Bmw

WV_Vet · 07-30-2012, 01:34 PM

I'm a new to motorcyles (been the safety course once, taking my wife again in October

), trying to figure out which bike would suit me. I prefer the cruiser type bikes (sound and look) over crotch rockets but I don't think I want the standard cuiser type cycles either e.g. Harley (no offense to anyone). I started to look at the BMWs but these look more like crotch rockets to me and the dual sport (F700 GS) isn't really something I would use (I have no intent to ride off road or on gravel for that matter).

So..

1. is this type of BMW bike considered a crotch rocket of sorts?

2. would it be even considered a newbie type ride?

3. Most importantly, what other make/models would you recommend based on my desires described above?

I intend to ride for weekend enjoyment and occasionally commuting to work 25 miles. I am 5' 10", 190 lbs. My wife would not have a bike of her own, she would ride on the back of mine.

Thanks to all.

Badlands-4-2 · 07-30-2012, 02:38 PM

Welcome to the forum from ND. Have you looked into the offerings from Triumph? If you want a European cruiser bike, they make some really nice ones.

goalie · 07-30-2012, 03:06 PM

If I understand correctly, you do not like "crotch rockets" or what I'll refer to as sport bikes -- I assume because the scifi look with the strange leaning forward position. You prefer a cruiser-type, but not what you would consider a traditional Harley type of bike (big bike, big bags, big batwing fairing on the front). The bike you cite as the type you are looking for is definitely made for both on and light off road purposes, but you do not envision going off road. It is also a mid-size frame and displacement that would make it powerful, yet maneuverable for highway or around town.

It sounds like you like a minimalist and traditional look to a bike. I guess you like what is called the "naked" look in which the bike does not have all fo the plastic fairing around the front and sides.

Answers to your questions (this is personal opinion only):
1. It is not a crotch rocket. I know a rider who had the 650 GS and loved it. It's a good bike for almost any use and can be accessorized to make it a daily commuter. It is supposed to be a good beginner bike due to its good handling as well.
2. Limited to 700 cc and the maneuverability of the bike would probably make it a good bike for a beginner.
3. Other models you could look at would include:
Triumph Tiger 800
Honda has a couple of 700 cc bikes (they have more plastic fairing) that are good commuters and dual purpose bikes
Kawasaki Versys
or
you could go for more cruiser-type bikes that are not like the big baggers:
Sportster 883 or 1200
Honda Shadow
or you could take a look at the bikes that referred to as "standard" and look like a traditional street bike from the 1970's like a Triumph Bonneville.

spacejunkiehsv · 07-30-2012, 05:35 PM

Does THIS one do anything for you?
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/624/45...irst-look.aspx

WV_Vet · 07-31-2012, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacejunkiehsv

Does THIS one do anything for you?

It does not (sport bike and/or touring look) but the Triumph's mentioned above certainly do. The smallest though are 800s so I gotta wonder if that is too much bike for a beginner. America is a real beautiful bike. If I could jump right to it, that would be awesome but I have my doubts.

Also, not sure if I can find a Triumph mechanic nearby (Morgantown, WV) that can also get parts.

07-30-2012, 01:34 PM	#1
WV_Vet Verified Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Morgantown, WV Posts: 16	Bmw I'm a new to motorcyles (been the safety course once, taking my wife again in October ), trying to figure out which bike would suit me. I prefer the cruiser type bikes (sound and look) over crotch rockets but I don't think I want the standard cuiser type cycles either e.g. Harley (no offense to anyone). I started to look at the BMWs but these look more like crotch rockets to me and the dual sport (F700 GS) isn't really something I would use (I have no intent to ride off road or on gravel for that matter). So.. 1. is this type of BMW bike considered a crotch rocket of sorts? 2. would it be even considered a newbie type ride? 3. Most importantly, what other make/models would you recommend based on my desires described above? I intend to ride for weekend enjoyment and occasionally commuting to work 25 miles. I am 5' 10", 190 lbs. My wife would not have a bike of her own, she would ride on the back of mine. Thanks to all.

07-30-2012, 05:35 PM	#4
spacejunkiehsv Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Huntsville, Alabama Posts: 375	Does THIS one do anything for you? http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/624/45...irst-look.aspx __________________ Red 2009 Ninja 650R, 48mpg, 12.1s in the 1/4

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07-30-2012, 02:38 PM	#2
Badlands-4-2 Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Badlands of North Dakota Posts: 9,653	Welcome to the forum from ND. Have you looked into the offerings from Triumph? If you want a European cruiser bike, they make some really nice ones.

07-30-2012, 03:06 PM	#3
goalie Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Fairfax, Virginia -- near Fair Oaks Mall Posts: 1,596	If I understand correctly, you do not like "crotch rockets" or what I'll refer to as sport bikes -- I assume because the scifi look with the strange leaning forward position. You prefer a cruiser-type, but not what you would consider a traditional Harley type of bike (big bike, big bags, big batwing fairing on the front). The bike you cite as the type you are looking for is definitely made for both on and light off road purposes, but you do not envision going off road. It is also a mid-size frame and displacement that would make it powerful, yet maneuverable for highway or around town. It sounds like you like a minimalist and traditional look to a bike. I guess you like what is called the "naked" look in which the bike does not have all fo the plastic fairing around the front and sides. Answers to your questions (this is personal opinion only): 1. It is not a crotch rocket. I know a rider who had the 650 GS and loved it. It's a good bike for almost any use and can be accessorized to make it a daily commuter. It is supposed to be a good beginner bike due to its good handling as well. 2. Limited to 700 cc and the maneuverability of the bike would probably make it a good bike for a beginner. 3. Other models you could look at would include: Triumph Tiger 800 Honda has a couple of 700 cc bikes (they have more plastic fairing) that are good commuters and dual purpose bikes Kawasaki Versys or you could go for more cruiser-type bikes that are not like the big baggers: Sportster 883 or 1200 Honda Shadow or you could take a look at the bikes that referred to as "standard" and look like a traditional street bike from the 1970's like a Triumph Bonneville.