ABS, tall bikes, decisions decisions
I'm looking to get back into motorcycling after a 10 year hiatus. I re-took the MSF course, so I guess I'm good to go.
Here's my dilemma: I really want a bike with ABS, and have been looking at the BMW G650GS. But I'm only 5'10" and this bike feels huge. Is this something that I will probably get used to in the first few hours?
The SV650 ABS is still on Suzuki's website, but I've heard it has been discontinued. Anyone know if they are available.
Generally, am I barking up the wrong tree with a liquid cooled 50+ HP 650cc single as a starter bike? Would I be better off foregoing ABS and starting back up on a rebel or ninja 250 or something?
I guess my ultimate bike would be something like the suzuki S40 with ABS if they made that... Any suggestions?
Unfortunately, the S40
Unfortunately, the S40 doesn't come with ABS, but since you have some experience riding, it probably wouldn't be a bad bike to come back into riding with. I think generally, you only see ABS on the larger/more expensive bikes.
My 2 cents
I'm shorter than you are, and I really felt comfortable on the BMW G650GS. I really liked the lower seat height, and the riding position. I guess the "hugeness" of it is a result of it's higher handlebars, especially compared to my Suzuki GS500F. I know the BMW dealer here does allow scheduled test drives... somthing you could check into. For a smaller price tag, you might also check a similar bike, the Suzuki Vstrom DL650, which I believe is available with ABS. However, I think it feels "huger" than the BMW G650GS.
One note on ABS, there has been several comments on that topic lately, so read some of the other topics. Personally, I don't know much about it since I haven't ever rode a bike with it before.
As far as where you should begin again, only you are familiar with your confidence level. I did not feel confident enough to start with a 600CC+ bike, but I also thought the 250 would not meet my needs, so I went with the 500CC. It has been just the right fit for me. Others on here have had great starts with 600-650CC bikes. What type of bike did you ride 10 years ago?
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2004 Suzuki GS500F
My old bikes were both 250's.
My old bikes were both 250's. A honda and a suzuki.
I took the MSF class on a buell blast. Thats a 498CC air cooled single, but physically it's a lot smaller than the GS, and way less powerful.
I'm talking myself into the GS. I think I'll probably be fine, and it's got all the features I want. I think it's mostly a matter of gaining confidence over the first few rides.
Philadelphia, PA
2009 BMW G650GS
How much riding were you
How much riding were you doing 10 years ago?
Always a lot of debate on ABS, I happen to think it is 99% of the time a good thing. However, if you really have to relearn basics, less power and weight will offset risk more than ABS will. Not to mention the "stress" of cost in the event of a drop.
If you road a lot, it will come back fast . . . and that 650 is not massif. Dry clutch however, isn't it? Might not be the bike to burn up a bunch of parking lot hours on relearning the friction zone skills . . . not sure I am right on that. Just seems logical for a dry clutch . . more of a road bike than a "ride like a pro" practice bike. ((-;
2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Sales, Peterson's North Miami Store
Bought the G650GS yesterday!
Bought the G650GS yesterday! It's being delivered on Wednesday, I can't wait.
Philadelphia, PA
2009 BMW G650GS
Sounds exciting!
Congratulations on the BMW! I hope you post some pictures for us when you get the chance. We love seeing pictures of new bikes!
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2004 Suzuki GS500F
I sat on a few BMW's today .
I sat on a few BMW's today . . not sure what they were .. r 1200 something duel sport was one. Not awful other than my feet being behind me. (-; Sat on a big touring bike too, that thing was down right comfortable.
It was my first trip into a BMW dealer . . they really are nice bikes. I'll have to read up some on them.
2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Sales, Peterson's North Miami Store
Bike will be here in about 12
Bike will be here in about 12 hours!!! Anyone have any tips for the first day / the first week? I am going to take it really slow. Unfortunately it's supposed to rain tomorrow here in Philly, but I'll probably at least go around the block.
As an aside -- how challenging is it to start out on a steep hill? Is it that much different then driving a stick? The parking garage to my building is down a steep ramp.
SH
Philadelphia, PA
2009 BMW G650GS
Just take her slow and easy
Just take her slow and easy at first. Check out this vid for tips on starting on an incline.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5X1FjCxMvc
Thanks for that link. That
Thanks for that link. That helps.
Bikes running well. It was a really wet ride this morning getting it home but I just had a nice little (dry) cafe run.
I only have this one picture, and it's kind of terrible, but I'll take more.
(every time I look at this I think I left my gloves downstairs!)
Philadelphia, PA
2009 BMW G650GS
Tip #1
Live in parking lots for your first few days/weeks. Drill the crap out of everything that you are remotely uncomfortable with. A partial list includes:
- Threshold braking (i.e. stopping as quickly as possible)
- Rapid acceleration/deceleration using only the throttle, being as smooth as possible (this will prepare you not to tighten that sphincter if you accidentally grab too much gas)
- Smooth upshifting/downshifting (try to get as quick as possible on the way up, don't worry about fast downshifting yet).
