Hello All
I haven't ridden in 26 years and want to get back into the saddle. My choices currently are R1150R or a F650, F800ST. Not having been riding for so long and wanting a bike that can comfortably take me cross country and general duties...
I've heard many opinions from, the R is too heavy and not really a beginner's bike to if you use common sense the bike will work for you. Is there anyone out there that has been or is in a similar position that can cast some enlightenment? As you can see, I'm partial to the R.
Cheers
Gary
New/Re-entry Rider
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DJ Downunder
- Honorary Lifer
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Hi Gary and welcome.
There are many here who have bought an R1150R as a first bike and /or are in a similar situation as you..and they have had no problems at all.
I guess how big/strong you are would also help..but still not nessesary..I think the RR is a great beginners bike..and the better choice for riding cross country.
Maybe you sould go to a BMW dealer and do some test rides and see what you like..I think the RR is the best 'do it all bike'....good luck.
DJ
There are many here who have bought an R1150R as a first bike and /or are in a similar situation as you..and they have had no problems at all.
I guess how big/strong you are would also help..but still not nessesary..I think the RR is a great beginners bike..and the better choice for riding cross country.
Maybe you sould go to a BMW dealer and do some test rides and see what you like..I think the RR is the best 'do it all bike'....good luck.
DJ
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DJ Downunder
- Honorary Lifer
- Posts: 4776
- Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2005 3:26 pm
- Location: Melbourne
Ooops..double post.. 
DJ
DJ
Last edited by DJ Downunder on Sat Apr 14, 2007 7:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Hey Gary - welcome to this board. My opinion is that the R is perfect for what you said you are wanting. And I don't think it would be too much bike after 26 years of not riding. It is definitely not one you will 'outgrow' and it is so versatile.
Kristi
05 Granite Grey
05 Granite Grey
I bought my R as my first bike and before I had my endorsement. Took the Team Oregon class, got on it and have been happliy motoring around ever since. You have experience, so I think it would be fine. I have cases on mine and a trunk and am comfortable on it for 8 or more hours a day. Ride it year round in a kinds of weather with no problems. Couldn't be happier with buying it as my first/beginner bike.
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WileyRufus
- Basic User
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- Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 7:31 pm
- Location: Oak Park, IL
Hi Gary,
2 years ago, I was in a similar situation. My first bike was a Yamaha 55 when I was 16, rode a Honda 150 for a while in collage, a Yamaha 175 dirt bike all over the sand dunes and back roads of Wisconsin when I was in the Coast Guard, and a Honda 305 for a few years. Laid off bikes when my son ws born in 1974, and then took the MSF course in 2005. First bike I bought then was a 1200GS. After a few days of very careful riding, I was back in the swing of it and have not looked back. I was apprehensive about a big bike as a re-entry, but it turned out to be not a problem. Sold the 12GS this March when I went to test ride a F800ST. I rode that and liked it but was not overly impressed with it. I then got on a R1200R for a test ride, came back and traded in the GS for it. It's everything I want in a bike.
Jerry
2 years ago, I was in a similar situation. My first bike was a Yamaha 55 when I was 16, rode a Honda 150 for a while in collage, a Yamaha 175 dirt bike all over the sand dunes and back roads of Wisconsin when I was in the Coast Guard, and a Honda 305 for a few years. Laid off bikes when my son ws born in 1974, and then took the MSF course in 2005. First bike I bought then was a 1200GS. After a few days of very careful riding, I was back in the swing of it and have not looked back. I was apprehensive about a big bike as a re-entry, but it turned out to be not a problem. Sold the 12GS this March when I went to test ride a F800ST. I rode that and liked it but was not overly impressed with it. I then got on a R1200R for a test ride, came back and traded in the GS for it. It's everything I want in a bike.
Jerry
Jerry 2007 R1200R
Gary, welcome.
Given your choices seems you want a under $10k bike?
