Hello.
Well, my F800GS is no longer in Purgatory and the BMW folks in Shanghai have been a huge help. My motorcycle has been registered and licensed; the first F800GS in China. Exciting times indeed.
On Saturday morning I put on my riding jacket and boots and grabbed my helmet and took the 25min taxi ride to the northern part of Shanghai where the BMW motorcycle dealership is located. I was nervous and excited. Loads of emotions running through my veins.
I ordered my bike back in August 2009. It took basically 5 months to arrive from Germany and pass through customs, it took another 1 month to be properly registered and licensed; all at great expense. And now, I was picking it up for the first time. After signing a few forms and collecting the registration and looking over the bike I put on my helmet and gloves and drove it right out of the store; it, and I, had arrived.
The BMW riding experience is as lovely as any and my first 30 minute ride from the shop to my house was heavenly. Why was I only out for 30 minutes? Because it was 2C and I didn't have any warm riding gear. But gear changes were smooth, the handle bar warmers were essential. The balance and weight of the bike was perfect. Accelerating was fast and smooth, not jerky.
So yes, I know have the first F800GS in China. So, the best question remains: What am I going to do with it? The answer is complex. I don't want to just be a city rider. The F800GS was built to ride across Tibet, so naturally that is where I should take it. Fingers crossed for summer 2010. Until then, day trips and perhaps multi-day trips. I am hoping to be able to integrate the bike in to some of my photography work as I often need to make small trips to the suburbs of Shanghai or secondary cities near buy. I've bought a helmet camera. Lots of documentation coming soon.
Watch this space.
Ryan Pyle
Photographer / BMW Motorcycle Owner
Location: Shanghai, China
Email: ryan@ryanpyle.com
Website: www.ryanpyle.com
Mobile: +86 137 9521 9650
BMW China: BMWCHINA
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