- "Slow races": trying to go as slow as possible in a straight line. Try to go slower than gramps and his walker.
- Slow speed maneuvers: S-turns, U-turns, etc.
- Fast swerves, as taught MSF-style
- Harder, faster turns with higher lean angles. With these you really want to focus on:
1) Two-step vision: first look at the point where you're going to turn in. Once you get close to it, look for the apex of your turn.
2) Head and eyes up, look where you want to go, blah blah blah.
3) Slow down once (that means either braking, engine braking, or both) coming into the turn, make only one big turning motion (minute corrections are fine after this), and get on the gas only once per turn. That means get on the gas a TINY bit early, and progressively roll on more and more as you get out of the turn.
4) Your body position. Make sure you are never more upright than the bike. Lean WITH your bike. Don't get crossed-up.
That's a pretty good list to get you started, and that'll take plenty of time in the parking lots for you to nail down. Once you get those down I HIGHLY suggest long-term practice of the following not-so-commonly-known (but extremely useful) techniques:
- Trail braking: the ability to safely brake while leaned/turning. This can save your life.
- Brake + blip downshifting: allows you to brake and downshift very quickly at the same time, allowing you to always be in the engine's powerband even after a sudden slow-down. This is also very helpful in situations where something unexpected happens in front of you.
- If you're REALLY ballsy, I suggest learning to control a power wheelie on your bike. It's scary as hell when you first start out, but this practice and experience will save you if it ever happens as a result of an error. Note, I'm not suggesting you learn how to wheelie. I'm suggesting you learn how to get your nose back on the ground if for whatever reason you accidentally give too much gas. It may not be an issue on your bike.
If you have any questions about any of this, by all means ask! A lot of people won't necessarily go to these lengths to practice the rarer techniques, and that's fine. I'm the type of person who wants every possible weapon in their arsenal when (not if) unexpected hazards arise, especially on the street. Call me crazy. I probably am ;)
Contemplating a trip to
Contemplating a trip to Annapolis this weekend. Maybe a bit premature, as I haven't had the bike out on the highway yet. Had a really nice in town ride tonight, fired up the hand warmers. Lux-ur-y.
Philadelphia, PA
2009 BMW G650GS
Congrats on the bike. Not
Congrats on the bike.
Not sure how long a trip to Annapolis is, but if you haven't had a ride yet where you spend an hour or so in the saddle, I wouldn't suggest a long trip. If you do take something longer than that, be sure to plan for frequent stops to rest your legs and bum.
As for hill starts, I have to do that getting out of my drive. I practice it 3-4 times going up the drive before every ride (it is also a great reminder on the friction zone). It can be a pain the first couple of times figuring out where the right combination of clutch and rear brake is, but once you get the hang of it, you will wonder why you ever worried about being able to do it. :)
Rain delay, so I'll write a
Rain delay, so I'll write a post.
Thanks for that suggestion. I took the bike on a 45 minute ride today, and definitely needed to stretch.
It's funny, all the things you think about before buying a bike, and how a lot of it is not an issue, and furthermore there are a lot of other concerns. For instance, I agonized over the seat height on this bike, but it is a total non issue. On the other hand, I didn't even think about wind protection. The G650GS stock fairing is this tiny little cowl, so at 60, you get blown to pieces. I'm thinking of getting an aftermarket windscreen for the bike.
Also saving up for a Corbin saddle (unless there is something even better?)
I was having fog issues with my full face helmet, but I solved that today. I went to home depot and bought a pair of fairly normal looking safety glasses. Now I can ride with my face shield open, and close it only when there is enough air moving to prevent fog.
Sorry for the random collection of thoughts.
Philadelphia, PA
2009 BMW G650GS
When I first got the Sporty
When I first got the Sporty the wind seemed a big deal at higher speeds. I tried a windshield, and the darn thing was WORSE. (-;
Hard to put any really big wind screen on that design . . my advise . . hold off a bit. My neighbor told me early on that I would get used to it. He was right. After a while you barley notice the wind blast anymore.
In the mean time, do a ton of reading on line and see what kind of wind screens folks do use, and what kind of issues the run into. Pick any bike and you'll find tons of postings on wind buffeting rattling eyeballs . . . . wind screens are tricky & pricey . .do lots of home work.
That is a great bike, you'll love it.
2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Sales, Peterson's North Miami Store
Visor fogging
There are better options which will prevent visor fogging and allow you to use your full-face helmet as intended.
Do an internet search for "Pinlock Visor" and "Fog City Pro Shield".
The former needs a Pinlock stud equipped visor as well as a Pinlock insert and works spectacularly well (I have one). The Fog City sticks-on to your existing visor and also gets good write-ups (although it may distort your vision slightly).
Wind Blast
Agree with Elwood on waiting a little bit before going out to get a windshield. You may find you get used to it.
