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Well I just go my license here in Germany. Before taking the test I will have logged about 18 hours on a single cylinder BMW F650GS. That's the bike my driving school uses to teach people going for there A license. My license restricts me to motorcycles with a power output no greater than 25KW(34HP).Now I've read alot about not going too big when buying your first motorcycle and I do understand the thought behind it. I'm 6ft 240lbs. My main consideration is I'll be using this motorcycle to get back and forth to work and that ride includes about 10km on the autobahn. So I'm thinking several of the 250's may not feel safe during this part of the commute. The list of bike's I'm considering are

1. BMW G650GS with power restricition
2. Honda CBR250
3. Suzuki GZ250
4. BMW F650GS with power restriction

Now my question is the reason behind suggesting a smaller bike due to horsepower or the fact that the motorcycles are more lightweight. Alot of motorcycles sold here in europe have an optional power reduction kit mounted at the dealer to accomidate riders with a restricted license. I really like the feel of the BMW I'm was taught on and would like something with a similiar seat position and I love the ABS.

Howdy and welcome to the forum. I believe the reason for thinking smaller bike's for beginners is because their easier to get around on. Fighter pilots start out in small planes and learn to fly them before moving on to the larger fighters.

Hi and welcome!

Germany is a great country, we've been there a couple of times and looking forward to going back in the near future!

Depending on your height/weight you may choose to start with one of the smaller stature bikes. It's definitely easier to learn on something lighter/smaller. Yes this might mean moving up within a few years (or however long it takes you to get comfortable) but this is a good trade off if you start off more confident.

At 6' and your weight, you may find yourself a bit more comfy on either 2 of the BMW's. Secondly, you will probably get a better trade in later when you want to upgrade. Yes I know a lot of Germans like the rice burners, but they are very faithful to their German brand.

Drew from Germany!

I really love Germany, I think it is one of the most friendlist countries in all the EU! The people, food and scenery and top notch.

About a first bike. I'm surprised they taught on a 650, but it was restricted (most likely which is good) so it was more like a 250 I would imagine.

For the first bit, I would completely avoid the autobaun (if it's an unlimited area)... otherwise you need to go a min of 60km/h (62?) I beleive, so really, a 250cc is perfectly fine going those speeds (up to say 150km/h). Plus, you really want to hone your riding skills before riding that fast anyways (thus a smaller bike is PERFECT for doing that).

I'd go with #2 or #3 depending what you like the look of. #2 would offer more power, but #3 more relaxed riding...

Mike

Will a 250 feel safe cruising on the autobahn at or around 130k? I know the minimum to drive on the Autobahn is 61k but that just doesn't seem smart.

collian1 wrote:Will a 250 feel safe cruising on the autobahn at or around 130k? I know the minimum to drive on the Autobahn is 61k but that just doesn't seem smart.

Sure, but it's near the top of it's speed limit and I do not think it would have much more power to pass.

As a new biker in your shoes, I would be very weary of going on the autobahn as there are cars going much faster than 130km/h, some over 300km/h. It just isn't that "safe" for a new rider on it even with the autobahn's great safety record.

If you are looking to go that fast as a new rider and thinking a 650cc would allow to you to 200km/h (and faster), I would be very worried your new skills wouldn't be strong enough to get you out of trouble faster enough at those speeds.

There must be some secondary highways or slower roads you could commute with?

Mike

P.S. Don't forget to say "Thanks" to all the others who have given you some really great advice and welcomed you to the community too.

There are a few secondary roads to work but that takes a 15 minute commute into 45 minutes since it goes through 4 villages as 50km/h and there are portions on this route where it's unrestricted or atleast feels that way my peugot has been blown by several times going this way. As far as learning with my school yes the BMW was restricted however because of my age I am eligible for A direct and the intructor wanted to teach me on a GSR-600. After informing him why I wanted a motorcycle license as a commuter back and forth to work and weekend cruising. We backed off going for A direct. My instructor is awesome!!!

Have you considered a Suzuki Savage/Boulevard (650, single)?
According to Wikipedia, it's only ~30 horsepower. http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... ardS40.htm

Well thanks for the suggestions. I still haven't made up my mind. I think I'll just have to live with sitting on bikes in the dealership for now. There's only one more month of riding weather left anyway. I'll just have to save it all up until April. I wish I could find a TU250 but for some reason it's not available here in Germany.