New Biker - need advise on BMW, Yamaha etc.

thepremier · 11-19-2010, 08:07 PM

Hello Guys,

I am from Vancouver, BC and new to the biking world. I will take my training course in March 2011 and I am interested to receive some advice from pros. I am looking to buy a new bike within the next 3 months. For now, I am at BMW F800R.

Please let me know more info about the completion of this bike (Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki etc.).

Thank you very much for your help.

Ken B.

Dodsfall · 11-20-2010, 08:04 AM

Suzuki makes the VStrom, and there is also the dual-sport KLR650 or DR650 which are very capable bikes and can be bought for much less cash than the BMW.

If money is no object, the BMW is an excellent bike by all accounts I have heard.

CookinBeans · 11-20-2010, 09:13 AM

First of all, I recommend getting a used bike for the first year. You need to learn a LOT and you WILL drop the bike. A good used bike will save agony over scratched paint, and should be a little smaller so you won't be as intimidated and it will be easier to jerk around.

As far as post '96 BMW's go; My opinion is they are all over-engineered, too heavy, and too costly to maintain. I've had BMW's all my life. My very first bike was an R27, and I've been all over the country on BMW's. I'd poke you in the eye if you tried to GIVE me a new BMW.

To get an idea, see if you can got to a shop and watch the mechanics. It takes half a day to replace a simple battery.

Dodsfall · 11-20-2010, 11:44 AM

Another similar bike to check out is the Versys.

Jesterrace · 11-22-2010, 03:19 AM

You also need to consider that the BMW bikes are going to be spendy for parts and or service. Take a look at insurance quotes as well. My recommendation would be to find a used comparable spec bike from one of the big 4 Japanese manufacturers (Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha). You would much rather drop one of them or damage one of them than a BMW bike (new or used).

Blaine · 11-22-2010, 01:33 PM

I think the first question I would ask is what kind of riding do you plan on doing?

thepremier · 11-22-2010, 05:59 PM

Thank you for your posts. I kinda understand why it is better to have a 1st used bike.

Now, which one? I am planning on going to work with the bike for 8 months of the year for about 25 miles per day.

I find lot's of used dirt bikes on the market but not too many street bikes. Please advise.

Thank you very much.

CookinBeans · 11-22-2010, 06:07 PM

A solid street bike is the Suzuki GS500. Millions of them around. 80's era BMW R65 is a great work horse.
Dual purpose bikes are usually mostly street oriented. I am totally in love with the Yamaha XT250, myself. If I didn't already have several bikes...

Whatever you get, spend the extra bit for a manual, too.

thepremier · 11-22-2010, 07:03 PM

Thank you. Suzuki GS500 could be a very good choice for me. Found some 2008 for CA$3,900 with max 2,500 miles.

Jesterrace · 11-24-2010, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thepremier

Thank you for your posts. I kinda understand why it is better to have a 1st used bike.

Now, which one? I am planning on going to work with the bike for 8 months of the year for about 25 miles per day.

I find lot's of used dirt bikes on the market but not too many street bikes. Please advise.

Thank you very much.

8 Months of the year, in Vancouver BC? You sir are a brave soul. Weather there isn't exactly ideal for riding conditions.

benny hedges · 11-28-2010, 04:51 PM

take a few test rides if you can....
jamie wittam did...

+ YouTube Video

Joe2001Sabre · 11-29-2010, 10:14 AM

11-19-2010, 08:07 PM	#1
thepremier Newbie Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 3	New Biker - need advise on BMW, Yamaha etc. Hello Guys, I am from Vancouver, BC and new to the biking world. I will take my training course in March 2011 and I am interested to receive some advice from pros. I am looking to buy a new bike within the next 3 months. For now, I am at BMW F800R. Please let me know more info about the completion of this bike (Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki etc.). Thank you very much for your help. Ken B.

11-20-2010, 08:04 AM	#2
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,834	Suzuki makes the VStrom, and there is also the dual-sport KLR650 or DR650 which are very capable bikes and can be bought for much less cash than the BMW. If money is no object, the BMW is an excellent bike by all accounts I have heard. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

11-20-2010, 11:44 AM	#4
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,834	Another similar bike to check out is the Versys. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

11-22-2010, 03:19 AM	#5
Jesterrace Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 988	You also need to consider that the BMW bikes are going to be spendy for parts and or service. Take a look at insurance quotes as well. My recommendation would be to find a used comparable spec bike from one of the big 4 Japanese manufacturers (Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha). You would much rather drop one of them or damage one of them than a BMW bike (new or used). __________________ Without a bike again. Thanks to Harley/Buell.

11-29-2010, 10:14 AM	#12
Joe2001Sabre Newbie Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Mount Prospect, IL Posts: 3	? Bump

11-20-2010, 09:13 AM	#3
CookinBeans Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Asheville Posts: 1,045	First of all, I recommend getting a used bike for the first year. You need to learn a LOT and you WILL drop the bike. A good used bike will save agony over scratched paint, and should be a little smaller so you won't be as intimidated and it will be easier to jerk around. As far as post '96 BMW's go; My opinion is they are all over-engineered, too heavy, and too costly to maintain. I've had BMW's all my life. My very first bike was an R27, and I've been all over the country on BMW's. I'd poke you in the eye if you tried to GIVE me a new BMW. To get an idea, see if you can got to a shop and watch the mechanics. It takes half a day to replace a simple battery.

11-22-2010, 01:33 PM	#6
Blaine Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Riverbank, CA Posts: 719	I think the first question I would ask is what kind of riding do you plan on doing?

11-22-2010, 05:59 PM	#7
thepremier Newbie Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 3	Thank you for your posts. I kinda understand why it is better to have a 1st used bike. Now, which one? I am planning on going to work with the bike for 8 months of the year for about 25 miles per day. I find lot's of used dirt bikes on the market but not too many street bikes. Please advise. Thank you very much.

11-22-2010, 06:07 PM	#8
CookinBeans Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Asheville Posts: 1,045	A solid street bike is the Suzuki GS500. Millions of them around. 80's era BMW R65 is a great work horse. Dual purpose bikes are usually mostly street oriented. I am totally in love with the Yamaha XT250, myself. If I didn't already have several bikes... Whatever you get, spend the extra bit for a manual, too.

11-22-2010, 07:03 PM	#9
thepremier Newbie Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 3	Thank you. Suzuki GS500 could be a very good choice for me. Found some 2008 for CA$3,900 with max 2,500 miles.

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