Advice - should I buy a GS ?

[DavidHolmes]

Just a thought

Reading this thread it has occurred to me that several members of this group (including some with extensive riding experience) have managed to part company with their GS's at relatively slow speeds, and sustain injuries.

In this months BIKE magazine, Ben Miller reports dumping his GS at around 30mph on a corner.

In the first year I rode (a Yam RS100) I clearly remember losing both the front and rear ends, something that could be saved with a dab. You could also lock both ends on the brakes, and survive.
I moved on to a Kawa Z200, again, a bike that weighed nothing but taught me masses (due to skinny tyres, crap suspension and brakes that needed a written invitation to work - and written in triplicate in the wet). A CX 500 followed (oversized KINGS tyres taught me the dangers of overbanding in the wet) and of trying to ride in Milton Keynes on ice (too many speed humps).

Anyway, the point being, I think it is unlikely you will not make some kind of mistake, or get caught out in someway during your first year or two on a bike, and an 1150 GS is one hell of a lump of metal once it starts to get away from you. The same applies to every other bike you list.

I have done 20k on my GS this year, and I love it, but I also ride a Yamaha DT125 (French import and de-resticted). And I have a laugh on that as well. OK I cant go touring on it (although I ran into an English CG125 touring Norway last month), it is rubbish two up etc, but it is still a motorbike. And commuting through London is every bit as good as the GS.

If you do decide to go for something a little lighter, then in addition to AndyT 's suggestions I might add the Suzuki DR-Z 400.

 

[(RIP) Yosi]

My humble opinion

There are several members for whom the eleven or eleven fifty is their first bike. None of them seems to find it particulary hard. One or two, whom I happens to know very well, have done some serious mileage just out of the dealership. So I wouldn't worry too much.
Regarding Mr. Millichamp and his Tiger, best luck and well done, mate. Except when it come down to the service after only 3000 miles at Triumph prices. Not to mention spares cost.
Sadly no Motorworks or Motorbins for Triumph.Otherwise, a brilliant bike.
If the 1150 you tried was vibrating, most probably wasn't balanced properly. When I bought mine, was appaling. Balanced myself properly and now feel like a four cylinders.

 

[BBB61]

Yosi,

You'll find the Triumph service intervals are every 6000 miles now. As for expensive Triumph servicing, there are one or two BMW dealers out there who charge the earth, a fact I'm sure can be verified by other members of the club.

Bob Southgate

 

[notadrop]

to GS or not to GSI

I am selfish....I know its the best bike I've ever owned [ bought the 11 traded to the 1150]....but I don't want you to know how good it is. Please buy something else as this really wont suit you!
[ Mr sad ******* thinking I could be exclusive!]
Seriously...give it a whirl...if you like it, do it..if you dont we will still respect you for being on 2 wheels! Just let us know what YOU think of it!!!

 

[Tobers]

What to buy

My advice is to start small and work your way up. That way, you'll:

1) know more about riding when you get a GS in a couple of years time
2) appreciate the abilities of the GS more
3) be less likely to be dead - the GS a very quick bike

Of course, I dont have a GS (yet), but there's no way I'd have bought one as a first bike. It would have been wasted on me.

I'd go for something smaller - the F650GS looks like fun and is in the same mould.

 

[DeeJaye]

Picked up my new GS yesterday after 3 years without a bike. Not the weather I had hoped for, I crashed my last bike in the wet, but eventually started relaxing and enjoying myself. Despite being told to keep the bike under 3000rpm for 200 miles! I really am learning the Jedi arts, patience, restraint, discipline.

The next skill to learn is levitation, usefull for manouvering the GS around the garage and drive. It really is a heavy lump. On the move, however, it is well planted and stable.

I am 6'4'' and 13.5 stones and yes, it is still a reach.

I rode the VFR800 v-tec and for our size I don't think it is practical for long distances. Heavy on the wrists and loads of wind blast.

