New GS rider with questions...

[05062586]

My first post on here but I have been lurking for a short while. Particularly admiring the bikes in the secondhand section, so far I have found the forum really helpful but I have a couple of questions I hope some members might be able to take some time to help with....

Background....

I am 23, been driving since 17 but recently done my direct access and been obsessed with it all since getting on the 125cc to do my CBT in September! I started searching for a 1200 GSA but I am not sure the size, weight and cost make it ideal for my first bike so I have settled on an F800 GS, it's a dealer pre-reg with lots of extras and if it's still there next weekend I will put my deposit down and get it in the garage, I intend to ride to the Italian lakes this summer so I want to get it bought so I can cover some miles and add Sat-Nav, iPod, little bits and bobs before then...

So I have begun searching for insurance now, started with BMW but they won't quote because I don't have any NCB. Other insurers I have tried include Carole Nash and Adrian Flux, they are quoting about £950 for comprehensive cover based on 6k miles per annum. Is this reasonable? Should I consider Third Party cover? The cost difference between TPF&T is minimal but between Fully Comp and third party is about £750. Who else should I be trying? I know every rider is different but is there a good start point?

Next question relates to extra training.... I am really keen to do some worthwhile extra training now that I have passed. I am not too concerned about cost but I really want to see value for money.

Third question relates to iPod, intercom and Sat-nav.... I will want to get a system wired into the bike but which system would you guys advise? And which hardware should I wire into it TomTom Rider? And with a Satnav would I use a standard mount our would a Touratech mount (seem expensive) be a wise investment?

Thanks for any advice at all and thanks for being gentle (hopefully).

 

[Micky]

First of all welcome to the site errr mmm number ... can't ya get yersen a feckin name of some description pleasy please. Doesn't have to be your real name

Don't think for one minute that the F800GS is second best to the 1200's because it's not. It'll do everything the 1200's will do... and much much more

As to the rest of your questions maybe use the search options...

Extra training ... a local IAM, BMF or Police 'Bikesafe' will sort that out... you don't give your area, only XXX so that doesn't help anyone to advise ya

SatNav ... go for Garmin not TomTom ... another hot bed on here, but what Garmin don't know about SatNav aint worth worrying about!

I'm sure others will be along in a minute or two to provide mucho info, but for now just take it easy, enjoy your motorcycling, listen to all incoming and make your own mind up.

Some rait Tossers on here

 

[Bryn]

Welcome to the site

Micky's right about the numbers pick yourself a user name, and send a private message to Paul G (BHT) and he'll sort it out for you

He's also right about the 800... reckon it'll do all you need it to ,and it will be the start of a long relationship with GS's

I'd stick with Fully Comprehensive if you can.... but you'll have to put up with the high premiums until you've got a year or two of claim free biking under your belt

 

[05062586]

Thanks for the advice so far, I have adjusted my profile for location and I will send a PM asap. My name is Andrew, I am not just a number!

 

[Micky]

My name is Andrew, I am not just a number!

No one is 'just a number'

Especially on here

Welcome again Andrew

 

[Bryn]

Thanks for the advice so far, I have adjusted my profile for location and I will send a PM asap. My name is Andrew, I am not just a number!

You could use Andrew....to keep it simple.... or come up with something imaginative

I kept it simple and use my name

 

[elevensies]

is it your bank account?

funnily enough i got asked for a new password the other day while in the bank

told em

minnymickyplutodaffydonaldpopeylondon

she said ''dont cha think its a bit long''

i said ''well you asked for 6 characters and at least 1 capital''

howdee by the way

 

[Rushy]

Welcome ................love the user name . I actually turned my laptop upsidedown to see if it spelt something ...you know, like 710 77345...shit the four isnt right on a computer

 

[Brooner]

Hi Andrew

Stick with fully comp with the bike you have bought - its a lot of money if something were to go wrong.

With regards to training, what Micky said.
Any training you can do will be benefitial to you in the long run.
Doing Bikesafe, IAM or RoSPA tests "should" help with the insurance costs.

Either Starcom or Autocom will do what you need regarding on bike entertainment and comms.

 

[sven]

SatNav ... go for Garmin not TomTom ... another hot bed on here, but what Garmin don't know about SatNav aint worth worrying about!

For purely onroad use, my Tomtom Rider 2 has been flawless on both the bike and in the car. Very user friendly, logical routing and itineraries are much easier to prepare on your PC using Autoroute & ITNconverter (although you can use Tomtom Home) than Garmin Mapsource which is a horrible programme.

Did't like my 2610 or the 2810 and Nuvi 210 I've used and their routing was very strange at times....

Having said that, the Nuvi 550 is by far the cheapest way to buy a new waterproof GPS unit with EU mapping and itinerary planning - at less than £250 it's over £100 cheaper than a TT Rider or any of the Garmin Zumos

With regards to the insurance, do not risk TPFT on a new bike. I went down that road at 21 and regretted it.....if you write the bike off it's a lot of money to lose

 

[Gossy]

"So I have begun searching for insurance now, started with BMW but they won't quote because I don't have any NCB. Other insurers I have tried include Carole Nash and Adrian Flux, they are quoting about £950 for comprehensive cover based on 6k miles per annum. Is this reasonable? Should I consider Third Party cover? The cost difference between TPF&T is minimal but between Fully Comp and third party is about £750. Who else should I be trying? I know every rider is different but is there a good start point?"

---------------
I didn't have any NCB either but got fully comp + business for about £300.00 direct with BMW via the web, must have been your age or location.
Carole Nash and the rest wanted £750 +

 

[Red Rock]

I wouldn't worry about the size and weight of a GSA, you'd be used to it in 10 mins. I'm only 30 inside leg and it's no problem, - but if you've seen an F800 you like, don't let me put you off..

Regarding insurance, if you do IAM now, you'll have some fun on group rides and be on your way to getting a good discount from Adelaide Surety when you renew next year.

Cheers