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| | Is the R1200 GS adecuate for a Novice Rider? |
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Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| | No. A novice should not start out on a 15K dollar bike. If a dual sport is your flavor, perhaps a used KLR 650 with engine and radiator guards would be better suited to you. Move up to new and expensive after a few years of experience. |
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| This is prudent and very conservative advice, and frankly I cannot dispute it for the majority of new riders. However, if the 1200 GS is your baby, and you want this bike more than anything and you possess the self discipline and motivation to seek out the proper MSF training and its analogs, then I say go for it. Take it easy, take it slow and literally grow into the bike.
KENNETH |
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| A novice rider needs to balance (pun intended) the odds in their favor. This is a tall bike with a higher center of mass then many other bikes. While not heavy compared to some bikes there is more then a little weight to manage. It is a very expensive bike on with to make a novice mistake. Don't just think about the bike out on the open road, but also how well you could handle it when stopped at the top of a hill/intersection and needing to make a turn left or right. At that point you WILL notice the hight and weight. Skilled balance, brake, and throttle control are critical at those moments. Most novice riders appreciate a lighter, lower, and possibly less powerful bike at those moments. The previous advice is very good. Take the MSF class before you buy. It is the best investment you can make for your riding future. Read the info at www.beginnerbikes.com They will get you thinking about how best pick the right bike for you. Your first bike should fit you physically as well as being consistent with your level of skill. Always rembember that your first bike will rarely be your last. You will appreciate its many qualities much more if you let yourself grow into it after you have some real miles experience behind you. Best of luck. Ted
Ted |
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| Unless you have way more money then smarts, NO.
Don Wilson |
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| Frankly a ridiculous idea. Buy a decent S/H trail 'bike and use it for about 5000 miles - then YOU will know the answer; If it is yes you will be able to sell your trail bike and splash out - but what's the hurry ? The 1200GS is my eigth BMW - and I have been riding for more than 50 years. Best of luck anyway.
Brian Rosen |
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Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
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| | If you're a novice, and a tall one for that matter (like 6' and over), you'd better start with something much lighter and less expensive. See above the suggestion for the KLR650. You may also go with the Suzi DR650 or even a DRZ400, though this latter is more dirt oriented. You can find used ones in v.g. shape for around $2000-$3000. Also great support with info and aftermarket. I started on a Sherpa 250 dual sport and moved to a Dakar and I dont' regret it (I still keep the Sherpa for rougher trail). Bottom line, it's better to go cheaper and smaller for the first bike. Even a Moto Guzzi Breva 750 is about half price of this new GS. |
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| I don't own a R1200GS yet. Last year i bought a KLR 650 and have added most of the GS style aftermarket upgrades to my KLR. Starting off you need a bike you can crash and not be out $15,000. The KLR is a burrow whereas the 1200 GS is a stallion. You need to learn to ride before taking this kind of leap. The great thing about a used klr (you can find them on ebay all day for $3500) is that you can determine if you're REALLY a street rider or an off road rider then your NEXT bike can be better suited to where you ride.
Tim Warren |
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