Like many I have had a few bikes, gradually getting bigger and faster. The GS is not a very fast bike, there I said it. Ride the VFR after the GS and you will see what I mean.

Tough decision...... test ride as many as you can. Find out what the local dealers are like. The GS can be a big, daunting lump but it is a fantastic bike and, for the record, I simply love the looks.

Yoda

 

[Chris That Fat Twat]

Hi Rhys,

I actually put the deposit down on my 1150GS last July before I'd even had any lessons. Did the week long course, passed the test in the morning and picked up the beast that afternoon.
Yes it is a big jump up from the 500's the schools use but I've found it very "new rider friendly" with brilliant handling and deceptive agility.

Chris

 

[Lord Snooty]

For what it's worth..

....here's my fourpennorth.

I only passed my test 3/4 years ago and none of my bikes have been below 900cc.

1st. Yamaha 1100 Virago - I know, I know...save your sniggers, I just didn't know better then! Anyway I dumped that on a bend and totalled it in less than 12 months, lucky to get away with a broken collar bone and torn ankle ligaments.

2nd. Yamaha 900 Diversion - at least this one did want to get round bends. Toured Europe on it, 8 countries, 3500 miles in two weeks and had a great time. Very competent bike but too uninvolving, no character but quick (compare to the Virago!). Kept this one upright!

3rd. 1150GS - owned it 17mths and have done over 20k on it....the only time its been on the deck was a 0mph overbalance with full luggage and a pillion, no damage but a red face! Simply the best bike I have ridden. I feel totally in control, I can even bring it to a standstill at a junction/island and not put my foot down (for a few secs anyway) perfect balance and low C of G.

At the end of the day what really counts is how much control you have over your right wrist and your attitude to your personal survival and other road users. After all, you could go for an R1 and still ride it slowly and safely, or a 500cc commuter and ride it like a maniac! If you like the GS after a test ride then go for it...buying something smaller that is your second choice will not work, you will be frustrated with it and only end up getting rid of it in a very short while with the inevitable cash loss. Get the GS and then get with your local GS group for ride outs and to learn from other more experienced riders.

 

[guitarman]

Well Rhys and clord the decision has not exactly been made easier by these replies !

For my money I reckon the GS is a lot bigger than I would have liked as a 1st bike after passing my test but there are plenty of people here who obviously don't agree. I think the real option is get a test ride and then make a decison. The problem you may have is that if the dealer finds out you've only just passed your test he might not be so keen on loaning out his bike !

Best of luck with whatever you decide on.

Safe riding.

 

[clord]

This thread has been very informative.
Told both dealers I had just passed my test, both had no problems with that.
Don't really want to start with a smaller bike, if I'm going to get a bike, I'm going to get one I really want.
I am a cautious rider, and will not be going anywhere near the limits of any bike I may buy.
Thanks to all who contibuted, test ride tomorrow as long as it stops raining hard.
If anybody is held up in Southport tomorrow morning by an 1150 GS Adventure doing 28 mph, give me a wave.

regards
Chris

 

[Howard Millichap]

Good luck

Have a good ride and I mean good. Ride it for at least an hour on a variety of roads.
Hope you like it, then you can join the club officially. It's a good active club with some great people. We don't always agree with each other though!

 

[guitarman]

Hi clord,

Hope the test ride goes (went) well and that it helped to make your mind up.

Stay cool man

 

[clord]

The Test Ride.

