- This topic has 21 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 5 months ago by JackTrade.
ABS, tall bikes, decisions decisions
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October 22, 2009 at 11:11 pm #3523samhParticipant
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?
October 22, 2009 at 11:32 pm #22985owlieParticipantUnfortunately, 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.
October 23, 2009 at 3:21 am #22988JtownJJAParticipantI’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?October 23, 2009 at 4:13 pm #23001samhParticipantMy 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.
October 26, 2009 at 2:21 am #23023JtownJJAParticipantCongratulations on the BMW! I hope you post some pictures for us when you get the chance. We love seeing pictures of new bikes!
October 28, 2009 at 1:27 am #23031samhParticipantBike 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
October 28, 2009 at 1:57 am #23032SpoolParticipantJust take her slow and easy at first. Check out this vid for tips on starting on an incline.
October 28, 2009 at 9:01 pm #23047samhParticipantOctober 29, 2009 at 12:37 am #23055eternal05ParticipantLive 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
October 29, 2009 at 11:58 pm #23062samhParticipantContemplating 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.
October 31, 2009 at 12:33 am #23083owlieParticipantCongrats 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.
November 1, 2009 at 12:17 am #23094samhParticipantRain 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.
November 1, 2009 at 1:19 am #23095RabParticipantThere 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).
November 1, 2009 at 6:36 pm #23103JackTradeParticipantAgree 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.
November 3, 2009 at 7:27 pm #23146samhParticipantYup, 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.)
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