1200GS 2018 - Amateur Rider

[Boilerman]

Hi all, I want to tour and explore Europe so I have just passed my CBT, module 1 & 2 and waiting my full bike license to arrive. I have ordered a 1250GS based on the rider assisted modes that, on paper, look like they should keep me safe from doing anything stupid that my inexperience could get me into. Can any of you experienced riders confirm, or otherwise, that I have made the correct choice of motorcycle. Just to be clear, I will not be going off road, I just want to explore Europe on a motorcycle so hopefully I have chosen the best and safest motorcycle available - what do you think ?

 

[Robbi]

How old are you?

How big are you.?

 

[stever1]

I smell a wind up. No one would be that silly.

 

[Boilerman]

How old are you?

How big are you.?

60 years old.

 

[Boilerman]

60 years old.

5’ 8”

I smell a wind up. No one would be that silly.

No wind up, just a straight question, it looks like a very easy bike to ride on the road, the electronics will keep you safe, just road riding nothing silly.

 

[Robbi]

60 years old.

It's a cracking bike and will do all you need and much much more.

It's also very big and very very heavy to get used to.

 

[Boilerman]

It's a cracking bike and will do all you need and much much more.

It's also very big and very very heavy to get used to.

I definitely appreciate that it is heavy but surely that only becomes a problem if it becomes stationary when not expected, if you just do easy riding on good roads do you think I will be able to safely do my tour and of course gain experience on every ride.

 

[Robbi]

I definitely appreciate that it is heavy but surely that only becomes a problem if it becomes stationary when not expected, if you just do easy riding on good roads do you think I will be able to safely do my tour and of course gain experience on every ride.

Yes indeed.

Good on ya for going for it now, take it easy, enjoy it and stay safe.

 

[Loiq]

you've made a fine choice, so crack on... would recommend a trip down to Nice and Monaco.... the road up the cliffs from Monaco if nice also if you google where Grace Kelley crashed it'll give you a place to aim at.... Eze is just up the road you can get a great lunch there plenty of parking....

 

[Boilerman]

you've made a fine choice, so crack on... would recommend a trip down to Nice and Monaco.... the road up the cliffs from Monaco if nice also if you google where Grace Kelley crashed it'll give you a place to aim at.... Eze is just up the road you can get a great lunch there plenty of parking....

Many thanks Loiq.

 

[Boilerman]

Yes indeed.

Good on ya for going for it now, take it easy, enjoy it and stay safe.

Many thanks Robbi.

 

[littleade]

Good luck, have you had any insurance quotes yet?

 

[Boilerman]

Good luck, have you had any insurance quotes yet?

No, not yet, didn’t give it a great deal of thought, been driving 45 years without a claim, thought it would be relatively straightforward.

 

[littleade]

You may well be ok, but it's worth checking out before you get your 1250 as some insurance companies have a ceiling on value and others imcrease the premium substancially for new bikes and with no experience on a bike (and therefore no NCD) that may not help either.

Edit: probably worth checking you can get European cover too (I've not ridden on the continent for a long time so not sure what the situation is now, and if Brexit has effected this)

 

[Rushy]

I , and no doubt many others, would definitely have suggested you try something a little smaller and lighter first . Gain more experience of bike handling in particular low speed handling but also general riding and cornering before progressing to such a big , heavy , powerful bike. I started in the 80s and went 125 , 400 , 600, 750 (several ) 1000, 1600.

There are lots of other bikes that come with similar rider aids and despite being smaller they would still be comfortable and easily up for a euro tour. It sounds like you have made your decision though so best of luck with it and I hope you enjoy your new bike and your trip . Stay safe

Where in Cheshire are you I’m in between Nantwich and Crewe , happy to help if you need anything !

 

[Boilerman]

You may well be ok, but it's worth checking out before you get your 1250 as some insurance companies have a ceiling on value and others imcrease the premium substancially for new bikes and with no experience on a bike (and therefore no NCD) that may not help either.

Edit: probably worth checking you can get European cover too (I've not ridden on the continent for a long time so not sure what the situation is now, and if Brexit has effected this)

Many thanks, good food for thought.

 

[NeverRodeBefore]

I learned to ride on a 125cc which fed into doing a direct access course on a 500cc, but spread out over a few weeks. I purchased a 125cc to get some more practice on, and went to look at the F650GS Dakar, when I found an almost new R1200GS on an 06 plate. The most competitive quote for the insurance was via the BMW's own insurance scheme. It was a lot cheaper than anyone else for the first couple of years. I hadn't even got my license back from the DVLA when I test rode the GS and then collected it the following week.

It's a big, heavy bike, but it tends to carry the weight a little lower compared to some other big bikes thanks to the boxer engine. The height of the seat could mean that unexpected gradients at the side of the road could see you topple over. However, due to the boxer engine, it doesn't lie completely flat... Ask me how I know that

 

[Boilerman]

I , and no doubt many others, would definitely have suggested you try something a little smaller and lighter first . Gain more experience of bike handling in particular low speed handling but also general riding and cornering before progressing to such a big , heavy , powerful bike. I started in the 80s and went 125 , 400 , 600, 750 (several ) 1000, 1600.

There are lots of other bikes that come with similar rider aids and despite being smaller they would still be comfortable and easily up for a euro tour. It sounds like you have made your decision though so best of luck with it and I hope you enjoy your new bike and your trip . Stay safe

Where in Cheshire are you I’m in between Nantwich and Crewe , happy to help if you need anything !

You are probably right, just me being impatient, may have to replan and get some experience.

 

[Boilerman]

I learned to ride on a 125cc which fed into doing a direct access course on a 500cc, but spread out over a few weeks. I purchased a 125cc to get some more practice on, and went to look at the F650GS Dakar, when I found an almost new R1200GS on an 06 plate. The most competitive quote for the insurance was via the BMW's own insurance scheme. It was a lot cheaper than anyone else for the first couple of years. I hadn't even got my license back from the DVLA when I test rode the GS and then collected it the following week.

It's a big, heavy bike, but it tends to carry the weight a little lower compared to some other big bikes thanks to the boxer engine. The height of the seat could mean that unexpected gradients at the side of the road could see you topple over. However, due to the boxer engine, it doesn't lie completely flat... Ask me how I know that

Excellent, thanks for your reply and sharing your experience, more food for thought.

 

[Santa-2512]

I smell a wind up. No one would be that silly.

Why ?

Pre test - various 125's
Post test, R1200GS

You ride what you want , not what other people think you should ride