Evening All.

[The Young Man]

Hi Everybody!

Thought i would drop a line as i am new here, Im Ben 21 y.o. from kent been riding for around 6-7 years. Im currently riding a Suzuki SV1000s and previous to that the SV650, Now i am considering investing in a GS1200 Adventure, it would be a brand new one as it would be my first brand new "proper" bike.

I am also intending to do all three of the ORS ( Off Road Skills ) courses as i would like to be able to use my soon to be GS to its full potential and to have some fun when visiting wales.

Also whilst im here, I was thinking of purchasing the GS with the premium package, would this be a beneficial addition?

And also im 6'4'' and wondering if i would be able to easily mount this steed?

Thank you,

Ben.

 

[Dahoum]

Evening.

And Yes - I'm 5 foot 8 and a bit and I can get the old leg over so a beanpole like you shouldn't have any problems

 

[The Young Man]

Ah nice one ive only ever seen these on stands and they look huge on the road. is there any issues with the 2011 models?

im tottaly new to BMW bikes and clueless as what to look out for.

 

[Dr Feelgood]

6'2 here. GS Size is perfect when tall'ish.

Most noticeable I guess, if you have not "done" BM's before, will be the lack of dive of the front forks when breaking and the lurch the the left when blipping the throttle at standstill. Not to worry, you'll get used to both real quick. Bear in mind that this thing is quite top heavy (and heavy in general) compared to the SV1000 so take care if you push it around. (you may even want to leave the sidestand out, just in case )

Go for it !! you will not be disappointed

 

[Rasher]

Ah nice one ive only ever seen these on stands and they look huge on the road. is there any issues with the 2011 models?

im tottaly new to BMW bikes and clueless as what to look out for.

Grab a test ride, I only have standard GS, but have sat on Adventures and they are fine for my 6'1 frame.

After large twins it will feel a bit more familiar than if you were coming of Jap fours, but still has a quirky motor, I did not find the front end all that different or hard to adjust to.

Premium pack adds ESA which is a nice to have, but IMHO not essential and if you really want great suspension get the normal stuff and put cash towards Ohlins / Wilburs.

On a new bike reliability should be OK and you get two years warranty, but they do have quite a few common flaws, so may be worth taking out extended warranty when original expires.

I would also look at some other bikes, but if off-roading is on your agenda their ain't much competition on very big bikes, but if you can get demo's why not try KTM & Yamaha as well, or maybe look at the 800's from BMW and Triumph as i am sure they handle dirt better, so if your not planning on long tours maybe they are a better option.

 

[The Young Man]

I would also look at some other bikes, but if off-roading is on your agenda their ain't much competition on very big bikes, but if you can get demo's why not try KTM & Yamaha as well, or maybe look at the 800's from BMW and Triumph as i am sure they handle dirt better, so if your not planning on long tours maybe they are a better option.

I have looked at other machines, but in all honesty the GS is the only one i can stand back from and actually say that its a good looking machine, i was looking at the Yam Tenere and Super Tenere but i find it ugly and from what ive read and heard that its a bit of a dull ride.

One of the main reasons that im siding with the 1200 is because im usually riding with a pillion and pretty much ride up and down the A2 everyday, and plan to make long trips to Wales and probably more places as and when i get my passport.

My friends all say im 21 turning 100 because im a sucker for a big comfortable bike, but that can also keep up with the boys without making me feel like a cripple once i get off.

As i said im planning to the ORS Course to learn how to handle the bike as this will be the first BIG bike i will be able to take off the beaten track.