Hey folks. I'm new here and just wanted to introduce myself to everyone. I'm 28, from New Jersey, USA. I don't yet have my motorcycle license, but will very soon. I am into fast cars and have always had an interest in motorcycles. I used to freestyle/flatland ride BMX bikes and still mountain bike every now and then, but now i'm in need of something with an actual motor on it haha. I have contemplated between different types of bikes up until recently. I've looked at Cruisers(HD 883 Iron), SportBikes(Yamaha R6) and Adventure bikes. I have several friends have Sport Bikes that have attempted to convince me in getting one, but I've always looked at Sport Bikes as dangerous. I think I'd kill myself on one. I know that they've all fallen off them before and the last thing I need is that. Not saying that other bikes aren't dangerous as well or anything, but I just think the availability of all that extra speed/performance is just asking for it. Every time, I kept going back to the adventure bikes in my Pros/Cons comparison of the perfect bike for me. I wanted something I can ride for long distances, comfortably, & enjoy and it seems like these types of bikes would suit me better. Did some further homework and visited a local bike dealer which carries BMW, sat on a few(HOLY COW that 1200GS is freakin' HUGE) and fell in love with the F800GS. I've watched nearly every video on youtube containing one. Just seems like an awesome bike. I'm pretty much set on it. Now, I just have to focus on getting my license. Oh and btw, after days of searching I found myself a new copy of Long Way Down Collectors Edition set and am hooked! Greatest show ever! Makes me even more anxious than I already am haha.
Welcome. It's obvious you've been bitten by the bug. Sorry, but there is no cure. All of us here will no doubt endorse your choice of an F800GS. And after 36,000 miles on mine, I'm just as happy with it as I ever was. But here's a bit of sage advice I had to learn the hard way: Buy a cheap beater as your first bike, learn how to ride on it, and then, after you've dropped it a bunch of times, palm it off on some other n00b and buy the bike of your dreams. Other than also having two wheels, riding a motorcycle is nothing like riding a bicycle. Nothing that you learned on a bicycle will translate, and you can kill (or seriously injure) yourself just as easily on an F800 as you can on an R6. Oh, and take an MSF class. Thus endeth the lecture. Good luck!
Well, we can't fault you for enthusiasm, but at the risk of raining on your parade I will inject a bit of reality to your bike search: new riders fall down. Especially when they take their bikes off the pavement. If you're going to ride only the pavement, the GS is still a big bike for a first bike, but your chances of not dumping it before its first oil change rise dramatically. It takes time and practice to get used to riding with less traction than pavement provides. If you're going to try the dirt, I'd recommend starting with a smaller, lighter, used motorcycle (KLR 650, DR-Z400S, DR650, or even a 250) so you can the ropes. And take an offroad class like the one offered by here: http://www.bmwoffroadacademy.com/home.html where you can drop someone else's bike while you learn.
^ What he said. And if you want to watch a REALLY good movie, go find yourself a copy of Dust to Glory. I did enjoy the three above, too.
As already mentioned, take the MSF and buy a cheaper, less powerful bike like the KLR 650 first. Then trade up to the F800GS after you've got a handle on things and ample experience in the dirt and on pavement. And throw away that box set! Ewan is a nincompoop! I'm glad I bought my bike before seeing an episode; otherwise, I would never have known how great these bikes are. Have fun and good luck.
I'm a new rider as well, welcome. Lots of good info here for sure. have fun, be safe...the classes really help imho. And I like those videos too..who cares what anyone else thinks if you like them, then watch them and enjoy them.
The F800GS was my first bike. The advice above is very sage indeed but if you're taught well, are damned a good rider and ride with your head rather than your wrist then you can get away with it. I've dropped the 800 three times in 16,000 miles; once with consequences including a broken collar bone and ribs. Am I a competent rider? Yes, I've had to become one. My defensive riding technique makes up for a lack of experience. Am I a good rider? Not even close, still learning every day. The reason I went straight to it was you've got 25 years on me so I had no time to waste farting around with a 'learner' bike. I've got places to go and no time to waste. I therefore endorse what's said above. Get a second-hand KLR or DLR and ride it for a season. Then go for it.
+1 to what others have said..learn on an older cheaper model. You probably noticed Charlie and Ewan crashed a bit. (ok a LOT) and they had a full team with them to keep them going!! when every repair has to come out of your pocket it can get a bit painful!!
Then test ride one. If it feels good and controllable, buy your dream bike. You won't have regrets and anyone can learn to ride anything. If it feels big and unmanageable then you will know you need to learn on something smaller and won't wonder if you passed on your dream bike. After mastering the smaller bike, try again on the next dream bike. Heart and passion trumps advice ( I am aware of the irony after giving my two bits ). Yes I bought my dream bike ( at the time ) after many people said it was too big.
Hey, welcome. Get ur licence, buy ur BMW and pm me , I also leave in nj and my first bike is a f800 gs ,and let me tell u don't waste ur money in other bike and go for it. U won't regret it. Best machine ever. But I agree w other inmates is a powerful babe, so be careful and enjoy it
Had everything from home made mini bike, Rupp mini, Honda 90, 160, 175, 305,350, 450, 750, (put 6000 miles on the 90 alone 1 summer) then went 35 years without a bike. Went to Texas and made the mistake of riding a buddies 650 KLR for 75 miles and was bitten by the bug. Checked out some Hondas and the Suzuki DR 650. Rode another buddies wee-strom and liked it too. Started seriously looking for 650 dual sport, Googled it and was amazed at all the different choices- got to BMW in the B's and saw the add for the F650GS (i think it was a red one) and then the note that said "and its big brother the F800GS (it was the yellow one" when I saw that I was hooked. Coolest, nastiest, hottest, best looking - you get the idea. Went to a dealer the next day to touch one. All they had was the white one which didn't quite flip my switch. Found a 6 month old one with 1040 mil on it that night on-line for a fair price and went and bought it the next day.I have to disagree with others on here as I didn't find it very fast- NO!!!! IT IS SCREAMING FAST! With close to 12,000 miles on it I'm still not sure what it'll do, but it is a freaking blast to ride. Don't waste your money on a KLR or anything else if the F800 is what you want. Do get the F800GS and put some Highway Dirt Bike handguards and some good crash bars on it before you start riding. Thent drive within your limits or you will break an expensive part of the bike or you. Ease in to the dual part of the experience. Dirt is not bad, wet grass, sand and gravel suck and baby head rocks kill.
Ah, you young punks never had to wait for anything, did ya? Everything is NOW, NOW, NOW. No sense in saving up for anything good, is there? Buncha crybabies, that's what you are! Why, in my day... HEY! YOU! GET OFFA MY LAWN!!! :huh
Interesting. First I've ever heard this. Agree with the MSF and smaller bike if the plans include offroad. Even if they don't, but an F800 or even a KLR650 in the woods is a bunch of bike to be trying to learn the basics on. Unless one is exceptionally gifted with a natural ability, riding one in the woods will inspire you to get a dirt bike.
+1 also If you start with your dream bike it will be difficult to grow and change for a better/bigger one, and you won't be able to dream about you're futur adventures on your futur bike (remember the best bike is always your own ) and for the money you're saving you can get a lot of gas and farkles welcome to the big rider famely (and also welcome to adv riders )