The end of my Blackbird era

[XX@rnold]

It seems to be very dramatic to speak of an era, but I own a Blackbird since 1997 and that are 9 of the 32 years I ride motorcycles.
I started in 1974 and I was used to buy a new bike in a 2-3 year cycle and never the same model twice. Every new one has to have more power, more speed and more all-round abilities compared to the previous one.

By the end of 2004 I thougth by myself, why not try something totally different and not automatically choose for an inline four.
I could not decided at that time and I still kept my 2002 Blackbird for one more year. But the toughts of a change did not disappear and were still buzzing in my mind. The last couple of months I did decide to go for a change and try something totally different.

Yesterday, after a long test ride, I traded my Blackbird in for a BMW R1200 GS.
I have never owned a boxer twin before. After the test ride I am sure the GS will give me also a lot of pleasure, but I am aware that it will be on a different scale compared to the Blackbird.
I about three weeks I will get my GS.

I know that some of you will be shocked about the news.
Without the Blackbird my first visit to the UK still had to come.
It was a pleasure to meet Jaws, Fat Bert, Paul and Carol, Jon and Anya, Mark and Lorna, Rolfy Dave and Jan and many others in person. Forgive me but I can not mention everyone here.
Altough I will not own a Blackbird any more I will keep visiting the BIRD forum.

I will not get my GS in time to book for the Bash this year otherwise I would love to come over. I have enjoyed my visits to the past Bashes so much that will visit England in the future to to ride on the beautiful roads in your country.

Arnold

 

[derek kelly]

Good luck Arnold, I hope the GS is everything you want it to be, I have only had my BB for 15 months & while I am still attaining the grin factor when I ride it I am not saying it is the last bike I will own, every bike I have owned has brought memories some pleasurable some not so, hope you get many happy memories with the GS.

 

[Allan]

Same here Arnold, several years on a Bird, now I own a Fireblade.


Buzz

 

[XX@rnold]

I have only had my BB for 15 months & while I am still attaining the grin factor when I ride it I am not saying it is the last bike I will own, every bike I have owned has brought memories some pleasurable some not so, hope you get many happy memories with the GS.

I still get a grin on my face when I ride my Bird. I cannot afford it, otherwise I would keep the Bird next to the GS.

 

[Jaws]

I have always said that my next bike after a Bird would be a Gr?ne Stra?e Arnold

I am sure you will get a great deal of pleasure from it !

It is a big shame that you cannot make the Bash this year.. you will be missed :xm But maybe you can make it next year !!

 

[shropslad]

its an age thing

Its a good choice Arnold,,,, we all will go that way when we get older man8um fl4g71

We will keep the blacky (for now) it does everything we want it to do,,,I get the odd ache & pain after being in the saddle for 300+ miles but that is me showing my age.

You enjoy your new stead & the start of a new era,, hope we will still see you in Holland next month.

take care,

 

[XX@rnold]

But maybe you can make it next year !!

I promise that if I can make it I will come next year on my GS :yo:

 

[roXXo]

Good to hear from you Arnold.

All good things must come to an end sometime.

I had my Bird for 7 years and now have an R1.

When I got my Bird in 98 it was Arnold's website that I turned to for all info regarding the Bird.
I am sure that Arnold and his site have had a major influence on many Bird enthusiasts.

Thank you Arnold.

Carol and I wish you all the best with your new GS.

:beer:

 

[D.S.]

Onwards and Upwards Arnold!