Too powerful for my first proper bike?

[Rich3]

Hi,

I am thinking of getting an '04 R1200GS (Adventure if i can find one) but I have only ridden bikes on a CBT for a couple of year and that was about 10 years ago now! I redid my CBT recently and I'm doing the theory soon and then straight on to a direct access course.

I would really love one of these bikes but i am concerned it is too powerful for my first proper bike. I am 6'2" and over 18 stone so really wanted a big bike, just unsure about the power of it! I have looked at the F650GS and the F800GS but the former is a little small and the latter is too expensive! There are plenty of 1200s about to choose from.

Anyone have any comment? I will be using the bike for leisure only.

Rich

 

[Blackal]

The 1200 Adventure started in 2006, I think.

The 1200 and 1150 Adventures are big, heavy bikes that can catch out even the experienced riders, when you roll to a stop on an odd camber or loose surface .

But - the 1200 GS is an easy to manage bike with good road manners, that doesn't intimidate riders. Low on top end power, but lots of useful midrange torque.

Get a test ride (half day minimum) - you'll be convinced

Al

 

[Mort]

Hi Rich and welcome.
The GSA didn't come out until 06 so you wont find a 04 one about.
Too big for a 1st bike? depends on your confidence due to the sheer size of the thing, I would recommend something like a Honda transalp or a Suzuki 650 V-strom after passing your test then look to trade up after you gain some experience.

Good luck and keep us informed of your progress.

 

[richie]

Hi Rich and welcome.
The GSA didn't come out until 06 so you wont find a 04 one about.
Too big for a 1st bike? depends on your confidence due to the sheer size of the thing, I would recommend something like a Honda transalp or a Suzuki 650 V-strom after passing your test then look to trade up after you gain some experience.

Good luck and keep us informed of your progress.

I second that emotion....

 

[Steve the Kiwi]

I'd only every ridden a bit of dirt bike stuff but nothing crazy. No road riding. I brought a 1100gs a week after passing my road test. For the first week I had a niggling thought that maybe i should have gotten a smaller bike for a first bike. After a week that was gone! now I'm so glad i didn't! I love it! Everytime i ride it I like it more and more. I've had it 6 weeks. I ride it to work every day and a ride down to Belgium or Luxembourg most weekends. I've just got back from a 3088km trip down to Austria and Italy on Thursday. All in I've done over 6500km in the 6 weeks! I'm 6'1 and have no problem. I've dropped it twice Touratech cylinder protectors work!) once taking it offroad through a forest and once down in the alps ( i'd stopped to do a u-turn back up the hill and forgot about the uphill bit and the fact i had 25kg of luggage and i stalled it and down she went!

I think height and confidence would be the two things that would help the situation for a GS as a first bike. It would be easy for the size of the GS to intimidate you ( the moment the bike is moving you notice nothing of the weight ) having said all of that...Like the others have suggested; a V-strom would be a great first bike that to be honest if you brought a all-road bike with your head it would be a V-Strom- great value and all-rounder, with no real faults and you won't spend so much on aftermarket bits on it as you will for the BMW. But then again to think with your head you'd buy a Volvo station wagon! not a bike! with yer gut 'n heart...
GS all the way!!!! Test ride it and get the feel..

here a pic from last week half way up Timmelsjoch pass in Austria.

Goodluck!!!

 

[garfield]

you're a big fella and hopefully in your sensible years of life, I think you'll find the GS to be absolutely perfect for someone of your stature, like it has already been said, a test ride will seal the deal for you.....

most important thing about bikes, they only go as fast as you want them to go.....I think you'll be fine....

remember to tell us how you got on....

 

[motobiker]

you're a big fella and hopefully in your sensible years of life, I think you'll find the GS to be absolutely perfect for someone of your stature, like it has already been said, a test ride will seal the deal for you.....

most important thing about bikes, they only go as fast as you want them to go.....I think you'll be fine....

remember to tell us how you got on....

I agree completely.

