Complete noob

[RE8ELD0G]

Hey all.
Just wanted to say hi.
I Have never really been interested in Motorcycles, even in my youth i only ever had a quick go on a 80cc auto pit bike.
However i have recently watched Ewan McGregors 2 series on Netflix and it spurred an interest.

I have been an avid hammock camper for years and love being outdoors, but with being out of work and running a big 4x4 i dont get out near as much or as far as i would like.
Suddenly realizing i could go much further for a third of the price on a bike and also get some mud time off road too, i have decided to start saving and do my bike licence.
I have also taken a liking to the BWM F800gs, as im a bit of a short arse this seems like a bit more manageable for a noob than a big heavy 1200.

I am really looking forward to getting myself on a bike and learning to ride.
Just hope my Mrs will agree.........lol

 

[LittleJohn]

Don't be put off trying a 1200GS.

That's what I thought and I tried a couple of the smaller models. I also tried a 1200 at the same time and preferred it to the others.

Good luck with whatever you choose

 

[snappo]

In standard trim the 800 is actually slightly taller than the 12 - you might be surprised, sit on and test ride them both.

My 800 (bought used) already had a lowering kit on it, but I also rode a standard one and I found it a tad tall, I couldn't quite get both feet down flat if the camber was a little steep - found myself being very careful when I was pulling up to a stop.

By the way, I'm definitely not trying to put you off the F800 - they're fookin brilliant, and I absolutely love mine!

Welcome to the Forum!

 

[Flipfly]

Why not buy a 650 Sertao or the older Dakar. Supremely reliable, 70 mpg, cruise at 75-80, crash well off road (damhik).
Everything an adventure bike should be in a cheap and cheerful package.

 

[Deleted account 200123001]

What he says above....picking up 1/4 tonne of plastic and metal on your own is hard work. The heads are no help when they are in a wheel rut and the bike is completely flat side down. If you see yourself doing lots of off road smaller is better.

 

[RE8ELD0G]

Thanks for the info on the other bikes.
I have only seen them on the telly and not in the flesh yet, just assumed the smaller bike would be......well err....smaller???

What and where would i start to look for a Dakar.....

The older the better, and cheaper is awesome.
I also like to tinker (trained mechanic) so a fixer upper is defo a good one for me.

It will be a while before i can pay to do my licence, never mind save for one of these bikes so a £200 fixer now would be good for my motivation and provide the Mrs with hours of peace and quiet. lol

 

[snappo]

If you're serious, chuck £12 in and subscribe. The For Sale and Want section is your best friend, and the technical advice you'll gain is invaluable.

Even if you just buy gear from the section, you could save 10 times or more the subscription fee in a year - I bought an Alpinestars jacket from here for less than £100 ( I forget exactly how much) that was almost £400 new..

 

[Engineer]

Hey all.
Just wanted to say hi.
I Have never really been interested in Motorcycles, even in my youth i only ever had a quick go on a 80cc auto pit bike.
However i have recently watched Ewan McGregors 2 series on Netflix and it spurred an interest.

I have been an avid hammock camper for years and love being outdoors, but with being out of work and running a big 4x4 i dont get out near as much or as far as i would like.
Suddenly realizing i could go much further for a third of the price on a bike and also get some mud time off road too, i have decided to start saving and do my bike licence.
I have also taken a liking to the BWM F800gs, as im a bit of a short arse this seems like a bit more manageable for a noob than a big heavy 1200.

I am really looking forward to getting myself on a bike and learning to ride.
Just hope my Mrs will agree.........lol

I'd go for the biggest, heaviest and most expensive version of the LC GSA as soon as you have passed your test - you know it makes sense

Oh forgot to add, make sure that you get a brand spanking new top of the range tw@t suit, so that you'll look the nuts too

 

[RE8ELD0G]

If you're serious, chuck £12 in and subscribe. The For Sale and Want section is your best friend, and the technical advice you'll gain is invaluable.

Even if you just buy gear from the section, you could save 10 times or more the subscription fee in a year - I bought an Alpinestars jacket from here for less than £100 ( I forget exactly how much) that was almost £400 new..

Done and done.
Will spend a good few days looking through all the forum, esp the rebuilds and tech stuff.......i love a good rebuild

 

[Deleted account 200123001]

The cheapest option is the funduro...the oldest incarnation of the 650 single available from mid 90's for as little as circa £500 for a doer upper..Big enough to do miles on too.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_F_series_single-cylinder

 

[Fireflyer]

Hey all.

I Have never really been interested in Motorcycles

Just hope my Mrs will agree.........lol

Are you sure you've chosen the best forum name "RE8ELDOG"

Sorry couldn't resist -welcome to the madhouse