First bike for a BMW fan?
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33 Posts
After having the following bikes:
R1
VFR
FJ1200
I bought a leftover 1150 GS Sport (no ABS) and love it; very comfortable; handles well, great factory luggage options and I feel has enough power.
I test rode the 1150R, but for me (6'3") I felt it wasn't very comfortable.
Might be a good idea to buy a used standard type of bike for a year or two and then step up.....BMW dealers will let you test drive the bikes as well.
Good luck!
Chris
R1
VFR
FJ1200
I bought a leftover 1150 GS Sport (no ABS) and love it; very comfortable; handles well, great factory luggage options and I feel has enough power.
I test rode the 1150R, but for me (6'3") I felt it wasn't very comfortable.
Might be a good idea to buy a used standard type of bike for a year or two and then step up.....BMW dealers will let you test drive the bikes as well.
Good luck!
Chris
I currently own a R1100S and a R1150RT. I got a 97 F650FS as a loaner while having high comp pistons put in the S (who says a BMW can't hang with a sportbike?) I was very impressed with the 650 putting about 400 miles on it despite the November cold. It performed quite well on the interstate, was easy and light to get around town, and generally was good fun. I have seriously considered picking one up for my girlfriend.
She is pretty short so the bikes I have been looking at are all for short people but here is a "short list" of the bikes I would consider
1. F650 CS: It's a Beemer Man!!
2. Ducati 620i: If you are bigger, get the 800
3. Moto Guzzi Breva 750: Unknown
4. SV650: Cheap, easy, bland
In case you have failed to pick up on it, I am a big fan of twins. 4 cyl bikes lack soul. The Thumper in the 650 is fun too.
Happy hunting...
She is pretty short so the bikes I have been looking at are all for short people but here is a "short list" of the bikes I would consider
1. F650 CS: It's a Beemer Man!!
2. Ducati 620i: If you are bigger, get the 800
3. Moto Guzzi Breva 750: Unknown
4. SV650: Cheap, easy, bland
In case you have failed to pick up on it, I am a big fan of twins. 4 cyl bikes lack soul. The Thumper in the 650 is fun too.
Happy hunting...
Joined
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236 Posts
First Bike Opinions
I love BMW bikes as well so I understand the sway they have, but there are a few things you should consider.
In your first few years of riding you will probably change your mind about what an ideal bike really is. Maybe you have dreams of riding cross country or spending the weekends going through backroad sweepers. Doesn't matter, the reality of riding changes what we look for.
The nicer BMWs are serious coin. If you find that you've picked the wrong bike, you'll lose quite a bit of money. True, BMWs hold their value well, but even you could buy and throw away a low displacement late model Japanese bike for the amount a BMW depreciates.
"Sport touring" can be anything from a GSXR with a tank bag to an ST1100. Don't limit yourself by someone else's labels.
Now for my bike recommendation. Get an inexpensive standard. GS500, SV650, Nighthawk, whatever. Throw on a windscreen and some soft luggage and spend some time like that. After a season or two, you'll know better if that K1200 GT is right for you or if you would be better served with a different bike.
Whatever you end up doing, good luck to you.
I love BMW bikes as well so I understand the sway they have, but there are a few things you should consider.
In your first few years of riding you will probably change your mind about what an ideal bike really is. Maybe you have dreams of riding cross country or spending the weekends going through backroad sweepers. Doesn't matter, the reality of riding changes what we look for.
The nicer BMWs are serious coin. If you find that you've picked the wrong bike, you'll lose quite a bit of money. True, BMWs hold their value well, but even you could buy and throw away a low displacement late model Japanese bike for the amount a BMW depreciates.
"Sport touring" can be anything from a GSXR with a tank bag to an ST1100. Don't limit yourself by someone else's labels.
Now for my bike recommendation. Get an inexpensive standard. GS500, SV650, Nighthawk, whatever. Throw on a windscreen and some soft luggage and spend some time like that. After a season or two, you'll know better if that K1200 GT is right for you or if you would be better served with a different bike.
Whatever you end up doing, good luck to you.
Joined
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75 Posts
A friend of mine purchased a new F650GS this spring for his first bike, and it is working out well. Being a dual sport, it is an excellent bike to start on.
That said, I would recommend that you find an old standard, or other reliable and cheap bike for your first bike. BMW's are cool, but they are expensive, and the first time you drop it, your wallet will scream... but that is your decision.
