Mike Brunk
Current Bike(s): R1150R Year started riding: 1980 Favorite ride: Previous Bike(s):

I came to Urbana to attend the U of I and have stayed. I am Urbana’s City Arborist and have been with the City since 1985.

This is not my first bike but it has been over 20 years since I have had a motorcycle. Why now? No real reason other than I chanced into the Twin City BMW shop and took one look at the bike and felt a familiar race to my heart that reminded me of my passion for riding. Before I knew it I was waiting for them to put a crated model together for me to pick up.

I recently have gotten the bike over the 1200 mile break-in and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I would ride several hours before and after work on a regular basis to work the bike during the break-in period. I now ride off to surrounding towns for a solo sunset trips or hot afternoon rides for weekend breaks. I look forward to the club’s breakfast runs and full day trips.

I ride naked and prefer traveling light (no luggage). I know I am going to have to figure how to carry gear to go beyond two day trips so I hope I can pick up some tips from you all. My R1150R sounds great and rides quite nice at any travel speed or rpm. I cannot seem to find any sweet spots although 6th gear at 4000 rpms feels real good. I seem to be getting more comfortable with the seat and the bike seems to fit my body quite well. I am 6’ 1" and 180 pounds.

I have hit the horn a few times when signaling to pass but I have seemed to work out of that. I wish there was a little more room for things under the seat but that’s because I do not want to attach any crud to my bike to carry things. I can’t think of any thing that really bothers me about the bike. Maybe with some time I will realize some annoyances but then again maybe I won’t. See you all soon and I look forward to meeting everyone.

I should also warn everyone that I charge to answer any tree or landscape related questions. My fee is considerable but fair; doughnuts for simple questions and full breakfast or diner meals for more elaborate questions.