bmw as first bike?

[hidethesky]

Could any of the BMW opposed twin bikes ever be considered acceptable first bikes?

I'm 40, 6'1", 185lbs. Just passed my MSF (on a 500cc Buell Blast) and am looking for something safe and reliable. I am not interested in riding fast, I want a bike to handle the congested traffic in suburban Detroit.

I was originally infatuated with the Yamaha FZ-6 because it's so cool looking, and it's a lot of bike for the money. But it's now off my shopping list because I think it's just too powerful for me.

So I was starting to settle of a Suzuki GS500f. I'm not really crazy about this bike, but I'm confident I can handle it.

Then I saw a 2004 BMW R1150R on sale locally and I just loved it.
What do you think?
If this is too much bike, are any of the older BMW opposed twin bikes suitable?

Thanks for your advice.

[sapaul]

Let me help you, I am bike fan of all makes, but BMW are my favourites, if it was not for the large amount of touring that we do I would no doubt have had the R1150R, only just pipped by the R1150RT. At a recent track day next to my K1200S I recorded my best times on an R1150R, even better than the R1100S. Stick a big screen on that baby and you have the ideal tar bike that will handle anything from going to the shops to cross country trips. Do not be fooled by the boxer twin and low revs this bike can move when you want it to, but can also cruise for hours and hours. Ergo's are great for rider and pillion, plenty of after market and best of all, almost no maintenance. That shaft will just go for ever, you need to check oil, tyres and brake fluid levels, that's about it. One aspect I liked is the wide bars, they feel very stable and allow for sharp steering without feeling like your kissing the tarmac. Best advice, test drive one. If it feels right buy it. If it does not, it does not matter what I say.

[TechTMW]

BMW Airheads (The last was built in 1995) Provide great comfort, are bulletproof and simple to work on. They still command a relative premium in the used market though, but are worth looking out for.

I recently picked up a 1991 R80 (German spec) for $1000. Only 9,000 km's on it. I would recommend the r80 r75/5 on up, etc etc. The only issue you have with airheads is learning how to keep the carbs synchronized.

The oilheads are a the modern boxers. They are also great engines, but for a beginner may still be too pricey, and all are probably more powerful than what I would recommend for a beginner .... except for the r850r ...

Check out cycle trader http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/2/6/79912826.htm

As a bonus Old airheads make GREAT Cafe Racers if you are into that -
http://www.suicidemission.com/motorcycl ... fe2big.jpg

[Lion_Lady]

As a the relatively new owner of an R1150R Rockster (the sportier version), I'll say that the boxer will make an excellent second bike, an iffy first bike.

Its on the heavy side for a firsty (just over 500 lbs with all fluids) with a relatively high center of gravity, which means once she starts to lean, it is REALLY REALLY hard to keep it from going down. (But the cylinder heads will keep your feet from getting crunched.)

35 more horses (85HP) than is generally suggested for newbies.

The boxers are very 'owner maintenance' friendly. Which is a plus. Few BMW owners will buy parts from anyone but a trusted dealer, so they are not likely to get stolen, not even for joy riding cause the ABS which is on most new BMWs is scary to potential theives.

Get a used "UJM" for this year, then keep your eyes open for the perfect used R1150R for next spring... even used BMW's are a good bet. And high miles are not a problem.

www.ibmwr.org is a good source for well kept used BMW's

P

[Aggroton]

At a recent track day next to my K1200S

please please please post some pics of your bike....i am so in love with that sweet german steel.

[RandK]

Hi:
Kathy and I have only been riding for 8-9 months. After passing the msf course we had a Blast for a short period. Luckily for us got in touch with the right people who pointed us towards BMW for the kind of riding we wanted to do. We ended up getting a couple of 650gs bikes and have had a great time. In my opinion they would make a great first bike (did for us). Very easy to handle, very forgiving, plenty of get up and go compared to the Blast. They have a C model also that is more for the road as opposed to the gs which is dual purpose.
I just traded in my 650 gs on a new 1200 gs. Took a big hit on the trade in but after test riding the 1200 just no comparison. Great bike, once again easy to handle but not as forgiving as the 650. I think you would find the 650 very confidence building, the 1200 requires a little more respect. The 650's were getting 60 miles per gallon and with a 4 gallon tank, we were never concerned about fuel. The 1200 is getting 40 or so mpg, I seem to be stopping for fuel more often.
RandK

[hidethesky]

Thanks for the input so far.
I had the day off work and visited seven motorcycle dealerships today, including two BMW dealers (benefit of living in a large city).

I still really like the R1150R, but it does feel big. Maybe this is something I should continue to aspire to.

I took another look at the Suzuki GS500f, and am still not inspired by it.

At one dealership, I asked the salesman to suggest the perfect first bike and he took me straight to the Yamaha FZ-6. So I'm still undecided.

And then..
I stopped into the MotoGuzzi dealership and sat on a Breva 750. It felt really good, and I can't stop thinking about it. I'm going to go back tomorrow for a test ride.

[PhilD9er]

Sure, but they're a bit heavy. Years ago I helped a friend get set up with a BMW as his first bike. It was a 1962 R(60 or 65, can't remember)S. Beautiful black number which had been nicely maintained by the owner. He learned to ride on New England twisties, and enjoyed the hell out of that bike.

Those boxers are mellow and very well made. Just mind the weight.

[sapaul]

The Brevia is a vast improvement on the Old Guzzi's and they were good. As a first bike you may find it a little heavy and that v twin can be a little upseting if you are not used to it. Really good bike though feels muscular when you ride it. Good for the cafe, good for the long distance if you ride nice, if you ride quick it could be breezy. Good luck for the test drive.

[sapaul]

Hey Randk, how is that new GS1200 coming, guys ride around the outside of SBK riders here on that bike. Awsome handling with the suspension set a bit stiff and as versatile as anything.