1150 GS Adventure. With low first gear and knobbly tyres
The bike is very big, tall and heavy.
Don't envy any sub 6ft'ers who ride this bike. It's like riding a horse you are so high up. Superb view, can see everything. I understand how even experienced riders have had 0mph incidents (over-balancing at the point of stopping).
Once you are moving it's fine, and I found it very comfortable.
Was a bit concerned about the tyres especially as it was absolutley pouring down. Dealer told me not to worry, but I did.
Got thoroughly drenched. Had a bikers jacket on, but only jeans down below. When I finished, it looked as though I had waded through a pond up to my waist. However, even me (a novice) was able to keep up with the prevailing traffic in that weather. Must say something about the bike.
It handles fine, has loads of torque, but is not 'frighteningly' fast, however I did not go exploring the 5,6,7000 rpm range.
I drove it the same way as the training bikes, and it performed in the same way.
Got it to 70mph down a straight dual carriageway (in the pouring rain), no problems, was stable, felt ok. Also went through busy town centre, and down winding country lanes.
No doubt I would have been impressed with any modern bike, but this felt good, and is the type of bike I want.
Must be tall enough for me at 6'3" (Certainly is). Comfortable. Loads of torque. Not interested in 100+bhp. Quality build. Holds value. Should last a long time. Good handling, gives confidence. Forgiving (not 100% sure what this actually is but I want it!)

Now in the market for nearly new or possibly new.
This dealer did not have and second hand bikes, and new bikes are list price only, no discount. They are selling all they get.
Told me factory shuts down in August, and his September ones are sold. He has two allocated to him in October, and they will have the new linked brakes. Some new colors coming too.

Shame about the weather, it did prevent me from finding out more, and i could only manage an hour before it becamce a drag. However I am becoming a wet weather specialist. It's always raining when I am on a bike. I took my test in weather similar to yesterdays.

Rhys, you started this thread, have you had a test ride? If not go for it.

Regards

Chris

 

[Simon Eassom]

Rhys and Clord:
I think that several comments in earlier replies make the issue clear, or rather the fact that there are two issues: (1) would you as a newcomer to biking be able to handle and appreciate an 1150GS?; and (2) would this be a sensible purchase for a newly qualified direct access graduate?
I am of the school of riders who believes that everybody has within them an average of three crashes in their biking life. Some people get away with none either because they're very very good or sensible, or because they ride so far within their capabilities that they don't really risk crashing.
I am also of the school that believes it's better to have your crashes earlier in your biking career (they tend to be at slower speeds and perhaps less dangerous) because they have a greater impact psychologically on your riding.
I paid for and encouraged my girlfriend through a DA course. She passed first time. I bought her an old and very cheap Suzuki GSX600F. She rode it beautifully, getting more and more condident, faster and faster. She crashed. Totalled the bike in the most spectacular fashion I've ever witnessed (the video would have sold in 000s) but fortunately was only slightly hurt.
I replaced the Suzuki with my Honda VFR400NC30. She rode it daily, commuted weekly from Bedford to Reading. On December 23rd last year she low-sided it on a completely dry and empty roundabout at little more than walking speed (she now fully understands about race tyre rubber and cold temperatures).
My point is that you will have an accident (however minor) in the first two or three years. It might just be a dropped bike at standstill. It might be caused by slightly over-excited cornering just when you think you've got this biking thing sussed.
I've now bought my girlfriend an F650GS and she rides it like a Goddess. I'm far more confident of her riding skills and experience. She's far more aware of the potential hazards. Whatever decision you make you must ask yourself the following questions: (a) am I prepared for an accident on this bike? (b) can I afford to have an accident on this bike (problems with future insurance, loss of assets, etc)?
I would love to say, yeh go for it, get an 1150GS. It's a great bike. But, hand on heart, I would say ride for at least 3,000 to 5,000 miles on any old hacks you can afford to insure 3rd party and write off without an insurance claim if you crash. And Clord, if you found a test drive on the 1150 "frighteningly fast" then I would strongly advise you to start with something like the F650GS. Do not feel that this is a compromise. The 650 is a bloody good bike and in many situations and environments it is a lot better and more fun than its bigger brother.
Then, like waiting for your presents at Christmas, your first 1150GS will be so much better when you finally make the jump. I hope you're not disappointed by this response. I feel like a parent telling a child "I've only your best interests at heart". I will make this confession: I dropped or crashed my first three bikes in the first two years of my motorbiking career (and I still manage to do it on the odd occasion).
Simon E.

