Am I mad?

Don't do it,your having a mid life! do the right thing and get a mistress not a big bad bike,you'll end up in hospital telling the world that your mum was right all along-motorbikes are dangerous
 
dsa to GSA...?

I did my DSA last summer. Had a license 18 yrs ago in Africa, but only rode 175 trails. Bought an older (2004) 1200GS last September and loved it. Just trading up for GSA...
 
DAS to GS

I took my DAS back in November last year after a gap of 30 odd years, I bought a Honda 500 to ride through the winter as much as possible and to get some miles under my belt.
2 weeks ago I went into our nearest dealership collecting some stuff for a mate and decided to sort out a test ride on a GS, had the ride and placed an order.
It was a bit daunting getting on a physically higher and slightly heavier bike than I was used to, but after a quick rundown of the switches etc, I took off.

One thing that made me think a bit was that on a GS as you turn the bars the screen and dials keep pointing inline with the bike (on my honda everything turns as you do), but with that out of the way, and a flick on the horn when I was hoping to indicate and a couple of stalls it all just came together.
I turned down a wrong road and U turned so easily, its great for manouvering in the street, I have a low seat but may swap it for a normal one - I'm 5'10".

So I'd say if you have ridden before and can negotiate the new test try a GS/A and be prepared to smile a lot, each day!
 
DAS and on.....

Fairly similar, but chickened out and brought a 650 first. Helped me build up my skills on the loose stuff - but my heart was always with the twins.
6 months later and following a weekend with BMW in Wales I was ready to graduate to a cracking 1150. She's obviously never read this forum and has given me almost a year and 15k miles of faithful service. (still even has the original battery)
Unfortunately dutiful service ain't everything in this life and my heart has now been won over by one of those new fandangledded factory lowered shiny ones. Feet on the ground and 30kg lighter ticked my boxes.


It'll be delivery on Tuesday......................................

There is no right or wrong so just go for it
 
Can't belive it someone as mad as me!! Did my cbt last weekend theory on Wednesday and training tommorrow with test Tuesday and Friday, wish me luck! but I have got this unbelievable calling for a 12, Im 5'8-9 and standard frame with std seat seems ok although balls of the feet joby, or left leg firmly down. My brother lives in the states with an1150, he did 4k around Alaska last year and said that it's better to have a little height so that when weighted down with kit there is still plently of give with suspension. not ridden properly for 20 yrs, nervous about buying such a big bike and not being able to handle it, but on the other hand donm't want to waste time and money on anything else. Good luck with the test.
 
And good luck with yours ! I did my CBT today in the pouring rain. I did question my sanity several times. First time back on a bike for 12 years wasn't as bad as I though it might be (though there was an embarrassing stall at one point). Of to Le Mans on on Tuesday and then Prague the following week. Then time to knuckle down for the tests in July.
 
I know I'm mad....

Just put a deposit down on a '58 R1200 GSA with all the toys. Have had to discipline myself not to pick it up until I pass the test !!!

Module 1 tomorrow and Module 2 on the 14th then collection of the beast on the 18th all being well.

Wife not happy but there we go...
 
HI mate, you'll love it. I'm 5'9 with a 30" inside leg and ride an 1150 GSA, no problems at all. I had a 1200 GSA but prefer the 1150, albeit a lot heavier!!

Good luck:thumb

Smudger.
 
A week and about 500 miles in and I love it !!!!

Mightily surprised at how agile it is on the go and have got the hang of the weight around town (the Sargent low seat was a good addition).

Keep finding all sorts of excuses to nip out (just done a 60 mile round trip to Nottingham to drop off a battery charger - empty roads in the dark with all the lights on, brilliant!)

Can't believe I waited this long to get a licence!
 
nice one Matlockscot, so glad you came back to this post to keep us up-to-date. Moreso that you have planted your butt on the machine you said you were going to get! As I said earlier in this thread (planning to do a few miles across europe this summer), my plan has come to fruition. 1-22 Aug I'll be covering almost 7000miles; panniers, GPS, mission, GO!

Nice one buddy, enjoy & keep in touch!

Troy.
 
Welcome to the club

Just picked up this thread, big congrats and welcome to the GS clan.
Will keep an eye out for you on the road - I am other GS Jock from nearby Ashbourne.
Enjoy it !!!!
cheers
Mac
:flag
 
Glad you're enjoying your new found freedom. I did my DAS a year ago and bought a bandit 600, good 1st bike but within 2 months I wanted something bigger, more comfy etc. Wanted a GSA but bought a Sprint ST as it was cheaper, 6 months later I realised I still wanted a GSA so part ex'd the Triumph and now have a 1200 GSA. So easy to ride I only wish I'd bought one 8 months ago. Like you I keep finding excuses to ride, Cheers James :thumb2
 
hell aye

Hello Matlochscot, I passed DSA in Feb, this year. 6 days later bought r1200gs. The fun i`m having is awesome. 6 nights in Scotland from 23/7/09, and I can`t wait.


You enjoy yourself.
 
Am I Mad

In 1979 I bought a Suzuki TS 185 and had it for 6 months before I joined the RAF. However travelling to Lincolnshire then South Wales then Nottinghamshire with all me kit was a little daunting so sold it.
In 2003 I really wanted a bike so got a Yamaha 1100 Virago(!) seemed right at the time. :nenau Then last year got a CBF 1000 which I rather like but it's not the bike I'm really looking for. Now a few weeks ago a mate of mine in work came in with a GS1150 and told me how he would not think of doing less than 300 miles on a run as the bike is so comfy and fun.
So I had a sit on the thing and though eh up this thing invokes a memory:)
So last week went to BMW Chester and had a test ride on a 2010 1200GS and this is the bike I have been looking for since my TS:blast
So my dilema is how do I persuade my missus that £12500 ( with Premium & Dynamic pack) is the way to go after forking out £7000 last June?
 
I've had a break from bikes for 20 years (last bike was Kawasaki GPX750R) Over the last couple of years I've had to endure a rev n go scooter as I'm doing the knowledge. It's re-ignited my biking urges and I quite like the idea of a big GS and do a bit of touring.
I too was wondering whether to increase CCs & power in stages, but all the posts on here have given me the confidence to buy one bike and grow with it.
I would like to thank all the contributors for their input, and sound advice.
Just one question. There seems to be a few people on the various forums that prefer the 1150 over the 1200. Is there a particular reason for this? if so, what is it?
Thanks again.
 
Just one question. There seems to be a few people on the various forums that prefer the 1150 over the 1200. Is there a particular reason for this? if so, what is it?
Thanks again.


Each have their merits.... I've had an 1100, 1150, two 1150 GSA's, a 1200 and now a 1200 SE :)

Try a few and see which suits you :thumb
 
. . Should I be building up to it?

Would welcome your views....

Get stuck in. If I had a candle I'd light BOTH ENDS. I reach early retirement age on Saturday. I know a guy who is ill with Big C and if I ever end up on my sick bed I want the list of things "I Wish I'd Said Or Done" to be VERY SHORT. JFDI.

It don't say CARPE DIEM down there for nothing!! :thumb2

(Robin Williams - Dead Poet's Society)
 


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