Advice for a beginner: is it too early for a GS1200?

[Paulhauser]

Hi All,

This is my first post here, so before I ask my questions, here is a bit of my background.
I’m 33, live in Hungary, with kids, family. I was never interested in motorcycling and have never ridden one except once when I was 14. But t was always a thing which I wanted to try as I had this idea that this I would like it. I’ve always been an outdoor person, I did a lot of mountaineering/ rock climbing, every year I go to a 100-200km wilderness trek, I fly paragliders and when a bit younger I did quite a few long distance moths long bicycle trips around the world.
I happen to play bass guitar and quite like the band Rush, whose drummer, Neil Peart is an avid rider. A couple of years ago I read one of his books, called Travelling music, which was followed later by Ghost rider and Roadshow, his other books. If you don’t know, he writes a lot of motorcycling (in fact this activity is the backbone most of his stories in the books) and he rides BWS GS’s. When reading Travelling music it really struck me how similar his motorcycle traveling experinecses were to mine with bicycle touring (not a surprise as he has a background in distance cycling). Granted, the two are very different activities, but are also similar in many ways, especially the way you become part of the scenery as opposed to wantch it from a metal box (=car) So I liked his stories and became interested in maybe one day trying motorcycling. For some years it was just a dream and even if I never was interested in motorcycles as objects, the only bikes I could spot and recognize on the roads were BMW GS1200’s
Last summer I took the course and was handed the licnece in September. I got it Wednesday, on Saturday I was off to a 1500 km trip, alone, to the Dolomites, Italy. There was a paragliding camp there and I figured I could as well as travel by bike. My brother in law is Honda mechanic so he arranged a rented 2010 model year Transalp for me. They thought I was crazy to go alone without experience, but I thought it would serve as a great learning curve and if I take it seriously I would not get in trouble. Both were correct, I took the smallest paved roads in the Dolomites, I had reached nearly 20 high passes ont he way and back and I have learned tremendous amount about the handling of the bike and about motorcycling in general. I had no problems, had not even had close calls, though I really take my time and concentration.
After I got back I bought the Transalp as I got a very good price (almost brand new ) and put another 6000 km in it, mostly commuting and smaller daytrips int he good autumn weather, but also including a 3 days, 1800 km trip to Romania, once again alone, w/o any problems (was being extremely careful again)
I know it is not the usual way I took this, some would say I’m reckless, but given my past with high risk activities I have learnt very early to be very careful, calculating every aspect of a given task then executing accordingly.
I know now I’m hooked big time and I know I want a GS. I always wanted. The reason I bougth the Transalp was that I wanted a reliable, no frills, not expensive bike which would be relatively easy to sell if I decide motorcycling is not for me, or if I want to upgrade. The price was very good, the km still low, and having a close relative who knows everything about Honda motors can not hurt either. I also knew sports bikes, cruiser bikes etc. are not really for me. I want a do-almost-all bike which is comfortable, can take me anywhere and can have loooong distances with it.

For the future I plan to make most of my commuting with bike, take wife sometime int he future with me, also there are 3-4 long trips lined up in Europe. These are business tripes I have to take anyway, but could use the bike instead of a car without problem. Also there is the one long trip to Nordkapp, Norway this June I plan to thak (would travel to Norway anyway,)

So, I know I want a GS but should a bit reassure myself I really NEED it
At the moment I see I have around 4 options and here is where I’d like to ask your advices.

