BigAlMacMac
Registered user
This is not really meant as a boast but really as a help for folk who might be in my position.
If you are thinking of a GS as a first bike then yes it is possible.
I crashed on my first bike ride aged 15 on a scrambler and broke my wrist. Got a car as soon as I could and have never thought once about getting a bike in the subsequent 25 years. Nasty dangerous things ridden by idots who don't understand statistics and have a death wish.
I have always been into travel and adventure (climbing and sailing mostly) so enjoyed the RTW video for the adventure, rather than cooing at Ewan and his bike, couldn't have even told you what it was.
So this summer my dad buys a bike, first time in 45 years, and I start thinking I wouldn't mind doing some touring with him.
To cut a short story even shorter. I did my CBT bought a CB500, which I might have taken out once or twice, did my Direct Access in 3 days and about 500 miles on the CB500.
3 weeks later after, masses of research and drooling I bought an immaculate 2004, 1200 GS, privately. The beemer garage wouldn't let me test ride since I didn't even have my licence a month. I was too scared of damaging the blokes bike that I asked him to take me out pillion.
So my first ride was as the new owner driving up the M74 in rain and gusty wind. Was I pooping my pants or what?
Bottom line for anyone as mad as me is that the bike is fantastic, OK so I have limited experience to compare with, but once you get over the size of the beast and get it moving it is soooo good.
Some early observations:-
The ABS brakes are awesome and for a newby, reasuring that the apply the front and back brakes in the right proportion. I have not had the ABS come on yet even though I have really tried the stopping power.
The heated grips are fantastic. I drove through some nice Scottish sleat the other day with no thoughts of cold fingers.
The indicators really take some getting used to. I still sometimes throttle harder than I want reaching for the cancel button.
I have not dropped it yet but am reassured by the originals owners anxiety driven fitting of engine protectors and cylinder protectors.
Cornering at such a height takes a bit of getting used to (I am still getting used to cornering in general I guess) but the masses of torque forgive dodgy gear selection.
The upright ridding position is fantastic. You are about the same height as a transit van driver.
With little more than a blast with the hose she comes up as good as new.
The size of the bike, especially with all panniers fitted gives a real road presence so I have ridden in the city centres of Edinburgh and Glasgow without anyone pulling out on me so far, unlike my first 10 mins on my day hire 125cc practice bike.
I love the concentration and focus bikeing in general brings. Pushes all thoughts out of your mind.
Ohh and I think I missed out the best bit. You just keep smiling and smiling and sneaking into the garage to have just another look at the beautiful ugly beast.
Hope this helps someone out there...
Cheers
Alan
If you are thinking of a GS as a first bike then yes it is possible.
I crashed on my first bike ride aged 15 on a scrambler and broke my wrist. Got a car as soon as I could and have never thought once about getting a bike in the subsequent 25 years. Nasty dangerous things ridden by idots who don't understand statistics and have a death wish.
I have always been into travel and adventure (climbing and sailing mostly) so enjoyed the RTW video for the adventure, rather than cooing at Ewan and his bike, couldn't have even told you what it was.
So this summer my dad buys a bike, first time in 45 years, and I start thinking I wouldn't mind doing some touring with him.
To cut a short story even shorter. I did my CBT bought a CB500, which I might have taken out once or twice, did my Direct Access in 3 days and about 500 miles on the CB500.
3 weeks later after, masses of research and drooling I bought an immaculate 2004, 1200 GS, privately. The beemer garage wouldn't let me test ride since I didn't even have my licence a month. I was too scared of damaging the blokes bike that I asked him to take me out pillion.
So my first ride was as the new owner driving up the M74 in rain and gusty wind. Was I pooping my pants or what?
Bottom line for anyone as mad as me is that the bike is fantastic, OK so I have limited experience to compare with, but once you get over the size of the beast and get it moving it is soooo good.
Some early observations:-
The ABS brakes are awesome and for a newby, reasuring that the apply the front and back brakes in the right proportion. I have not had the ABS come on yet even though I have really tried the stopping power.
The heated grips are fantastic. I drove through some nice Scottish sleat the other day with no thoughts of cold fingers.
The indicators really take some getting used to. I still sometimes throttle harder than I want reaching for the cancel button.
I have not dropped it yet but am reassured by the originals owners anxiety driven fitting of engine protectors and cylinder protectors.
Cornering at such a height takes a bit of getting used to (I am still getting used to cornering in general I guess) but the masses of torque forgive dodgy gear selection.
The upright ridding position is fantastic. You are about the same height as a transit van driver.
With little more than a blast with the hose she comes up as good as new.
The size of the bike, especially with all panniers fitted gives a real road presence so I have ridden in the city centres of Edinburgh and Glasgow without anyone pulling out on me so far, unlike my first 10 mins on my day hire 125cc practice bike.
I love the concentration and focus bikeing in general brings. Pushes all thoughts out of your mind.
Ohh and I think I missed out the best bit. You just keep smiling and smiling and sneaking into the garage to have just another look at the beautiful ugly beast.
Hope this helps someone out there...
Cheers
Alan
they are wonderful bikes 
they feel very steady & safe . . .mine has given me heaps more confidence in my riding (even my hubby said so).
