complete newbie baffoon! please help!!!

[davidscott]

thanks guys for all the advice I really really apreciate it. I tried using the bmw site for their insurance as well but there was an error on the site
but i will def do some advance training for my own peace of mind!
im gonna try and get some insurance quotes to see what i can expect!

 

[zico]

Dave, The fact you want one means you probably wont think anything else will match up to the GS. You have been given great advice by the other members about training etc. I assume that as its your only form of transport you wont be spending big bucks on making a Corsa sound like a harrier jet by putting on one of these huge exhausts. Do it while you can and enjoy every minute you can on your bike. My story is I played pro football when I left school and was not allowed to ride a motorbike. Needless to say once I stopped playing I was married and had a son. No money for a bike then!!! Eventually took the plunge 6 years ago and managed to scrape together the funds to go through bike test. Since then has a Suzuki GSX 750, VFR 800 (great bike) and a Pan european prior to purchasing the GS. I would have to say I thought that the GS would have been too big when I passed and thats why I took the route I did. As long as you build up your pace gradually you will be OK. I missed out on 20 years on bikes and cant get enough of my GS nowadays. Go for it but be SAFE. Bikesafe is good course and I can recommend it. The insurance should not be too much of an issue as cars for lads your age with no experience are extortionate as well. Also it may serve as an incentive to ride safely. Dont want to have claims and push the premiums up!!! Enjoy and welcome to biking.

 

[chad]

dude if you have the chance to get a 1200 then go for it and once on a GS stay on a GS i changed my GS for a varadero about 6mths ago and you wont believe how badly i want one back

btw they guys have given some top advice as always

 

[NeverRodeBefore]

I really fancied a KTM 950 before I got my license, but the insurance was over a grand! I went with the R1200GS as I could insure it TPFT (yes a risk I know, but...) for somewhere around £500. I now have my two years NCB, and I'm beginning to find that I can get fully comp cheaper than TPFT... with the same broker in some cases.

I originally was with the BMW scheme run by Devitt's.

ps I'm 34, which helps obviously, and with a fully clean car license since 1992.

 

[Thunder]

Welcome to the collective Dave.

Have been reading throught the thread and as always some good advice and thoughts, but it's just occurred to me that the subject of restricting whatever bike you go for to 33 bhp has not been mentioned.

I know the 650 GS and Dakar are simple to restrict to comply with the requirement, not sure about the 1200 GS but I'm sure somone will be able to clarify the situation.

Just wondering what effect such a restriction would have on the 1200 given it's additional weight compared to a 650?

BTW we have both in the garage and love them

 

[davidscott]

Yeah i Agree u guys hav given great advice wich i have taken on board.
na man i'm waiting a couple month till im 21 and goin for the full bunna licence!!!

 

[sani]

Hi I pass my test and i jumpt from 125 to r1150gs adv.,no regrets,is stell my babey.

 

[Johnny Dangerously]

just to add my experience. I passed my DAS in 2005, and have been commuting on a 250 maxi scoot with the wife ever since. I was really worried about jumping straight on to a GS sized bike as my first big bike, but its really quite a doddle to ride. After talking to other riders, I think the main advantage I have is being tall. I'm almost 6'2 and can get both feet flat on the floor in the high seat position. got to say though, I can U-turn the GS much easier than that scoot. Its a really well balanced bike, and the bars are just so wide that you can't really fail.

One thing I would say is that I personaly think within the first year of owning any bike, you are likely to have a 'comedy' drop. Not through being wreckless or anything, but more like low speed stuff or just pushing the bike. I dropped the scooter once because I was trying to lean forward to open a gate without getting off. Would have hated that to have been a big bike. But be careful with it, and it will be fine.

It's a powerful bike, but its really easy to toodle around on as well. As long as you are sensible you'll be fine. I do however ride like a bitch and 99% of my riding is two up so I very rarely wring its neck

 

[Mutley]

Once you've passed your test ....

Why not try one of the BMW courses that run in Wales. You can use their bikes and really get used to it whilst improving your skills and having an extended test ride. That way you'll know whether you can handle it and if you really want one. The instructors there are really good and patient with newbies

Link through the official BWM site

 

[PIGGLET]

I just want a machine I can trust not too fall apart on me

You'd be wanting the superior 1100 then