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I'm a beginner in the motorcycle world but I really like the BMW R1200GS and thinking of getting it as my first bike. It is a big bike though and many people say that beginners shouldn't ride big bikes unless they are big themselves. I weigh between 175-185 pounds, do you think I could handle the BMW R1200GS at my size?

no.

get the F650GS first and work your way up

I spent a month or two on a 650cc crusier. Then I snapped and got a new R1200RT. I also laid said RT down in a parking space and have purdy new scratches on it. D'oh.

I'd get the 650GS first, plenty of pep for a newb. Learn then scrap it for your dream machine.

Silverbackman wrote:I'm a beginner in the motorcycle world but I really like the BMW R1200GS and thinking of getting it as my first bike. It is a big bike though and many people say that beginners shouldn't ride big bikes unless they are big themselves. I weigh between 175-185 pounds, do you think I could handle the BMW R1200GS at my size?

Though the R1200GS is lighter than the R1150GS (non-metal tank on the newer model along with other weight cutting mods) it is still a LOT of motorcycle to deal with.

Start out on something, ANYTHING smaller and lighter and ride it for at least 6 months or more to get all the basic skills down to "little thought required" THEN you can probably manage the 1200.

If you want the dual sport style, why not check out a "wee strom:" Suzuki V-strom 650. Bet you can find one used.

The BMW 650 is quite pricey, even used, but you might have some luck finding one here: www.ibmwr.org marketplace, "f bikes."

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Lion_Lady wrote: The BMW 650 is quite pricey, even used, but you might have some luck finding one here: www.ibmwr.org marketplace, "f bikes."

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Depends how to define "pricey". You can pick one up in Metro Detroit for around 5-6K gently used. Good deal for a quality bike.

Absolutely not a beginner bike. If you buy it, I think you should let me ride it for a couple of years until you're ready.

I love that bike.

dzervit wrote:

Lion_Lady wrote: The BMW 650 is quite pricey, even used, but you might have some luck finding one here: www.ibmwr.org marketplace, "f bikes."

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Depends how to define "pricey". You can pick one up in Metro Detroit for around 5-6K gently used. Good deal for a quality bike.

I guess my point is, why spend $5-$6K buying a BMW "learner/step-up" ride, when you can get a decent UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle) learner for $3-$4K?

Why pay the big bucks for 'quality' when you don't plan to own it for the long haul? He can bank the extra money for the down payment on that R1200GS.

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Lion_Lady wrote: Why pay the big bucks for 'quality' when you don't plan to own it for the long haul? He can bank the extra money for the down payment on that R1200GS.

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'Cuz when you get a nice one the first time around you may find you like it and keep it as a spare/quick ride to the store. You can never have to many bikes....

Plus its not like he's gonna take a huge loss (if any) on any starter bike... I see your point, however. It makes perfect fiscal sense.

Silverbackman wrote:I weigh between 175-185 pounds, do you think I could handle the BMW R1200GS at my size?

No. Handing a motorcycle has nothing to do with your size. Lots of big bruisers of men have this testosterone-laden mentality that they can handle a "big bike" just because they are large themselves. (Although many of those guys are usually just lumbering, out-of-shape, fatsos.)

Regardless of how big or tough any guy thinks they are, when 500lbs of motorcycle starts to fall on your leg, good luck trying to stop it.

Handling a motorcycle has to do with your skill and finesse and know-how of maneuvering it properly. Those things have nothing to do with brute strength. Those things have to do with experience. You don't have any yet. The R1200GS is $15,000 and 100HP and 496lbs. As a beginner, get a bike that is more manageable ... or set money aside for broken clutch-levers.

I dont even have a bike yet.. lol still looking for one.. but i wouldnt go for 1200 Defenityl not that monstor.....

I would start with a 250 or a 500.. at most 600