 

[STUBBS]

there s a nice 850gs for sale at the moment great reliable bike

 

[Rushy]

Many moons ago my mates wife passed her test. He bought her a nice new 350YPVS F2and she didnt like it , peaky, twitchy, felt too tall. She was about 5' 4" size 8/10 and about 8 stone. She couldn't get on with the bike, was not a happy bunny and wouldn't ride it. So, back to the dealer they go just 2 weeks later.

I call to find out how they got on................ " sorted mate , had a couple of test rides new bike arrives newt week. I'll bring her orund on it "

They turned up a few days later, he was riding the 350 ( he liked so so kept it as a toy) and she was on her new FJ1200

A few months later I even let her take me for a spin as a pillion when my bike was off the road

Get a test ride

 

[P Pod]

Rich - I had exactly the same thoughts and concerns as you. I passed my test in Feb with my mates egging me on to join them on a trip to the Millau bridge in France about 2 months later. I wanted a bike big enough to do the miles with a bit of fun added in. The 1200GS was perfect - I'm 5'11" and can put both feet on the ground, so no probs there.

Sure - it's heavy if you drop it (so don't!) but I ride it every day, whatever the weather, without any probs. I just love it

 

[timhutch]

Hi,

I am thinking of getting an '04 R1200GS (Adventure if i can find one) but I have only ridden bikes on a CBT for a couple of year and that was about 10 years ago now! I redid my CBT recently and I'm doing the theory soon and then straight on to a direct access course.

I would really love one of these bikes but i am concerned it is too powerful for my first proper bike. I am 6'2" and over 18 stone so really wanted a big bike, just unsure about the power of it! I have looked at the F650GS and the F800GS but the former is a little small and the latter is too expensive! There are plenty of 1200s about to choose from.

Anyone have any comment? I will be using the bike for leisure only.

Rich

Rich

My first bike two years ago was a K1200S and I was entirely fine with the power. Any bike will travel fast enough to hurt you if you fall off, and as someone else pointed out, how fast you go is up to you.

I've just bought my first GSA, and I love it.

I'm only 17 1/2 stone fatso, and 6' 1", with a long back and really need a big bike. There's no problem reaching the floor, even with the seat set high and the pre-load high.

The weight isn't a problem for me (unless I drop it), you just get used to it.

Best of luck with the DAS, and take care!

 

[paintman]

Hi Rich
2 1/2 years ago I returned to Biking after many years away, I never passed my test when I was younger, so I needed to buy a bike and pass my test.
I am 6'3 with a 36" inside leg, so on seat height alone, I decided a 1200 gs was for me, I tried the school bike but kept getting cramp, so did all my training and test on the gs, passed my test, the U turn in the road was a bit iffy, otherwise no problems.
I find the bike easy to ride and it inspires confidence, as others have said you only go as fast as you wish too, go for it.

 

[Rich3]

Well, thanks to everyone who replied. There certainly is a lot to think about!
I am swaying towards going straight for the 1200GS, i am not interested in hairing around on it but really would like this size of bike and I am pretty confident on a bike - just not that experienced!

I have also had a look at a few advanced rider courses and training;
http://www.rospa.com/drivertraining/courses/advanced_tests/motorcycle_scooter.htm
http://www.iam.org.uk/aboutus/advancedtest/
http://www.rapidtraining.co.uk/
http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/

Not sure if i'll be ready for these yet but certainly something to work towards. I have also found a book - Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Rider's Handbook - that seems excellent.

Hopefully I will be back soon to report on my new bike

 

[Deleted Member I]

Well, thanks to everyone who replied. There certainly is a lot to think about!
I am swaying towards going straight for the 1200GS, i am not interested in hairing around on it but really would like this size of bike and I am pretty confident on a bike - just not that experienced!

I have also had a look at a few advanced rider courses and training;
http://www.rospa.com/drivertraining/courses/advanced_tests/motorcycle_scooter.htm
http://www.iam.org.uk/aboutus/advancedtest/
http://www.rapidtraining.co.uk/
http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/

Not sure if i'll be ready for these yet but certainly something to work towards. I have also found a book - Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Rider's Handbook - that seems excellent.