My Buell blast has a flyscreen that makes your BMW's look huge. But after a recent 200 mile round trip, most of it at 70mph+ speeds, I find that speeds around 55 don't bother me anymore as they used to.
getting used to it
Yup, you are right, I am getting used to the wind. I had the bike up to about 50 yesterday without any problem, where as the day before I was afraid to turn my head at speed. I'll write a report when I (eventually) take it out on the highway.
So far my overall impression of the bike is that it is an entirely manageable size for a person getting back into motorcycles. Yes, it is a 650, but it is a single cylinder, so the power is entirely manageable. Compared to my old 250, I'd say that it's got the extra added oomph for keeping up with traffic, without being scary when you don't want the power.
Having a blast! (And my knuckles aren't entirely white.)
Philadelphia, PA
2009 BMW G650GS
Interesting. My bike has had
Interesting. My bike has had a large windscreen on it from day one. The one day I took it off I felt I could barely control it in fast corners due to the fact I was hanging onto the handlebars to support myself. Being forced to sit straight up certainly does not help when you are getting wind blast though. I put the windshield back on when I got home as I preferred to be smooth in the corners and I would just live with the heat.
LoL . . that is the point.
LoL . . that is the point. You are not getting blown off the bike, you just "feel" like you are. So you get all tight and stiff and white knuckle. Its not real! It is a "foreign feeling" and like leaning and head turns and everything else it is something you just in time adapt to and forget about. It becomes normal.
After a while you barley notice anymore. My posture changed just a tad bit, muscles get adjusted to it I guess . .now, even at 75 into a head wind it isn't a big deal anymore. Over 85 or 90 . . . well sport bikes have a riding position for a reason . . .(-;
I think the windshields are loved more where winters are noticed when they arrive. (-;
2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Sales, Peterson's North Miami Store
For the wind: earplugs!
If you haven't discovered earplugs already, get yourself a big-ol bag of them and put some in every time you ride. You'll notice a) really strong wind doesn't bother you anymore, b) you don't get hearing fatigue after a long ride, c) you feel much calmer while riding, and therefore will tend to ride better.
Don't worry, you'll still be able to hear everything you need to hear, including sirens, other cars, horns, and of course, your engine. This is standard practice among motorcyclists, so don't think I'm giving you some weird voodoo magic tips here :)
Agreed. And if you don't
Agreed.
And if you don't believe us. Go for a ride with them in (best if you are going 30+). Take them out after ten or fifteen minutes and ride some more. Once you've taken them out, you will notice pretty clearly what eternal is talking about.
Pinlock works great. UPS
Pinlock works great.
UPS delivered a new visor and pinlock insert tonight. I figured out how to put them together, and got them on my helmet. Took the bike out for a ride, absolutely no fogging. You can see the helmet fog around the insert, but the main view stays perfectly clear. I wouldn't have believed it works this well.
On another note I tried out a short stint on the expressway tonight. I literally almost passed out from the anxiety. I don't think I was quite ready for that, but oh well, I survived. Only thing to do is do it again :)
SH
Philadelphia, PA
2009 BMW G650GS
It does get easier...
The freeway is a little scary for the first several times, but it does get easier the more you do it. However, don't force yourself to do anything that you don't feel ready for. I ride about 7 miles or so of freeway on the way to work, but I still have never ridden on the Columbus Outer Belt (route 270). Too many lanes and too many crazy drivers!
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2004 Suzuki GS500F
and dumberer
Just experienced the much-talked-about cabbie making a left turn in front of a motorcycle. In all fairness, I was going about 20mph over the speed limit, so maybe he just misjudged how much room he had. Anyway, I had plenty of space to get out of the way, but I definitely said "whoa" in my helmet.
Same ride I also went into a turn too hot and panicked. Luckily I got out of it just fine, but I grabbed a handful of brakes right before the apex. Stupid I know, I should have just held on. I guess the key in this situation is dumping speed _before_ the turn, and then being really smooth through it. I feel like I want to go to a track day or something just to practice my cornering in a controlled environment.
Anyway, I'm definitely telling myself to ease up... I've got about 150 miles on the bike, so I guess I am really in a zone of too-much-confidence + extreme-inexperience, which is a pretty awful combination.
Buuuuut.. I am having FUN!
SH
Philadelphia, PA
2009 BMW G650GS
Phili is no cake walk. Only
Phili is no cake walk. Only been up 4 or 5 times for sales meetings . . dont know where off hand. Passed the ship yards on the right leaving the airport and headed that way for 30 or 40 minuets.
My advise . .that kind of traffic will test you swerves and braking skills . . be sure you have them to be tested before you get into it. And . .you have to be reading traffic like in your cage . .not thinking about where anything is or how to do it . . . .
That said, you get those skills on the bike. (-; I would just learn where mistakes are free for a while. ((-;
2006 Harley Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Sales, Peterson's North Miami Store
Just wait...
...until you experience another classic, the distracted driver on the cell phone who doesn't see you there as he/she decides to changes lanes. It's more of a slow-moving horror ("Hey, what are you doing? Don't you see me?! Hey! Hey! - there's a vehicle here!!") than the gut punch of the sudden left-turner. ;-)