- Keep the Transalp, use for one more season and have a decision then. I have no problem with the Transalp, I just do not feel much about it, buti t is also a good bike for what I need.
- Buy a new 2010 GS1200. In Hungary the BMW GS’s are rare, not many dealers carry them, but I can have one for around 15500 Euro. Can probably afford it but could use the money for else as well.
- Buy a used GS1200. The market here is not big, but they keep pooping up, and I have around 20 offers. For ex. could have a 2008/07 one with a lot of goodies with 50k km in it for around 10000 Euro, or a 2006/6 with 32k km for around 7800 Euro or a 2005/6 with 18k km in it for 8000 Euro. And some in between, down to models form late 2004 for around 6000 Euro. I know nothing about their conditions etc, Also would prefer to buy in Hungary, not abroad, even if the local prices are higher than those on bigger markets (have to pay registration tax upon importing a used vehicle, even from the EU)
- Buy a used 1150. I have found some, one especially nice with 30k km in it for around 6000 Euro , but the are in the same price category as the 2004-05 GS’s. Those cheaper have long km’s in them.

Please let me know if I’m on the right track regarding the option I have and please let me know youd advice what would be the wisest thing to do. I’m here to clarify anything further as I value your comments. I hope I was clear ( if a bit too long)

Also sorry for my english, this is a second language for me.

Thanks,

Pal Purnhauser

 

[TONY G]

well you defo get first prize for your intro
welcome along ,
some one will give you a detailed answer,

 

[Giles]

Hi Paul and welcome.


I'm guessing you'll get lots of different advice from all of us!

Here's my angle of attack.

It sounds like you've really got to grips with biking, have been on a decent long trip on the transalp and you're confident and capable. That's good !

But (!), You passed your test about 6 months ago....

I can't describe what good bike riding is all about! Being at one with your machine? Ummm, thats a real cliche. Being a good bike rider is more than negotiating and surviving. Its ... being fluent, being instinctive, doing things naturally, your bike becomes an extention of you, you ride with natural skill and flair, ... Sigh, I can't explain it!

To get that instinctive fluency, you have to do an apprenticeship to biking, and you won't learn to play like jimmi handrix by jumping on a brand new GS1200!

Now, I know, that many people will poo poo this, and say 'Pah .. that's bollox, get what you like and enjoy it'. And, to a certain extent, they're right. If your heart is set on a GS, go get one.

But if you want to be really good on a bike, it pays (in huge dividends) to work up to a big bike. You'll struggle to learn that flick flack ease of throwing a bike about, if you don't learn it on something smaller first.

You mention cycling. I got into cycling about 6 /7 years ago. (mountain biking). I bought a full suss Marin Mountvision. A brilliant go anywhere mountain bike. Can I get the best out of it? No way. I go on extreme (ish) biking trips with a few mates, and even though i'm as fit, if not fitter, they leave me behind because their skills are so much better. What I should have done, was to get a hard tail first, and learn how to bunnyhop, manual, jump etc etc. If I'd have done that first, done that apprenticeship, it would have made me a better rider in the long run on the full suss bike.

Can you see where I'm coming from? In the world of motoGP, riders started on 125's, they moved up to 250's and eventually the big moto gp bikes. Ok, an extreme analagy, but you get my jist.

Get what you like, enjoy it and i genuinely wish you all the best in your new found love affair of bike riding!

As long as you understand, that if you want to be really good at it, It will pay you, to start off smaller (than a GS), and what ever you get, you thrash it, get bored with it, experiment with it, learn how to pull it down into a corner, push it down, weight it, hang off it, push it under you, ride it side saddle, wheelie it, etc etc etc and then move up!

Sorry! probably not what you want to hear, but even though i say it myself, it's good advice!!

 

[AdamA]

Just buy it.
You only have one life.

Part of what makes a 1200GS great is its such a piss easy bike to ride.
There are loads of "smaller" bikes out there that are way less friendly for a new rider.
Just cos it has a 1200 engine doesn't make it a snarling beast. It's a pussycat.
Certainly WAY more user friendly than a 600 sports bike that most new riders in the UK move onto as there first/second big bike, and no harder to get to grips with than the usual SV/ER650 newbie suggestions.

And get the secondhand one. New is just not worth it, especially if the money could be well used elsewhere...