I have ridden a 650, not sure that's a cross country vehicle. fun bike, but after a few hours of highway you might be looking for more oomph.
The F800ST, it has sport rider handle bars, so your back and elbows will be the judge if that is best.
The weight of the R1150R is a concern if you have a short inseam.
Under 30 inches, and the bike needs care with parking lot maneuvers.
But a used R1150R can be had a great price. I have only 15k miles on mine, and it feels just broken in.
Whatever you do, do NOT test ride a R1200R. Your decision will be made, and your price range will change big time. It's a lighter powerhouse, with the same riding position of the 1150.
Given your choices seems you want a under $10k bike?
I have ridden a 650, not sure that's a cross country vehicle. fun bike, but after a few hours of highway you might be looking for more oomph.
The F800ST, it has sport rider handle bars, so your back and elbows will be the judge if that is best.
The weight of the R1150R is a concern if you have a short inseam.
Under 30 inches, and the bike needs care with parking lot maneuvers.
But a used R1150R can be had a great price. I have only 15k miles on mine, and it feels just broken in.
Whatever you do, do NOT test ride a R1200R. Your decision will be made, and your price range will change big time. It's a lighter powerhouse, with the same riding position of the 1150.
Freedom is dangerous. Those in power that steal freedom are more dangerous.
I was a re-entry rider after our last (surprise) child. I gave it up for about 14 years. Then I rode our oldest's H-D Sportster (he was storing it at my place while his house was being built. He asked me if I'd "mind" riding it a bit.)
Next thing I know I test rode an R1150R. Yes, it's heavy. Be preparred when you stop that you have firm footing. I'm a 30" inseam so it's OK, but not much room to play. I also have strong legs.
If you get ABS, be prepared. If you brake like on other bikes at slow speeds, you'll stop short and, perhaps unexpectedly. You'll get used to it, but it is different. You might want to use some rear brake at very low speeds.
Other than that, this is a GREAT bike. It has ample power (for me) so I haven't gotten bored with it after four years. Yet it is easily controllable power.
It is as good on the open road as I can imagine a naked bike could be. I added the sport shield and it works for me. If I lived in colder clime I might get the touring shield.
This bike is also a fine commuter - although I'd hate to be in long lines of stop and go traffic daily. It could tax the dry clutch and cooling limits if too extreme.
And she's "fast". Not a wheelie machine (like this ol' fat guy needs that!). But the torque produced by that sweet, flat twin will pull you through curves, and around traffic just fine, thank-you-very-much.
And, as noted above, she's an eye-catcher. Of course, mine's red...the most beautiful color.
Can you tell I'm still in love with my Roadster?
Next thing I know I test rode an R1150R. Yes, it's heavy. Be preparred when you stop that you have firm footing. I'm a 30" inseam so it's OK, but not much room to play. I also have strong legs.
If you get ABS, be prepared. If you brake like on other bikes at slow speeds, you'll stop short and, perhaps unexpectedly. You'll get used to it, but it is different. You might want to use some rear brake at very low speeds.
Other than that, this is a GREAT bike. It has ample power (for me) so I haven't gotten bored with it after four years. Yet it is easily controllable power.
It is as good on the open road as I can imagine a naked bike could be. I added the sport shield and it works for me. If I lived in colder clime I might get the touring shield.
This bike is also a fine commuter - although I'd hate to be in long lines of stop and go traffic daily. It could tax the dry clutch and cooling limits if too extreme.
And she's "fast". Not a wheelie machine (like this ol' fat guy needs that!). But the torque produced by that sweet, flat twin will pull you through curves, and around traffic just fine, thank-you-very-much.
And, as noted above, she's an eye-catcher. Of course, mine's red...the most beautiful color.
Can you tell I'm still in love with my Roadster?
- Bill #438, Lifetime
If I'm going to grow up, I'd better hurry.....oh well.
If I'm going to grow up, I'd better hurry.....oh well.