Hopefully I will be back soon to report on my new bike

For advanced training in the south .. this guy is the best!

www.mikewaite.co.uk

I done rapid training (after reading rave reviews from magazines) .. but nowhere near as good as Mike (or his associates). Do it over a weekend with a local B&B. Nice weekend away and you learn something too


As for bike ... if you decide to buy a GS as your first bike

1. Accept the mental and financial trauma that you will drop it .. most likely in car parks
2. If you ride with people here.. the photo of the incident would most likely be recorded to torment you for all eternity .. BEFORE THEY COME AND HELP YOU
3. In the end you will realise it is all a state of mind.

Given how tall you are, you will probably be able to put both your feets down flat .. which really helps (although I have never had the experience after riding the 125 for my test )

 

[Flipfly]

I would suggest the 1200GS is a perfect starter bike and probably as safe as you could ever want



















































Don't see many bikers killed whilst sat in the passenger seat of an AA flatbed

 

[DavidJames]

Well, thanks to everyone who replied. There certainly is a lot to think about!
I am swaying towards going straight for the 1200GS, i am not interested in hairing around on it but really would like this size of bike and I am pretty confident on a bike - just not that experienced!

I have also had a look at a few advanced rider courses and training;
http://www.rospa.com/drivertraining/courses/advanced_tests/motorcycle_scooter.htm
http://www.iam.org.uk/aboutus/advancedtest/
http://www.rapidtraining.co.uk/
http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/

Not sure if i'll be ready for these yet but certainly something to work towards. I have also found a book - Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Rider's Handbook - that seems excellent.

Hopefully I will be back soon to report on my new bike

Good thinking and the best attitude to have.

I did exactly what you are considering and did not regret a thing in getting a 1200GS as a first bike a week after passing my test. I went down the route of RoSPA beacuse the training is spread over a longer period. Becoming a better rider is best achieved with experience - which means time and miles. In my opinion cramming training into a weekend is not the best way to gain experience. RoSPA (or IAM) will take you out on regular observed rides, I used to go every weekend for 3-4 hours, until you are ready to take the test.

Good luck

 

[sijohnston]

got my test in april, someone recommended i buy a kwak versys to begin and maybe look at a bigger BM after a while. i nearly did this, but my own sense of getting the best first prevailed...fortunately. picked up my 800gs 3 days after getting the test and 9k miles later, it was a good call. having ridden the 12 too, it's not that different, is very forgiving and will look after you well. get what you want rather than waste money wanting to chop some lesser machine in a 3 months...for that is what will happen.

 

[Deleted Member I]

I would suggest the 1200GS is a perfect starter bike and probably as safe as you could ever want


Don't see many bikers killed whilst sat in the passenger seat of an AA flatbed

Predictably ignorant response .. given how new the 12 is .. it would be BMW recovery that comes and get you. If they can't (change your light bulb) fix it then it is outsourced to some other contractor ...

SO IT WON'T BE AN AA FLAT BED!!!


You are just jealous we get a free ride home after a tiring weekend away

 

[Deleted Member I]

got my test in april, someone recommended i buy a kwak versys to begin and maybe look at a bigger BM after a while. i nearly did this, but my own sense of getting the best first prevailed...fortunately. picked up my 800gs 3 days after getting the test and 9k miles later, it was a good call. having ridden the 12 too, it's not that different, is very forgiving and will look after you well. get what you want rather than waste money wanting to chop some lesser machine in a 3 months...for that is what will happen.

WOW!

3 days after test you get a nice new bike .. then do that long trip across Europe! That's awesome

 

[piebaps]

I went from Honda 125 to 1200GS with no problems. In fact it was a blessing given that I am a little short for my weight

No problems as long as you take care when turning the throttle and can cope with the tears when you drop it in the drive/car park etc etc

Stop dithering and get riding