1150GS for first time rider - or smaller bike?

agour

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Hey all,

So I'm in the market for an adventure bike, but I'm still unsure as to which one to buy.

Whilst I love the idea of buying an 1150GS, I have a feeling it might be too large for a first bike. (I'm 6"2 with about a 32" leg).

I'm thinking it might be better to get experience riding something smaller/lighter for a while, then 'upgrade' when the time is right.

Which would leave me looking at the 650, or 800GS. From what I can tell they are better off-roaders, but I don't plan on doing any of that.. The main idea would be long-distance touring around Europe, on tarmac roads. I'm guessing the smaller bikes might need more modification to make them suited to the long distance riding.

Do you have any recommendations for which path to take? Budget is around £4000, but can be stretched if I have to.


Cheers!
-agour
 
As long as you don't get the adventure version of the 1150 you will have no probs herring your feet down im about 5'-10" and not especially long legged and can get my feet flat.

The seat had two heights as well whuch helps. I think the gs is a good first bike you just need to be mindful of the static weight while wheeling it around.
 
I think you will be ok mate, I bought a GS 1200 as my first bike after passing, I'm only 5"7 like blueranger says just be careful of the weight when pushing the bike around.
 
If you dont already know.
One point often overlooked as its a heavy bike, learn how to get it on the centre stand before you strain your back.
Use your body weight on the stand foot peg , very easy and no strain.
 
long-distance touring around Europe, on tarmac roads.
at six foot two, the 12gsa is the one for you.







did you like that bit of poetry
 
blueranger said:
As long as you don't get the adventure version of the 1150 you will have no probs herring your feet down im about 5'-10" and not especially long legged and can get my feet flat.

The seat had two heights as well whuch helps. I think the gs is a good first bike you just need to be mindful of the static weight while wheeling it around.
Click to expand...

I'm 5'11 and 32" leg and the adv is fine.

No need for flat feet on the ground, the bike is well balanced. Make it too easy and you'll always limit yourself. Learn to handle the weight properly and you'll be fine.
I know guys who won't ride anything they can't get 2 feet down flat on the ground, me, I rode an airhead with a 36" seat height and still managed by sliding off the seat (or finding convenient kerbs :D).

At 6'+ you should be worried about being cramped not the height of the seat.

As a first bike? Yep, it's relatively low powered, easy to ride and forgiving. An 800 has a better power to weight ratio, so could in fact be worse than the 1150. The 1200? Yep, it's a possibility, you could match it to a nice frilly knickers and bra set :D
 
Ok great, thanks for all the help!

Good tip there Shane, I remember struggling with the bikes for ages before learning that one.. it's invaluable.

Now it's time to have more of a poke around at the prices and such. I was tempted to buy the 'BMW GS buyers guide' from amazon, but it seems to have some bad reviews. Is there a source of information available for things to check, what to look out for, when buying a second hand GS?
 
agour said:
Ok great, thanks for all the help!

Good tip there Shane, I remember struggling with the bikes for ages before learning that one.. it's invaluable.

Now it's time to have more of a poke around at the prices and such. I was tempted to buy the 'BMW GS buyers guide' from amazon, but it seems to have some bad reviews. Is there a source of information available for things to check, what to look out for, when buying a second hand GS?
Click to expand...

It's fairly easy with 1150s, if they look right they generally are. Kick the tyres, make sure it runs/starts ok. If it rattles a little then that's ok, if it really quite be wary. A little back lash is normal on the gearbox and make sure there is no rear wheel play.
I'm only in Stoke so if you need a helping hand let me know.
 
That's an interesting website, although I'm not sure how accurate it is. It says my feet won't be flat on the floor on an 800, but they're flat with a inch or so of space..

Anyway I ended up getting an 800 in the end. I went and looked at flipfly's bike, and decided it would be a bit too big for my first bike. I'll get more experience on this one first :)
 
There are benefits to having the 800. It will only burn about 65% of the fuel required for an 1150/1200. As above the power to weight ratio is better than the 1150. Only real downside is having to look after a chain but then you won't have to replace knackered final drive bearings on the 800 either.

Enjoy, a brilliant first big bike.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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