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An observation on different vehicle hobbies

drooartz

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So recently I picked up an old BMW motorcycle -- a '73 R75/5, just a few months younger than me.
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https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcforum/ubbthreads.php/topics/695055

I've been slowly searching out all the groups/clubs/websites for information, just as I did when I decided to buy a British sports car all those years ago. So far folks have been friendly and helpful, just as I expected. There has been one difference, though, that has stood out just a bit.

Cost.

Not parts cost, but cost for access to information. Many of the groups still rely on a magazine or newsletter, and don't have the information available in any other form. One particular source requires you to purchase a printed index, then purchase each (printed) article you want.

Now, I'm not adverse to paying for what you need (I am a paid member here) -- but I'm also a believer in the free flow of information. All of the LBC folks I've interacted with have been more than generous with their knowledge. Even folks like Hap who do this for a living provide the knowledge to those who need it.

Maybe it's just a matter of style -- our local BMW bike club requires a membership, but the local LBC club just passes the hat to cover operating expenses. All amounts to the same thing, but the feel seems different somehow.

Or maybe it's just Friday and I don't want to be at work anymore...
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I sold my BMW cycle 8 years ago, so I'm a bit out-of-the-loop...
However, I recall The Internet BMW Riders site to have been a great place for classifieds, (buying/selling parts -- and that's how I sold the bike) tech articles and links to other good places. IIRC, it's free.

BMW parts ARE expensive. Apparently, there's just no getting around that. I was VERY pleasantly surprised by the difference in cash outlay for stuff, when I traded my '65 BMW cycle for a TR3.
 
The advantage of motorcycle parts prices is that you need far fewer of them...
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It's not so much that this info costs (everything costs something), just somehow it seems harder to get to than I expected. I guess what I'm really saying is that I've been really spoiled here on the BCF. Another big thumbs up for all y'all! :thumbsup:
 
Carla and I can't say enough good things about everyone here. Last Fall when we bought our VERY ABUSED MGB we knew nothing. We still may not know much but we have a daily driver that was made possible only because of the help from BCF people. THANK YOU ALL !!
 
The basic premise may lie in whether there is a sense of elitism in ownership or camaraderie!...Definitely the latter with LBC owners...we love to share our miseries and their solutions!! :banana: :banana:
 
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