Welcome N00bie & Luker here

[..::LOST::..]

Hi all, I'm a totally new here to AdvRider.com and the whole Adventure Riding concept. Next week I'm picking up my R1200GS 2009 bike. I've been seeing some back and forth between the 2009 and 2010 models in regards to the cam and HP gain. Would this engine improvement be a deal breaker for some of you, would you prefer the 2010 over the 2009?

Now I probably won't be taking on any big adventure rides anytime soon, because I want to spend some time getting use to the ride. I'm a return rider and haven't been on a bike in over 8 years. The R1200GS bike I'm picking up has the premium package so there are some really good features there. It's also in the Namibia Orange color. One question is I'm 6'3 and 250 lbs - is there anything concerning about my height and weight for the bike? Yea I'm on a diet :-). I do stress I'm very very new to these GS bikes. I've been looking at all the add on mods and comparing the standard bike to the Adventure. I'm also very confused as to some riding gear... For one, helmets. What's a popular helmet for these GS bikes. I was sort of digging the Shark helmet, but to me that seemed more like a sport bike helmet, so I could use some suggestions there. Also mods, the first thing I wanted to do is install a crash bar to protect the heads, and install a Remus exhaust to beef up the sound. I love tuned exhausts.... but is it worth it, or is the stock good enough? Those would get me started. Does some or any of this sound right to you all? Like I said I'm very new to this. I'm just comparing this to when I modified my Jeep. There was some pecking order to that as I'm sure there is one for the GS bikes.

Recap: Gear, helmets, what's a popular style for GS bikes?
MODs: Crash bar (brand), want to install fogs, and Remus exhaust. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance and sorry if I'm blending multiple threads into one. I've also searched the forum a lot, and the results for me just make the decisions more confusing. Any assistance would be helpful.

Respectfully,
Jay

[boodalu]

I have had 6 gs's over the years. Some had lots of mods, some had none. My advice is to ride it for a few thousand miles before you do anything. You will like this bike! Good luck and ride safely.

[Wheresmurph]

I love my Shark.




With the chin bar all the way back

[..::LOST::..]

Originally Posted by MurfDaSurf

I love my Shark.




With the chin bar all the way back

That's the exact one I'm looking at - except it's completely white. I love the idea of the flip back chin guard and the drop down sun visor.

[..::LOST::..]

Originally Posted by boodalu

I have had 6 gs's over the years. Some had lots of mods, some had none. My advice is to ride it for a few thousand miles before you do anything. You will like this bike! Good luck and ride safely.

Understood and I'll yield to mods initially. Thanks for the comment,s it's very much appreciated.

-Jay