1150GS or not

[Jon451]

Novice Riders

I have now had my 1150GS for a year. When I bought it I was actually doing my direct access training. Prior to this I had rided 125s on and off since I was 17. Before doing my test I rode a Gilera Runner for two years.
Anyway, the day arrived when I picked up my brand new black GS. It was a lovely sunny day, however as I climbed aboard it started to bucket down. At this point I had not even started it up let alone riden it. I then set off - new tyres, wet road - and made it home. It appeared gigantic at first, however being 6'02" it was no problem. I have now riden it for a year and (touch wood) not dropped it scraped it, etc. I love it to bits and it inspires great confidence, but you must treat it with respect.
My own view is if you want one get one but always ride within your comfort zone. Any idiot can ride any bike. Plenty of people have serious accidents on scooters and push bikes. The secret is just be careful.
Also, BMW insurance is very good. I though about a Yamaha 600 Fazer, but this was more expensive to insure and probably run.
Don't take all advice given as the gospel. If you are sensible, careful and can show restraint then yes, buy a GS. If not buy something slow and cheap. Just take care.

 

[MikeO]

Jon,
I'm glad you've had a good experience with the GS as your first big bike, but your post rather misses the point I was trying to make. You clearly had no 'reach' problems with the GS, Mick does. If you can comfortably reach the ground, then the GS is a fine bike for a tyro - but Mick can't, which means the GS is not a good bike for him. How can he stay in his comfort zone if he's outside just stopped and trying to touch his foot down?

MikeO

 

[Mick_rw]

Shocks

Hello everyone, Have just been reading a thread on lowering the seat height by replacing the shocks with ones which are an inch shorter, does anyone know of this mod and if so does it work.....

Cheers

Mick

 

[Taz'rant]

Have to agree with Mike O on this one. Work your way up to the imposing size of a 1150GS if you like, but you'll hate yourself for dropping a new one. I'm about 5'7" myself and found the GS big at first (all settings down to their lowest). I've had an oppurtunity to get used to it, now all settings are the same as my mate who's WELL over 6'... then again, I have been biking for over 10 years.

So, stay within what's comfortable... seriously... then you'll really appreciate the 1150 some other day.

 

[Mick_rw]

Decision....

Evening everyone,

Would like to say many thanks for all the advise given, to that end I have decided to purchase the 1150R, weight and power I am happy with and I can get my feet on the ground.

Next question, require some decent panniers, any suggestions...

Cheers,

Mick



ps. can I still be a member of the big boys BB....lol

 

[Deadskin]

Re: Decision....

Evening everyone,

Would like to say many thanks for all the advise given, to that end I have decided to purchase the 1150R, weight and power I am happy with and I can get my feet on the ground.

Oh dear
pint 6x the second coming

 

[Gecko]

Re: Height

Hi, thanks for your comments, yes I had the suspension at its lowest and a wunderlich low seat fitted in place of the standard seat, but still found I was having just my toes in contact with the ground.
Mick

Do your knuckles drag on the pavement when you walk to the shops ?

 

[guitarman]

Re: Novice Riders

Hello again, are there any novice riders riding the 1150GS, I am one only passed me test two days ago, how did you find height of the bike, i'm 5' 11". I must admit iI want this bike but but but........

Hi Mick, Sorry to join this thread late but I simply cannot understand why you can't touch the ground at 5' 11". Do you have disproportionately short legs ? I'm 5' 8" and with the seat on the lowest setting and the suspension at standard I can get one foot firmly on the floor with the other still touching the floor.

It wasn't an Adventure you were trying ?

Having said that I believe you need to feel comfortable to be safe and if you really are concerned then you're probably better off with something less intimidating.

I rode pint6x's R1100R last week and with the seat on the highest setting it felt like my GS on the lowest setting but the big difference was the seating position and how far away the bars were as it felt considerably smaller and easier to deal with.

Cheers

Dick

 

[londonw1]

Even the adventure should be OK

I'm 5'9 and have an adverture with the low seat and can get both feet firmly on the ground at junctions, the only problem or challenge I have is getting the thing off the side stand if the tank is full, very embrassing struggling to get the bike upright sometimes....... but always manage! oh and I've got a 30" inside leg which is probobly more important than how tall you are.

 

[pint6x]

Re: Re: Decision....

Oh dear
pint 6x the second coming

Oi - I heard that - they're orright I'm telling you !

Anyway - mine was sold today - something which will enable me to send an unfeasibly large cheque to Vines of Guildford, such that at the end of April I will be visiting their shops to pick up my rather lovely 18-month old 1150GS !

Little boy with new toy ?

you betcha !

Cheers

6X

 

[Deadskin]

zzzzzzzzzzz

Oi - I heard that - they're orright I'm telling you !

So whens the big day

 

[pint6x]

Re: zzzzzzzzzzz

So whens the big day

27 or 28 April when we get back from Easter hols.

I will keep the bulletin board fully informed with numerous dull postings and maybe even the odd photo.

6X

 

[Mick_rw]

Short arse

Hello Londonw1 and Guitarman,

Thanks for your comments, as to legs mine are 31", but in the end I settled for a R1150R, once I have some miles and experience under my belt I will then be looking again at the 1150GS,

Mick

 

[Den]

PLATFORM SOLES.