 

[seadog]

buy one, i have been riding less than a year, started on a tranny 650 and got my 1200 gs christmas eve
fantastic bike to ride, and very easy to throw around. i have found it just as easy to ride as the honda, even around town, and then its got the extra grunt if you need it.

have fun
mike

 

[NLC]

Bought mine in Sept this year and had a 250GTS Vespa and in many ways my 1200 is easier to drive more agile and more safe with ABS and traction control. Plus everyone gets out my way now. I would say the only thing I'd change is the lights and add aux as I feel people see you better. Once you have the bike try to take an advanced course to further your skills. Good luck.

 

[sidestand]

Go for it ! - They're much easier to ride than a lot of smaller bikes

and with about 2 million potholes predicted this year in the UK after the winter, - Hungary must be similar- they're probably the safest bike to be on.

 

[Giles]

Heh heh, I'm loosing 5 - 1!

I'm 45. If I coud go back in time to say may be 25 / 30 years old, have another go at 15 years of life but I'm allowed to keep what I've learned so far, in terms of biking, I'd do a few things differently.

So for example, I now regret not getting on a dirt bike earlier. I've been off roading for the last three or four years or so, love it to bits, but in particular, I recognise how good it is for my road riding. I'm competant enough off road, but I'll never set the world alight. But I wish I could!!

If I went back in time, became Paul, had got enough money to buy a new GS, I reckon instead i'd get something like a cheapish Bandit for two up distance stuff and spend the rest on an off roader and some decent off road kit. I'd spread my biking experiences and learning curve mare laterally. (And then be an off road riding God at 45 )

Whilst I wouldn't say the GS is a difficult bike to ride, I wouldn't class it as an easy bike. Jeez, you want to get on a Fazer 1000, 900 Hornet, Z750, they are p1ss easy to ride. Look point and go.

Paul, I say what I say 'cos i'm a bike fanatic and have been working in the industry in one shape or another since I was about 23. I genuinely want to see you experience as much as you can on two wheels and get the most out of it.

 

[RichyEstonia]

Go for it .....

I hadn't riden for some 15+ years, bought a new R1200GS and great bike, easy to ride, comfortable and goes anywhere !!

 

[Paulhauser]

Hey, thanks for all for the answers. They are very encouraging and also feels good that you are such welcoming with a newbie.

Giles, I think I know where you are coming from and I definitely give thoughts to what you have said. I will consider everything that can give me valuable experience and makes me better rider. I will also enroll to advanced courses, offroad included.
Strange as this may sound though, so far I have no urge to try other styles of riding (dirt, track etc.) As I think about my experiences so far, I really am drawn to the travel aspect of motorcycling, as in reaching point B from point A in the most enjoyable and satisfying way. I can not longer allow myself to go off for 2 moths long bicycle trips to remote corners of the world, but motorcycling gets some of this adventurous feeling back to my life. (not that I don't have any, but the more the better)

 

[Giles]

Then you're getting the right bike. Consider as well, things like the F800 or other lighter versatile bikes that will travel on unpaved stuff ..


http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=139888

 

[Paulhauser]

Most of the used GS 1200's here are from 04' or 05'. I have found a few under 30K km with acceptable prices. Anything to watch out on models from these years?

Thanks,

Paul

 

[Frodo]

Hi Paul,

It sounds like your heart is set on a GS & bike travel, & I'd say go for it now as it sounds like you won't be happy until you have one. The GS is a pretty easy bike to ride & get used to so if you've done a bit on the Transalp round the Dolomites you should enjoy the GS. If you were after a Blade or a Gixxer I'd warn against jumping on one of those at the moment, but the GS is pretty forgiving.

One thing I'd recommend though, is to ride with a couple of experienced riders. You can learn a lot from them & ask them for feedback on your own riding style. You can get the same from an instructor, which would be useful, but this will only be for a couple of days whereas if you go on a trip you might be riding with others for weeks at a time.