Good luck, and let us know what you decide.
Dan
That said, I would recommend that you find an old standard, or other reliable and cheap bike for your first bike. BMW's are cool, but they are expensive, and the first time you drop it, your wallet will scream... but that is your decision.
Good luck, and let us know what you decide.
Dan
If you're a new rider, then by all means get yourself a used bike. Less tears will be shed when you drop it in the garage, parking lot, or what have you. Dropping a shiny, new, R1150R / Monster 620 / yadda yadda would definitely suck...
Remember: ANY motorcycle is better than NO motorcycle.
Yeah, you won't look too "cool" on your rusty ol' 1978 CB400... but it builds character!!! And, isn't that what it's all about kids?
-E
Remember: ANY motorcycle is better than NO motorcycle.
Yeah, you won't look too "cool" on your rusty ol' 1978 CB400... but it builds character!!! And, isn't that what it's all about kids?
-E
The best advice I can give you is to stop obsessing about hardware. Find some folks who share your riding style and actually go riding. Lots of the folks on this forum have bought overpowererd, uncomfortable hyperbikes which are so far beyond their riding skills that they're much safer and more comfortable sitting in front of their 'puters going on and on and on about the superiority of their bike. Ignore all that blather. Get yourself a used standard (everyone seems to favor the Suzuki SV650) and just go riding. If you find that you love to ride, and you have the money, get the flying brick used in a couple years when your riding skills are up to it.
I know it isn't fashionable anymore, but I think any new rider needs time on something like a 125 or so. I'd say grab a dirt bike-even a dual purpose-for cheap, then move up. You'll be a better rider for it.
Besides, it's a lot more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow!
Besides, it's a lot more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow!
I was in the same position as you a few years ago. I had just taken the course, and I really wanted a BMW. Didn't want to start with a big one (they seemed so large in size, even for a 6'3" guy like me).
So, I bought a used F650 from the local BMW dealer, with the "offer" that I could trade it back in within three months for $500 less than what I was paying for it towards a new R1150GS (the bike I wanted). I went for the deal and bought the R1150GS.
This was a great way to go! I quickly outgrew the F650 and was able to get what I wanted, feeling safer now with some mileage under my belt, and very little cash outlay to ride the F650.
You might try working out something similar with a BMW dealer near you.
So, I bought a used F650 from the local BMW dealer, with the "offer" that I could trade it back in within three months for $500 less than what I was paying for it towards a new R1150GS (the bike I wanted). I went for the deal and bought the R1150GS.
This was a great way to go! I quickly outgrew the F650 and was able to get what I wanted, feeling safer now with some mileage under my belt, and very little cash outlay to ride the F650.
You might try working out something similar with a BMW dealer near you.
I'm only 5'7" and have no trouble riding my R1100GS. BMWs can be good learner bikes. Low power, no plastic, ABS brakes, telelever suspension. Buy yourself a used 1100XX for 6-7 grand, slap engine guards on it and take some MSF courses. You'll be fine.
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771 Posts
Just a thought, try to get seat time on a dirt bike. It WILL make you a better rider. If you have a truck, pick up a cheap used one, and protective gear (dirt can hurt also), and make friends with some dirt guys, have them show you the ropes.
Then get a used standard (650 or smaller). Beat the snot out of it. Then get the Beemer, if thats what you still want in 6months or so. I can guaranty that you will sell the standard, but you will probably keep the dirt bike
Then get a used standard (650 or smaller). Beat the snot out of it. Then get the Beemer, if thats what you still want in 6months or so. I can guaranty that you will sell the standard, but you will probably keep the dirt bike
Wow! Just listen to you guys... 6-7 grand for a first bike? How about $600 - $700 for a first bike!!!
That's a lot of coin to be throwing into a hobby that's not for everyone...
A nice POS bike works best as a learner...
And, if you're so inclined, you'll feel less intimidated to try your hand at wrenching on a $700 bike vs. a $7000 bike...
My 2 cents.
-E
That's a lot of coin to be throwing into a hobby that's not for everyone...
A nice POS bike works best as a learner...
And, if you're so inclined, you'll feel less intimidated to try your hand at wrenching on a $700 bike vs. a $7000 bike...
My 2 cents.
-E
Test Ride, Test Ride & Then Test Ride Some More!
Hoy, A$$Daddy!
