Never using 1st gear on my R1200GS - advice?

[Christianhinch]

I've just started riding a R1200GS '94.

I am finding that I hardly ever need to use 1st gear.

From a standing-still start almost all the time I am able to pull away in 2nd gear and this means less gear changing.

And me being inherently lazy I am enjoying this - especially as 90% of my riding is in central London.

Should I stop doing this?
Is it bad for my bike?

Would love some feedback/advice...

 

[Deleted account 231002001]

Only in the 1200 section

 

[Wapping]

Try never using third.

It's great

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I always make sure mine is pointing downhill................then I can get away with using 6th to start off, saves all the energy expended getting from 1st to 6th

I'd recommend it

 

[Zoomboxer]

Would love some feedback/advice...

You may regret that bit...

 

[Christianhinch]

I am enjoying all the jokes but also want to know whether what I am doing is safe and not damaging my bike...

 

[Edventure]

I am enjoying all the jokes but also want to know whether what I am doing is safe and not damaging my bike...

Err no you're not damaging the bike, unless you're slipping the clutch a lot to pull away in 2nd

 

[bmstan]

1st gear?

Make your own mind up, after you have paid for your first new clutch!!!

 

[Bones]

Any bike with off road pretentions will pull away OK in second. Not so with a sportbike.

 

[Steptoe]

Make your own mind up, after you have paid for your first new clutch!!!

The effort required to use 1st gear is nothing compared to the cost of a new clutch on a BMW - The 1200GS uses a single plate dry clutch that isn't renown for it's durability and long life if even faintly abused.

 

[Giles]

I've just started riding a R1200GS '94.

I am finding that I hardly ever need to use 1st gear.

From a standing-still start almost all the time I am able to pull away in 2nd gear and this means less gear changing.

And me being inherently lazy I am enjoying this - especially as 90% of my riding is in central London.

Should I stop doing this?
Is it bad for my bike?

Would love some feedback/advice...

Big Sigh .......


Is it any wonder Tim re-set his forum filter .....

 

[Stretchamus]

Make your own mind up, after you have paid for your first new clutch!!!

The effort required to use 1st gear is nothing compared to the cost of a new clutch on a BMW - The 1200GS uses a single plate dry clutch that isn't renown for it's durability and long life if even faintly abused.

Unless he's Really Thin :

 

[Farmer Palmer]

I never use neutral, just can't seem to get anywhere with it......!

FP.

 

[MikeP]

Is it any wonder Tim re-set his forum filter .....

Unless he's Really Tim's fake N00b :

Fixed.

 

[snerkler]

I've just started riding a R1200GS '94.

..

A 1994 R1200GS???

 

[Beemerman59]

Blown your warranty now as well........

 

[Dainese Brave]

I often defend those new to Gs's when they ask questions that may have been read, discussed, and analyzed, by the 'regulars' many a time, but may be new to those new to the ways of the GS.....



........but this is just plain stupid!!

 

[Mutley]

........but this is just plain stupid!!

It took you three years and 1100+ posts to get there but ........... welcome brother

 

[Crapaud]

I had a similar issue when I lived in Jersey that I never used top gear. With a maximum speed limit of 40 mph (only 35 mph in Guernsey) if you examine some bikes from the Channel Islands you will find almost no wear on the top gear.

Don't forget Honda do an automatic gearbox for their new V4 1200. They may fit that to the new GS rival they are supposedly bringing out and all your problems will be solved.

I used to think that all the comments about 1200 owners were made up but its good to visit this section occasionally to remind myself of the truth.

 

[Wapping]

........but this is just plain stupid!!

Those weeks in bed have not been an entire waste then