Deletedmemberjdcxxx
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- Feb 10, 2008
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Hi Guys,
One week ago today I drove home with my new R1200gs Adventure; I brought it home in a van because I hadn't ridden a bike for nearly seven years and have never owned a GS / GSA. I know this goes against the "buy yourself a little 400 first" advice often given on this site and I really did consider this before buying. I had pretty much made my mind up to go straight for the big bike from the start but have spent a lot of time reading the excellent advice on UKGSer, so thanks to all of you for helping with my decision.
My very first impression was that "its never going to fit in the f**king van!!! I had to take the screen off to squeeze it into a transit, (lesson number one!) Getting it loaded and strapped down was actually pretty easy using four ratchet straps, but getting it back out again was slightly heart stopping. My non biker / non swearing wife suffered a bout of tourette's syndrome when the GS rolled out a bit too quickly. "Grab the brake!" ""Which ones the f**king break, this f**king bike weighs a f**king ton!!!!!"
With a few sore muscles I waited until the next day for my first ride and despite it being a very low mileage 2009 model I quickly discovered the jerky, lashy drive at low speed and have since experienced a few neck snapping bursts of acceleration and some very alarming tight turns when the GS decides it wants to get moving. I've already ordered an Accelerator Module, but to be completely honest my lack of skill was very much to blame and this has improved quickly.
During the last few days I've been out for some long rides and deliberately aimed for rush hour traffic to practice slipping the clutch and not falling over if I have to stop quickly. The GS isn't always easy to manage and even at 6'2" and fairly muscular 17 stone you need to learn about balance and parking thoughtfully to avoid grunting and straining in Halford's car park. With a bit of practice I've been able to glide to a stop with a gentle right foot down and keep my feet up in slow traffic and although this might sound a bit elementary to the more experienced riders out there, its given me a huge sense of satisfaction when it all goes right.
In terms of performance, stunning is the only word I can think of. Its hard to believe that a bike that nearly gave me a hernia can be so light-footed and solid on the road. The first time I opened it up I had tunnel vision and thought I was going to pass out or take off, but then I have been driving a Vauxhall Vectra for the last few years!!! I have since learned that there is no finer feeling than pushing the big GS through a left, right, left round an island and its presence on the road actually makes other drivers move out of my way. I called into my local country park this morning and a family of four offered to move their car so I could have their parking space!!!
One week in I clearly have a lot to learn and the muscle memory definitely needs to improve. I occasionally freeze approaching an island when my hands and feet forget what to do, but that is happening less and less. I am intending to ride through the winter whenever possible, (also against GSer advice,) but I want the bike to be my main source of transport and not just a luxury for sunny Sunday mornings. If I sound in any way negative its only as a result of my own shortcomings and lack of experience. I've come back to motorcycling pretty late in life (46,) but owning a BMW R1200GS Adventure is a dream come true.
My advice to other potential GSA owners is to go for it, but think hard about your own ability and allow yourself plenty of time to adjust and get used to the bike. It is very different to Japanese machines and has so many quirks and peculiarities that you can only learn them with time and patience. It can however be one of the most rewarding and satisfying bikes that you can own.
Best wishes,
John
One week ago today I drove home with my new R1200gs Adventure; I brought it home in a van because I hadn't ridden a bike for nearly seven years and have never owned a GS / GSA. I know this goes against the "buy yourself a little 400 first" advice often given on this site and I really did consider this before buying. I had pretty much made my mind up to go straight for the big bike from the start but have spent a lot of time reading the excellent advice on UKGSer, so thanks to all of you for helping with my decision.
My very first impression was that "its never going to fit in the f**king van!!! I had to take the screen off to squeeze it into a transit, (lesson number one!) Getting it loaded and strapped down was actually pretty easy using four ratchet straps, but getting it back out again was slightly heart stopping. My non biker / non swearing wife suffered a bout of tourette's syndrome when the GS rolled out a bit too quickly. "Grab the brake!" ""Which ones the f**king break, this f**king bike weighs a f**king ton!!!!!"
With a few sore muscles I waited until the next day for my first ride and despite it being a very low mileage 2009 model I quickly discovered the jerky, lashy drive at low speed and have since experienced a few neck snapping bursts of acceleration and some very alarming tight turns when the GS decides it wants to get moving. I've already ordered an Accelerator Module, but to be completely honest my lack of skill was very much to blame and this has improved quickly.
During the last few days I've been out for some long rides and deliberately aimed for rush hour traffic to practice slipping the clutch and not falling over if I have to stop quickly. The GS isn't always easy to manage and even at 6'2" and fairly muscular 17 stone you need to learn about balance and parking thoughtfully to avoid grunting and straining in Halford's car park. With a bit of practice I've been able to glide to a stop with a gentle right foot down and keep my feet up in slow traffic and although this might sound a bit elementary to the more experienced riders out there, its given me a huge sense of satisfaction when it all goes right.
In terms of performance, stunning is the only word I can think of. Its hard to believe that a bike that nearly gave me a hernia can be so light-footed and solid on the road. The first time I opened it up I had tunnel vision and thought I was going to pass out or take off, but then I have been driving a Vauxhall Vectra for the last few years!!! I have since learned that there is no finer feeling than pushing the big GS through a left, right, left round an island and its presence on the road actually makes other drivers move out of my way. I called into my local country park this morning and a family of four offered to move their car so I could have their parking space!!!
One week in I clearly have a lot to learn and the muscle memory definitely needs to improve. I occasionally freeze approaching an island when my hands and feet forget what to do, but that is happening less and less. I am intending to ride through the winter whenever possible, (also against GSer advice,) but I want the bike to be my main source of transport and not just a luxury for sunny Sunday mornings. If I sound in any way negative its only as a result of my own shortcomings and lack of experience. I've come back to motorcycling pretty late in life (46,) but owning a BMW R1200GS Adventure is a dream come true.
My advice to other potential GSA owners is to go for it, but think hard about your own ability and allow yourself plenty of time to adjust and get used to the bike. It is very different to Japanese machines and has so many quirks and peculiarities that you can only learn them with time and patience. It can however be one of the most rewarding and satisfying bikes that you can own.
Best wishes,
John