After you have passed the MSF course, go out and test ride as many different bikes as you can get your arse on. THEN make your decision and get what YOU like the best. And don't get caught up on all the squid hype about quarter mile times, racetrack prowess, weight, etc. You don't have to worry about bike size/displacement either. If you are a mature adult, you will ride sensibly and you will excercise prudent and judicious throttle and braking control. Just because the bike will go from 0-60 in 3.0 sec and run 150 mph, doesn't mean you have to. If the K1200GT is what you want after you have test ridden a few bikes, then go get it and be happy. But you might also find out that an Aprilia Tuono, Buell XB12R, Ducati ST4s, KTM 950 Adventure, HD Screaming Eagle Road King or Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans are what you really can't live w/o.
Singles and Twins Forever!
Hoy, A$$Daddy!
After you have passed the MSF course, go out and test ride as many different bikes as you can get your arse on. THEN make your decision and get what YOU like the best. And don't get caught up on all the squid hype about quarter mile times, racetrack prowess, weight, etc. You don't have to worry about bike size/displacement either. If you are a mature adult, you will ride sensibly and you will excercise prudent and judicious throttle and braking control. Just because the bike will go from 0-60 in 3.0 sec and run 150 mph, doesn't mean you have to. If the K1200GT is what you want after you have test ridden a few bikes, then go get it and be happy. But you might also find out that an Aprilia Tuono, Buell XB12R, Ducati ST4s, KTM 950 Adventure, HD Screaming Eagle Road King or Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans are what you really can't live w/o.
Singles and Twins Forever!
I think a cheap bike and a year or two of experience is on order before taking the "plunge". Having never ridden a motorcycle, you don't know how you will react to having your life flash before your eyes when some idiot pulls in front of you and you think you might die. Getting the crap scared out of you may change your mind about this sport. The other factor, is how you may react to being injured. Falling down hurts, and you may do that once or twice early in your career. How you react when you fall and get scraped up, or possibly break something will tell you if this is your gig. Like some guy said above, "motorcycling isn't for everyone". I would find out if it's for you before buying a big dollar bike. Riding in the dirt is the best teacher, if you can do that, else go for the cheap road bike and get lots of practice.
Hobby, pastime, "way of life", call it what you will, it still rules nonetheless...
Some people are just not cut out to be motorcyclists, & they find out the hard way.
Broken bones, lost $$$, or worse! I'm just trying to pass on some advise. Sorry if my verbiage was not "hardcore" enough for you.
-E
Some people are just not cut out to be motorcyclists, & they find out the hard way.
Broken bones, lost $$$, or worse! I'm just trying to pass on some advise. Sorry if my verbiage was not "hardcore" enough for you.
-E
don't get a beemer ...
get a bike you wouldn't mind see flop on its side in a parking lot. because that's prolly what's going to happen before you get the hang of riding. i suggest getting a used thrasher of a bike smaller than 500 cc ... the suzuki gs500 is an excellent choice and there are tons of 'em out there. some can be had for less than $1,500. ride the thrasher for a year, then buy what you want. you'll be qualified at that point.
get a bike you wouldn't mind see flop on its side in a parking lot. because that's prolly what's going to happen before you get the hang of riding. i suggest getting a used thrasher of a bike smaller than 500 cc ... the suzuki gs500 is an excellent choice and there are tons of 'em out there. some can be had for less than $1,500. ride the thrasher for a year, then buy what you want. you'll be qualified at that point.
Joined
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911 Posts
The SV 650 is so bland, it will blow the doors off the rest on your list, when the rest start having expensive mainteanance calls the, Little SV will be asking for the occasional oil change and still blow the doors off the rest, and for alot less money, which is very important for a beginer.
Joined
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911 Posts
Good move on your part to take the MSF course.
Your second good move should be to buy a cheap used bike and put your new knowledge to use, then as Longride mentioned above, see how you cope with the fear and the pain first. This is usually what makes or brakes a beginer, if you pass the trial by fire, you may be in it for life!
Good luck.
P.S. A dirt bike would be a very good idea.
Your second good move should be to buy a cheap used bike and put your new knowledge to use, then as Longride mentioned above, see how you cope with the fear and the pain first. This is usually what makes or brakes a beginer, if you pass the trial by fire, you may be in it for life!
Good luck.
P.S. A dirt bike would be a very good idea.
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