Did I say the GS is an easy bike to ride?? well yes, ...but to ride it well & also safely takes that bit more & will come with time if you watch / follow others & get some feedback from them when they are watching you. Be receptive to their suggestions.

Hope you get to the UK sometime !

Cheers, Jim.

 

[Rasher]

Sounds like your not an idiot, unlikely to do anything stupid and fancy a GS, so why not.

The GS is certainly easier to ride than most sportsbikes and less powerfull than most modern 600's and nobody complains when someone who has passed their test buys one of them.

Giles makes some valid points, but I guess your not really too bothered about running up front with Rossi and Lorenzo in the future.

Get what YOU want, ride it within YOUR limits and learn at YOUR own pace

I started on small bikes and moved up (and down) for 25 years 50-80-250-750-500-900-1100-400-1000-750-900-600-900-1400-GS....

And I am still pretty crap at riding a bike, but still in one piece and enjoying every ride.

 

[Jed]

Don't know if this helps but I passed my bike test (DAS) in November and bought a brand new GS12 on the way home from the test centre - it wasnt my intention but saw it and had to have it
I'm 41, a bit vertically restricted (5-7 or 172cm in your lingo) and have never ridden a bike - no not even a moped before I did my training.

Am using the bike to do a 70mile commute and love it.

A couple of things i have done is 2 extra days training with the people i did my test with - i will do more. For the first month or so I spent early Sunday mornings in the supermarket car park practicing slow control, turning, emergency stops etc.

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

You want a GS, so buy one.

If thinking 2nd hand don't be put off with mileage, a 20,000km GS is just run in. Save the money and buy used, you'll be buying luggage and other bits, so the money saved will go towards them. Don't be put off an 1150 because it's not the latest thing, a good one will be better than a bad 1200

And don't apologise for your English, it's better than many English native speakers.

 

[Wrinkly]

I've got to agree with everything Giles has said.
It is possible to go straight to a 1200gs and be a safe and competent rider, and if your happy to be this then go and get yourself a gs and enjoy.
However,if you want to become a rider that feels what's happening,and much of your riding is on instinct then as Giles says do your apprenticeship.
If I were in your position I'd be looking at an 800gs.
Whichever you choose to do biking is just one of those things,once it's in your blood it's there.
One more thing,don't feel as though you need to rush and remember so long as your physically capable you can ride a bike well into your advancing years.
Enjoy.

Steve

 

[AdamA]

if you want to become a rider that feels what's happening,and much of your riding is on instinct then as Giles says do your apprenticeship.

Can't you feel what happens or have good instincts if you go straight onto a "big" bike then?
My riding must suck then.

If I were in your position I'd be looking at an 800gs.

If anything the long travel conventional suspension on the 800 makes it harder to ride than the 1200. You can anchor on in the wrong place on a 1200 and the telelever gets you out of trouble. Do the same on the 800 and it will be all down to skill and luck...

One 100bhp, 130mph, 229kilo, 850mm seat height adventure bike makes pretty much the same sized hole in the hedge as the next 90bhp, 130mph, 207kilo, 870mm seat height adventure bike....

 

[Giles]

Re the 800cc bit, to be honest, my thought process was not so much that Paul is a new rider and should scale down, it was more the adventure side of stuff and going out there and getting lost.
Paul hinted at the fact that he wanted an adventure. I'm sure Hungary has more than its fair share of unpaved but bike friendly stuff. That was my mind set!

Paul I'm picturing you on a bit of dusty double track, high in the hills, tent and stove on the back, living yer dream ...

 

[Gipsy]

Hi. I wouldn't worry about whether you are buying one too early in your biking career. However I wonder whether you would be able to arrange a test ride before you buy. I don't know how many dealers there are in Hungary, but the dealership in Budapest had several on display when I popped in there a few years ago. Also thinking of ownership, unless you plan to service the bike yourself, the question of dealer support and accessibility is worth considering.