11XXGS for a first bike??

[Steve the Kiwi]

Would a BMW twin be too much for a first bike???

I want to use it for commuting to work, but also for (hopefully) regular weekend trips. I'd consider a smaller bike but after a few months of riding I'd like to get the girlfriend on the back for the trips.....
The other bikes i have on the list are a DL650, a TDM900. But both myself and my GF are over 6ft. So plenty of room would be good. If i can i don't want to go through the bother of selling and buying in 6 months time.

One guy told me recently " just take it easy on the throttle, and a GS will be fine" yes ????

I've only ever ridden on the farm a bit on two wheelers ( quads are a bit more practical on the farm) But nothing crazy.

Too much to chew or..... take it easy for a while and she'll be 'right?

 

[Packer]

Hello Steve

If you're a typical farmer used to fighting sheep and flinging straw/hay bales it should be fine. They are quite tall and when full of fuel weigh quarter of a tonne. Much of that weight however is carried quite low so as soon as you are rolling they are easy to balance.

The thing to remember is that the performance of any motorcycle without a rider is zero, it's your hand on the twist grip that makes it go. Smooth and gentle on the power and it will be completely docile.

Good luck, enjoy and welcome to the site.

 

[motobiker]

First bike??

No problem at all... however I would strongly recommend you have 'crash bars' fitted... its too easy for these bikes to fall over - it does take a little while to get used to all that weight - though the fact that you will be able to get both feet flat on the floor will help enormously.

just take it easy.

 

[Steve the Kiwi]

Thanks guys.

"If you're a typical farmer used to fighting sheep and flinging straw/hay bales it should be fine"

Nah.... I'm a tit man myself - Dairy farming But i know what you're getting at.

"however I would strongly recommend you have 'crash bars' fitted..."

Yeah good idea. I was looking at some Hepco bars.. they seam to be the flavour of choice around here. Maybe some Touratech hand protectors as well??? good for the wind too?

 

[motobiker]

Somebody else will be able to tell you about Hepco bars - on my previous 1100 I had bmw bars - and they were excellent. In the early days - the few times the bike went over it saved the bike from all damage - also the fact they were made from stainless steel meant that even though they got scratched - they didn't start to rust. Made for a little extra work when changing the oil though - but that was a small price to pay.

I dont have crash bars on my current bike - but thats mainly because I'm so used to its weight.. and moving it round.

Hand protectors do help with the wind chill and increase the effectiveness of the heated grips if you have them

 

[Bryn]

Thanks guys.

"If you're a typical farmer used to fighting sheep and flinging straw/hay bales it should be fine"

Nah.... I'm a tit man myself - Dairy farming But i know what you're getting at.

"however I would strongly recommend you have 'crash bars' fitted..."

Yeah good idea. I was looking at some Hepco bars.. they seam to be the flavour of choice around here. Maybe some Touratech hand protectors as well??? good for the wind too?

Hi Steve Welcome to the site... I'd agree that you'd be fine with a GS as a first bike .... a bit bulkier than some but the tractor like qualities will appeal to you

If you decide you like it here and become a Subscriber

You'll be able to buy extras for the new bike to your hearts content in the For Sale and Wanted section

Cheers Bryn

 

[Stevo]

Do it Steve, you wont regret it. Your over 6ft so you should have little problem.

Also great for pillion rides.

Also you can just hop on the ferry at the Hook - Harwich and enjoy the roads in the UK

Simple innit

 

[jimbo]

my 1150 was nearly my first bike. I have a 250 for 6 months about 12 years earlier, so it was nearly a first bike.
Other then dropping it a few times in the car park, until I got used to the weight. I had no problems.

Top Tip: remove Disc lock before riding off.

 

[Steve the Kiwi]

Stevo..

"Also you can just hop on the ferry at the Hook - Harwich and enjoy the roads in the UK"

Hhhmmm..... The Alps or Essex... Alps or Essex...... tough call the there mate
I lived in Scotland for two years so I'll be keen to get up into the highlands on a bike for sure at some point


Oh and Jimbo... nice tip about the Disk lock... weren't talking of personal experience eh? To be honest I've seen those bright yellow "idiot cord" coil things to attach to the lock and the clutch lever... I thought they'd be handy for a dopey bastard like me!

Many thanks for the feed back guys - though it's a bit like walking into a convent and asking if they think god exists! Maybe i should go ask the same question about the GS over at the Honda forum

 

[faantjie]

I had a Trans Alp 650 for my first bike and after only about a year of riding I bought an 1150 GSA. It was my second bike but looking back it would have been fine as a first bike as well.

As mentioned before, get some crash bars and take it easy. With in two weeks of ownership I managed to avoid a side on crash with Mrs faantjie on the back.Had I been on the Honda it would have been tickets for us both. From then on I was in love with the bike. It is very forgiving and will let you know when you are doing something wrong but 'will still elt you get away with it.

These boxters are full of caracter and they really are something special. Also the fact that there are so many aftermarket parts available to personallise your machine makes them grow on you even more.

Good luck and go for it

 

[mikepg]

Steve,

The 'bulk' and weight thing of the bike and how you might or might not fall off as a consequence is all in the mind. I'm 5'8" and and 11 stone and the gs' feel like riding a pushbike in comparison to big touring bikes.

So - just take one for a long test ride and you will soon know if it for you.

 

[(RIP) ugg]

crashbars come in wen ye low on fuel n wana lean the bike over to the right to get the exta few drops out, if ye tired n let the bike go over the bars wont let the bike go all the way to the floor , so ye have a good chance at up righting the beastie!

tit man ha,ha....nice one
ugg 1100 rider.