New bike collection - Any tips?

[GSMarky]

Happy Friday Troops

I'm finally picking up my new 1250 GS next Thursday. Call me stupid but this is my first bike. I'm 44, not really a sports bike fan and touring/off road are my bag with a trip to Malta planned for next year, so I wanted to future-proof myself. I'm fairly confident on the road but it's been about 6 months since I passed. I'd rather struggle at first than have to upgrade in a few months.

Live in Birmingham and collecting the bike somewhat south of Guildford. That's a hefty first ride. I've planned a route with Calimoto going through Hampshire and then up towards the Cotswolds.

Any tips on my first few miles? Anything those more experienced amongst us could recommend?

Would also love to know any decent stop off spots along that route.

Thanks all

Enjoy it & stay safe. The rest you will work out in time!

 

[theoneandonly]

drop it , outside the shop ....people around to help pick it up , and you get the first scratches on it , and it is no longer precious !

 

[Lord Snooty]

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.



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!

Great stuff, when you are ready drop me a PM and I will put you in touch with the office to get you booked in.

 

[geotim]

New bike, or new to you bike?

Tyres - they DO need ‘wearing in’, so take it steady the first 100 miles or so, let them warm up and rub off the surface a bit before you do anything too hooligan like.

 

[Sly]

Happy Friday Troops

I'm finally picking up my new 1250 GS next Thursday. Call me stupid but this is my first bike. I'm 44, not really a sports bike fan and touring/off road are my bag with a trip to Malta planned for next year, so I wanted to future-proof myself. I'm fairly confident on the road but it's been about 6 months since I passed. I'd rather struggle at first than have to upgrade in a few months.

Live in Birmingham and collecting the bike somewhat south of Guildford. That's a hefty first ride. I've planned a route with Calimoto going through Hampshire and then up towards the Cotswolds.

Any tips on my first few miles? Anything those more experienced amongst us could recommend?

Would also love to know any decent stop off spots along that route.

Thanks all

1250 is my first (road) bike - I'm only 31 so you doing good!

Enjoy it, take it easy. Don't over think anything and remember, it only goes as fast as you twist the throttle.

 

[Sly]

I would second this - I hate having spectators!

I had about 6 blokes watching me get ready and on it to ride out the dealership - probably all thinking "Go on son, drop it"..

Hopefully dissappointed them..

 

[The Marching Onion]

New bike, or new to you bike?

Tyres - they DO need ‘wearing in’, so take it steady the first 100 miles or so, let them warm up and rub off the surface a bit before you do anything too hooligan like.

New to me. 2021 triple black with 12,000 miles (valve clearance service and MOT all done, as per my instruction ) and all the bells and whistles minus the option 719. Got it for just short of £11k, looks very well looked after.

 

[Barnoe]

Engine guards are worth their weight in gold, you will, as we all do at times, drop it.

I did same day i picked mine up, it rolled off the side stand on my drive and bang
Luckily it had bars on.

I’d say always look at the camber approaching junctions, especially where it meets the main road, putting your foot down where your leg is not long enough is a mistake you don’t want to be making too often.

True of all bikes this one.... pulled up on a narrow lane to let a car past on the edge of the tarmac, left food down didn't reach the grass.... head first into a dry stone wall... ffs
You live and learn.

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).

I thought this too, and got used to it soon enough.

That all said, they are a great bike and you will love it.

 

[Jockser]

True of all bikes this one.... pulled up on a narrow lane to let a car past on the edge of the tarmac, left food down didn't reach the grass.... head first into a dry stone wall... ffs
You live and learn.

I stopped to take a photo on a narrow lane & fell headfirst into a ditch, 12GSA upside down. You couldn't even see the wheels from the road

 

[Mzokk]

I stopped to take a photo on a narrow lane & fell headfirst into a ditch, 12GSA upside down. You couldn't even see the wheels from the road

I hope it was a good photo Jochen!!!

 

[Jockser]

I hope it was a good photo Jochen!!!

Was too busy trying to get someone to help me get it out Marcus

 

[landmarkjohn]

If it has a new back tyre don't wave to people outside the pub and crank it over and give it loads of gas at the junction. DAMHIK.
Good luck with it and enjoy.

 

[ATT]

Ride it like a boss, you are in charge, not the bike.
Confidence, no hesitation.....Hesitation always ends badly.

I am not dead yet.

 

[GrinningGSer]

I let my current bike fall over on its first day ( rolled off the sidestand with engine running ). That never happened on my previous two.
Always park in gear when using the sidestand.
Never park nose downhill if you’re wanting to go backwards afterwards

 

[Jason P]

They're pussycats at anything above walking pace. As others have already said the 'gotcha' is stopping/low speed stuff. Don't take anything for granted like you can with a small bike. Look at the road camber, look at the surface, be deliberate - especially in carparks or anywhere with a dodgy surface. Take time and plan ahead. I've only ever dropped my GS when stationary, and that was tiredness - start of the day, not a good night's sleep, still half awake. Up off the side stand, stand up, forgot a glove on the wall, lower the bike to get off but without putting the stand down first. Much embarrassment for me, hilarity for friends and bystanders.

So think twice when you slow down and you'll be fine. The rest is a breeze. Enjoy your new bike!

 

[digby]

You will probably be tempted to explore the menus and settings on the big screen ….. don’t do it whilst riding !!!

It’s a great bike (but the 1300 is better)

 

[tjmouse]

How did it go? Beautiful day for taking the winding road home!

 

[The Marching Onion]

How did it go? Beautiful day for taking the winding road home!

Collecting tomorrow

 

[tjmouse]

Collecting tomorrow

Well that’s not Thursday

Hope the weather holds and watch out for idiots on a Saturday. Start of Easter breaks so the roads will be busy.

Enjoy the bike!

 

[Engineer]

Always use the poshest petrol