 

[Andy Deighton]

Sex change...

Simon
can I be your girlfriend for a little while please.

I'd like a new Adventure please, with ally cases.

Thanks darling.

The amorous for a reason Nose.

 

[JTalbut]

Tigers

I did a direct comparisson between the Tiger and the GS before buying the GS.
I prefer the looks of the latest Tiger (with the exception of the bloody silly stripes), but apart from that I prefer the GS on every level.

The most deciding factor for me was that whenever I did anything on the Tiger it felt as though it was about to fall over (in all four directions).
You accelerate and the front suspension lifts, you brake and the nose dives, you turn a corner and it feels as though you are getting your knee down (and that's a long way down).
I found that the GS felt far more stable in normal riding.
I can still get the nose to lift and sink on hard acceleration and braking, but it doesn't feel like a seesaw.
And the fact that it leans a hell of a long way without (to my mind) feeling like it is a big benefit for relative novices (this is my most powerful bike thus far after being on a very dodgy GT550 for a couple of years).

J.T.

 

[Simon Eassom]

The Triumph Tiger, IMHO, is probably the best of the other maunfacturer's big traillie offerings. Stonking engine, handles really well, comfortable, and nowhere near as thirsty as the Varadero and the Aprilia. But, compared to the original Tiger I had 10 or more years ago, the build quality has gone downhill and the front forks dive too much. Aaannnndddddd . . . it's got a chain. Yuk!

 

[Malky]

Go for it

I think that several comments in earlier replies make the issue clear, or rather the fact that there are two issues: (1) would you as a newcomer to biking be able to handle and appreciate an 1150GS?; and (2) would this be a sensible purchase for a newly qualified direct access graduate?

Ah. Just buy the bike. I passed my Direct Access a year past May ie 18 months ago. I then got on every bike they would let me test ride. I had a great 3-4 months. One day I got on a GS. My instructor told me to do it from day 1. Someting to do with "you are a big guy", "you haven't dropped a bike", "You once picked the bike up (a CB500) when it was half way down" (not strength just sheer fear).
So 3 days later I found the GS I wanted. First day did 300 miles second did 300 miles. Covered 13k in 1 year. Made myself take the bike everywhere to ensure I did not get rusty. Did IAM going to do ROSPA. Then at six months in Dropped it twice in the space of 2 weeks, oh hell. Both times I left the disk lock on with no reminder string thingy (what a tw4t). Landed at 0mph on the guards, no marks, who cares.
Glad I bought it. Not had a crash yet.
So why have I written all this ? Well I have met a few folks who have got the GS as a first bike and if you think you can handle it and you see something in the above you recognise then you have your answer.
Simon does have a point as the first few thousand miles are probably when you are least aware. My advice is do some advanced stuff from Day1 and just go for it.

No doubt I have no reference to compare with on other bikes (well very limited anyway) but who cares the GS is great the other stuff just bugged me.

 

[THE PICT]

I came up through the ranks in biking.I started off small and cheap and worked my way up to big and until recently still cheap.
I would ride every machine till I could ride it to the Max before I upgraded.Ive worked as a despatcher and a riding instructor and done a fair old milage.Im a damn good rider even if I do say so myself but if Id got a big machine at the start I wouldnt have learned what I have.Ive seen so many people pass their DAS ond go out and get an R6 or similar.3 years later their still wobbling round corners.
Remember learn to walk before you can run.
Im not saying dont get the GS coz its the best bike in the world but just think about it.
If you get it then my advice would be ride it all the time and join the local IAM or similar group.
ENJOY

 

[MJR]

I am about to trade up from an AT to a GS but i am unsure which to get . I can get a new GS for £6500 or a new ADV for £7200 . The local dealer has an all black ADV in stock but it has only heated grips on it.Iam very tempted but would i be better to order one with abs, overland kit etc on it. Thanks a lot