Tidrick
Keith B. Tidrick
Well, Monday, 27 Apr 2026 started out like this:
CFO and I rolled from Upstate SC to Roanoke/Salem, VA getting chased by a 2007 FJR1300.
Then we rolled back on Thursday, and while still getting chased around in the mountains, things appeared a little lighter. More near a match for Momma's wheels...
Got'er secured on the trailer in the rain Wed evening.
Asked my lovely bride of 30 very tolerant years (her tolerance, it's all been smooth sailing for me - that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!) if she had a name suggestion. Her quick response was "T-LO" (for "The Last One") or "Selah" (think Book of Psalms reference).
Hope "Selah" takes good care of me and I do of her as I hope to ride for a few more years and, well, this MAY be T-LO. The CFO has spoken. Ha!
The deep dive analysis over the past month on this topic has been varied. Due to an aging and slightly stiffening left knee, the FJR put just enough crimp in the joint that it would start fussin' after 30 mins or so on the bike. Not a good situation seeing I just retired and am hoping to catch up on some riding I have been missing out on for the past 10 or so years. I started looking at (gulp!) baggers! Naturally, that brought into my assessment the BMW K1600 B (naturally!). It drifted from there, ultimately settling on this sweet machine. Ergos are very good so far.
Many know and respect - maybe even love - the K series' 1600 in line 6. Being a bit of a fan of BMW inline 6's in the auto world, I was intrigued. Almost committed on a couple but REALLY needed a test ride. Counsel from a friend (WAHORN...) led me to re-evaluate the maintenance aspect of RT vs K.
When I got to the dealership and rode the RT, I was lovin' the ride and handling. Having never ridden a Beemer Boxer, I was not sure what to expect but had no issues. Nice little 30 or so mile run out over the mountain to Catawba revealed svelte handling I never knew existed based on the more than 2 dozen different bikes I have had opportunity to ride over the years.
But - I was still curious about the K. This dealership has a 2014 K1600 GTL available and were gracious enough to let me take it out "just to be sure". If ya DON'T know, that 6 cylinder is a ripping piece of superb engineering! Honestly, had I only done a 10 min ride, that engine might well have torqued my brain to a different decision! However, I did get to take the big girl up over the same ride I had just completed on the RT. The GTL handled fine, and - did I mention - that motor! Wow. Just Wow. BUT... having just ridden the RT, I could feel the transitional heft (many years on ST1100's, I wasn't put off by the mass of the GTL) and required delibertness in finesse through the curves. It was enough that I was tickled to settle up on the RT and bring'er home.
And, hopefully, "Selah" doesn't leave me regretting my last choice (!!) over time in the coming miles and years.
Hope to see you all on the road soon!
CFO and I rolled from Upstate SC to Roanoke/Salem, VA getting chased by a 2007 FJR1300.
Then we rolled back on Thursday, and while still getting chased around in the mountains, things appeared a little lighter. More near a match for Momma's wheels...
Got'er secured on the trailer in the rain Wed evening.
Asked my lovely bride of 30 very tolerant years (her tolerance, it's all been smooth sailing for me - that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!) if she had a name suggestion. Her quick response was "T-LO" (for "The Last One") or "Selah" (think Book of Psalms reference).
Hope "Selah" takes good care of me and I do of her as I hope to ride for a few more years and, well, this MAY be T-LO. The CFO has spoken. Ha!
The deep dive analysis over the past month on this topic has been varied. Due to an aging and slightly stiffening left knee, the FJR put just enough crimp in the joint that it would start fussin' after 30 mins or so on the bike. Not a good situation seeing I just retired and am hoping to catch up on some riding I have been missing out on for the past 10 or so years. I started looking at (gulp!) baggers! Naturally, that brought into my assessment the BMW K1600 B (naturally!). It drifted from there, ultimately settling on this sweet machine. Ergos are very good so far.
Many know and respect - maybe even love - the K series' 1600 in line 6. Being a bit of a fan of BMW inline 6's in the auto world, I was intrigued. Almost committed on a couple but REALLY needed a test ride. Counsel from a friend (WAHORN...) led me to re-evaluate the maintenance aspect of RT vs K.
When I got to the dealership and rode the RT, I was lovin' the ride and handling. Having never ridden a Beemer Boxer, I was not sure what to expect but had no issues. Nice little 30 or so mile run out over the mountain to Catawba revealed svelte handling I never knew existed based on the more than 2 dozen different bikes I have had opportunity to ride over the years.
But - I was still curious about the K. This dealership has a 2014 K1600 GTL available and were gracious enough to let me take it out "just to be sure". If ya DON'T know, that 6 cylinder is a ripping piece of superb engineering! Honestly, had I only done a 10 min ride, that engine might well have torqued my brain to a different decision! However, I did get to take the big girl up over the same ride I had just completed on the RT. The GTL handled fine, and - did I mention - that motor! Wow. Just Wow. BUT... having just ridden the RT, I could feel the transitional heft (many years on ST1100's, I wasn't put off by the mass of the GTL) and required delibertness in finesse through the curves. It was enough that I was tickled to settle up on the RT and bring'er home.
And, hopefully, "Selah" doesn't leave me regretting my last choice (!!) over time in the coming miles and years.
Hope to see you all on the road soon!
