New bike collection - Any tips?

Depending on what your inside leg measurement is you may want to have your seat set in the low position again ask the person who's handing the bike over to you , may help you when coming to a stop till you get use to the weight and size of the bike ,
Ian.
 
siddo said:
He's never going to remember all this advice.
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Of course he won’t. Lots of it he may know already (plenty of common sense suggestions) and if there’s a couple of things he learns from it that helps the first ride go smoothly then it’s worth it.
 
These bikes are noisy, they rattle like mad and I swore there was something wrong with mine when I first started riding it after coming from inline fours and my V twins. (Guys on here put me at ease).

So you may feel the same but it's perfectly normal and just something you will need to get used to.

Get comfortable with the size and weight so it doesn't worry you and plan for when you park etc as trying to move it on a hill can absolutely knackered you if you don't park right!!

I'm 2 years in and still absolutely love riding my 1250 GSA every single time.....never fails to remind me why I started riding bikes.

Just take your time....
 
Loads of great advice above.....especially the 'no spectators' bit...I'd go as far as faffing about so much that the salesbod gets bored and sods off back inside...unless you've told them in advance.
Give yourself plenty of time to get back home.. i.e don't collect the bike at 4.30pm and chase the setting sun to get home. Personally, I'd ride for perhaps half and hour, then pull over and assess whether everything is set right...mirrors, lever reach etc. Adjust as necessary then have a drink of the water you've taken with you. Don't be surprised at how much you will be concentrating....concentrating means using brain power...which means you become thirsty.....don't get to the thirsty stage...(headaches and daft decisions)
Ultimately, you know you can ride...most riders did this as daft 17 & 18yr olds, not sensible 44yr olds. You'll be fine. :beerjug:
 
Pick your parking spot, think about the easiest way to leave after a break,refuel etc. Paddling backwards uphill out of a parking place can easily put you off balance more than riding out forwards
 
jasp said:
Pick your parking spot, think about the easiest way to leave after a break,refuel etc. Paddling backwards uphill out of a parking place can easily put you off balance more than riding out forwards
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Paddling a GS out backwards ain’t happening. Not if you’re a mere mortal anyway.

It’s pretty easy to avoid having to do that on any bike. A moment’s thought, and back into the parking space.
 
It's a big old bus for your first bike. If you are lacking confidence and need some help with refresher training then get in touch with me. I am an instructor at RMT Motorcycle Training in Redditch, so not far from you. We do a one day training programme called Take Control on behalf of the West Mids Police Safer Roads Partnership, it is subsidised by them so the cost to the student is just £50 for the whole day with a professional instructor. The training is personal and can be tailored to suit your exact needs .e.g. if you are struggling with slow control on the big GS we will take you to a quiet car park and work on those skills until you are happy. Good luck with collecting the bike this week.
 
SBD said:
Paddling a GS out backwards ain’t happening. Not if you’re a mere mortal anyway.

It’s pretty easy to avoid having to do that on any bike. A moment’s thought, and back into the parking space.
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I thought that was what I was saying...
 
B15ape1981 said:
I'll keep it short.......Enjoy enjoy enjoy oh and enjoy....You've probably just bought the best all rounder ever ;) :thumby:
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When mounting
Have handlebars full lock right
A gives u a closer bar for right hand
B drops the bikes height slightly for an easier mount
Every little helps
 
jasp said:
I thought that was what I was saying...
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I thought I was agreeing with you

And kind of amplifying the thought: Fundamentally it’s not going to “put me off balance”, it’s going to fuck up my day as I’m not sure I’m physically capable of paddling it backwards
 
I think everyone has you covered here, in 2022 I picked up my 1st R1250GS, literally hadn't ridden a Bike since 2005 (a K2 GSXR750), I hadn't even had a test ride, just went and bought the thing, when you get on the bike, you are probably going to think 'B-gger me, this is big, what the hell have I done' I did the whole way home from the centre of Norwich, but you just need take your time (don't give a rat's chaff about what others may be thinking when you first get on the bike), just be aware this is a big bike (once moving you'll wonder what the fuss was about, because the weight fall's away), and also, be firm but positive on the brakes when coming to a stop, there is a little thing called the 'GS Wobble', at under 5 Mph, when you are coming to a stop it (the bike) will tell you its time to brake and get your foot down. After a couple of rides, your confidence will be there, and you'll wonder what the fuss was about, just give your self plenty of time at Junctions, and on inclines etc... til your used to the weight and height of the bike.

I am now on a 2024 GS Adventure, love the thing, and don't even notice the size & Weight anymore, but most important piece of advice, always PARK with the Bike pointing uphill/upcamber, you do not want to have to push these bikes up any kind of incline (unless you have someone with you who can help), hope you have a fantastic time picking up your new bike. Enjoy it ...
 
wessie said:
I'm wondering if @The Marching Onion has reduced or increased anxiety now?
:p
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My anxiety is fine 😂 I'm a little apprehensive but I'm by far more excited to bring it home. A lot of the advice given I had already planned for but there are nuggets of information I have taken away for sure.

Lord Snooty said:
It's a big old bus for your first bike. If you are lacking confidence and need some help with refresher training then get in touch with me. I am an instructor at RMT Motorcycle Training in Redditch, so not far from you. We do a one day training programme called Take Control on behalf of the West Mids Police Safer Roads Partnership, it is subsidised by them so the cost to the student is just £50 for the whole day with a professional instructor. The training is personal and can be tailored to suit your exact needs .e.g. if you are struggling with slow control on the big GS we will take you to a quiet car park and work on those skills until you are happy. Good luck with collecting the bike this week.
Click to expand...

Thats very kind and I may take you up on that. I'm Redditch side of Birmingham anyway (actually did my MOD 2 in Redditch). I definitely want to advance my training in any way I can.

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I'll keep you updated on the collection and journey back!
 
Stop often
It will get you used to stopping and getting on and off and start the muscle memory process

The closer you get to home the more often you should stop - we have all been there chasing an arrival time and thinking I will just blast the last 50/100 miles and get home - dont do that as many accidents happen just a few miles from home as a result - bike riding is tiring riding a new bike is more tiring still and a new bike for a new rider ( ish) will be exhausting even though the thrill will will fool you into thinking you are as fresh as a daisy
 
Brakes initially don’t have a lot of feel and can be a bit wooden depending on the age of the pads.
Get a feel for em before you go hooning around.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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