features heaven. And as I am about to celebrate 40 years of having my motorcycle license, it is also almost 40 years since I had my first of five BMW's.
British what? No one knew what BMW stood for then, and what the heck is a Bavarian? But those who rode did, and when Cadillac was still the Standard of the World for luxury cars, those who rode called BMW the Cadillac. Spartan, austere bikes, they were an opposed twin, with those big ugly cylinders sticking out. And in a world that was almost all twins, V-twin Harleys, parallel twin Nortons and Triumphs, BMW's cylinders literally stuck out in a two cylinder world. And touring bikes were all about touring. And BMW was king. Not because of what we call luxury today, but because they were reliable. You could actually ride one over 10,000 miles, or out of town and make it back. Where Harleys and Triumphs leaked, BMW's weeped oil. Tell that to my garage. Whereas all other bikes had chains, and belts were still used to hold up your pants, BMW had a shaft. Quirky bikes that didn't use a key, but could be started using a nail or popsicle stick-no one stole BMWs, a big vibration damper knob on the top of the forks, and a big comfy seat, they were made for the open road. Earles forks, and an under stressed engine, they were reliable for their day. And ugly-no one bought a BMW for looks. But it was the shaft that made them a touring bike, not all the luxury gizmos. And in 1970, BMW was changing the way they did business. And how we redefined touring.
Then their /5 series came out, 500, 600, and 750ccs of power. Colors! Where they were always only black or white-tradition had it every 1000th bike was white, now they were also blue, gold, and red. With huge chrome side panels on the tank, gaining them the nickname "Toaster," for that is what they looked like. And with enhanced engine performance, they would run with the big bikes. At least the 750. And still were reliable, and still shaft driven. My first BMW was an R60/5, a 1972. Bought from Sleger-Forbes, the dealership Malcolm Forbes started with legendary Hank Slegers to feed his motorcycle addiction, they were the first mega dealer. And sold Honda, Triumph, BSA, Yamaha, Ossa, and some other lesser brands. In an era when no one discounted, they offered to pay the sales tax if you paid cash. And whereas NJ had state inspection off site, they had one on-site. And for $1600 out the door, I bought my BMW, and was going to wait until spring to pick it up-they also stored your bike for free if purchased from them. But by January I couldn't wait any longer, and on a warmer, sunny day, picked it up. And the rest is history.
Performance was still spelled speed in those days, but to BMW it meant arriving, not how long it took. My R60 was not very fast as bikes go, my 350 Honda was just as fast, but it was the lure of the shaft. No master links to carry as many of my friends did. No chain lube all over your back. Your date could stay clean back there. With no fear of vibrating off. And on cold days, keeping your feet under the cylinders kept them warm. To BMW competition meant never breaking, not how fast you got there. And whereas today without bags and a windshield you aren't a touring bike, back then it meant shaft. Euro guys used tank bags, and real bikers slept in their clothes. No radios, no windshield, and no chains. Only two cylinders, you could go over 200 miles for $1.25, and your bike would make it back home again. So what if it was slow, the road was the destination, and 40 years ago, BMW told us what touring bikes were all about. The destination was up to you. Things would change for them in 1974 with the R90S, but for now, simple, slow, reliable, and safe was the way to go. Don't fix what ain't broken, and spend your time twisting a throttle instead of a wrench. Good advice even today.
Don't fix what ain't broken. Good advice no matter the situation. Keeping things simple, and not setting out to reinvent the wheel, only to end up with a flat tire. Wind in your face, and bugs in your teeth. We were much simpler bikers back then. And we could tell what you were riding by its sound. Or in BMW's case lack of sound. And you never had to add oil. Almost too good to be true to any biker 40 years ago.
Christianity is simple, and it is easy to become one. But it is not easy being a Christian. For Jesus said in this world you will have tribulation. Don't confuse that with it being easy to become one. Believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth and your are saved, the Bible tells us. But then the need to grow close to Jesus becomes more evident. You see sin where you never saw it before. It is a daily battle, where you work out your daily salvation with fear and trembling. Not working to keep your salvation, but like an athlete in the gym, bulking yourself up in the word, and growing in Jesus. Keeping your life under stressed, by looking to God, rather than feeding your ego. And enjoying the ride of your life more, not a sprint, but an endurance race as Paul calls it.
I often talk to some "hi-performance" Christians, who must always be doing something for God, everything except resting in Him. And sadly when they burn out, they crash. Not the way God wants it. So I take a simple way with God. God calls it abiding in the vine. And when close to God, you will be safe, and joyful. God is enough to meet any and all desires. Dependable, consistent, and always there. A chain that never breaks, a shaft that is reliable. And because of Him, you will go farther than you ever dreamt.
The gospel is simple. Keep it that way. Don't let BMW mean broke my wallet. And let the name of Jesus mean Lord in your life. Ride and live and enjoy life.
Oh, and by the way, we never called them Beemers!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
