Advice for a new rider

[angiesands]

I am getting ready to pick up my very first bike this weekend (2009 g650gs). What are your opinions of the more important things to outfit the bike with right off the bat?

The only thing I know for sure I want are the hand guards. Any other opinions?

[Sue]

Hi Angie ..
Congratulations on the new ride!

My advice would be to ride it a few months before you start to "farkle" it. A stock 650 is a lot of fun --> you are going to love it!

About the only thing I would recommend would be an electric vest or jacket liner. (... for you, not the bike) :D At this time of year, rider comfort can be greatly enhanced by a little extra warmth, which will give you a little more riding time every day. You can to start earlier in the morning and ride a little later in the evening.

Stop back in after you get your F650, and tell us how it's going. Don't get discouraged if something stupid happens. (.... uh, like tipping over the bike. Don't ask me how I know.) :banghead

Welcome to the Forum!

[Newstar]

Hi Angie! Welcome!

If the bike does not come with saddle bags, I would consider adding them. You are going to have so much fun on that bike that you will soon want to do some travelling.

Congrats and post a picture of your new toy!

[119240]

Lock it to something - 2 poles & truck = gone to South American
I had a friend loose 2 within a month.

[Voni]

Rider training would be number 1 on my list. The few hours spent in a rider course and then practicing the skills will be the very best money spent!

Welcome to the BMW world. You're going to love it here!

Voni
sMiling

[angiesands]

Great advice - thanks for all the tips! To ease your minds I have completed my MSF course and have my license, a full face helmet, riding boots, and armored gear on order.

I think the heated vest is a great idea but I'm not sure where to buy those. Which brands are good for women and affordable?

I've never considered the risk of the bike being stolen! How do you prevent that?

The guy at my dealership has recommended a top case, which seems logical as I can fit my helmet in it and also carry my purse around. Do you agree or should I wait for that?

How do women carry their purse-necessities when doing errands on the bike?

Thanks everyone! I'm so excited to get going!!!

[Polarbear]

Wise choice in bikes. I had a F650 years ago and it was very fine, indeed. My Daughter and her husband still do ride F650s, each of them:). "Gerbings" for heated riding apparel, has the latest high tech wiring for their vests, jackets and all else. Google them for an easy shop:). Happy Trails to ya, Randy:thumb

[manicmechanic]

Welcome to the family! Not being female, but having experienced some not-so-pleasant events, I would recommend carrying your cell phone in a jacket pocket. Also as iHop suggested, carry your essentials in a wallet in a jacket pocket. In the event the unfortunate occurs, these items will be searched for on you. I've also taken to carrying with my license a paper with all my NOK info, along with meds, and anything else that may be helpful in case I am unable to answer questions.

I'm hoping this will be more helpful than bothersome.

[PGlaves]

Be sure you get an owners manual with the bike. And then read it a few times. It will tell you lots of stuff you need to know, and lots of stuff you already know.

The manuals are not nearly as good (detailed) as they used to be but they are still very handy. Tire pressure, oil type and weight, and other good info are still in there.

Then borrow or buy a maintenance manual and read that too. Especially the early chapters about routine maintenance. Just having read it will help you understand the bike and its wants and needs.

[tessler]

I think the heated vest is a great idea but I'm not sure where to buy those. Which brands are good for women and affordable?

I've never considered the risk of the bike being stolen! How do you prevent that?Hi Angie, welcome to the forum and congratulations on the acquisition of your new bike.

Besides Gerbings, Aerostich (http://www.aerostich.com/) sells a wind blocker electric vest (http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-kanetsu-tltec-wind-blocker-electric-vest.html) which is very popular. I can personally vouch for this. :) Aerostich is also a great resource for Motorcycle specific gear and apparel. Great customer service (and you get a really cool catalog too!).

I'm not sure which part of the country you live in, but here in NYC, I use a Kryptonite chain lock (typically for long-term parking only; for overnight or hourly street parking, the lock is a bit too much--plus no one wants to steal an 18 yr old K75 around here :D).

Good luck!

[womanridge]

Hi Angie and welcome to te MOA and it's forums. You are in a unique room called Women iof the MOA. It's a new forum and has been quite active in only it's first week. Congrats on the new bike and don't forget to stop in NEW MEMBERS forum if you haven't already.
You will meet a lot of wonderful people here and learn a lot regarding your ride.
I'm traveling on the road for 3 weeks, but will jump in whenever I can.
And again, welcome.

[hojoinsc]

Besides a clean mind and good driving;

Proper tools.
Tire pump
Does your bike have tubes in the tires, if so, get some 'fix a flat' stuff to spray in the tube if you get a flat. If you don't have tubes, get some worms from Advanced Auto or Wal-Mart to fix the flat enough to get you home.
Know where the fuses are, carry spares.
Flash light. Small flash light on your jacket so you can find the trunk keys or saddle bags that you will add sooner or later :)
Oh, make sure you have an outlet that will handle the tire pump and not blow the fuse.
If your adventurous and have tubes, carry spare tubes and tire removal tools.
SUNSCREEN, keep some on the bike at all times!

[beemergirl]

I have an '07 F650gs...so same as the new G650gs...
Lots of fun to accessorize! I had the stock luggage on it originally but I hated it and replaced it with some large metal adv cases but now I've decided I like the original stock cases better.....need to find some used ones!

I put a givi topcase on it....holds two full face helmets on my jacket and helmet. By far a topcase is the bomb! Best purchase ever. You can carry your whole purse if you want.

Aftermarket pegs are a must if you're going to take if off roading.....you'll want something wider, easier to stand on.

It's a great bike, you'll have lots of fun on it. Mine has about 21K on it!

[Newstar]

I've found that even when scooting around town, it's good to be prepared. I can't just take my purse and go. I have saddlebags on both my bikes and rarely take them off. I have a smaller purse that I use just for riding and just transfer my wallet which holds the essentials.

At any time, my saddle bags could hold an assortment of things or nothing at all. If we are out for the day, I'll throw rain gear or Gerbings in there. A bottle or two of water, snack, extra layer of clothing, whatever.

I never wanted a tank bag until I broke down and bought one. Now I can't live without it. In there, I keep my cell phone, lip balm, a cleaning rag, sunglasses (when I'm not wearing them), a tiny can of plexus, pen and paper, a bit of duct tape, an all-in-one tool such as a leatherman, and other odd bits.

Also, I have a heavy duty waterproof bag (approx 4" x 6") that I keep in the little tail compartment of the 650 GS. On the other bike, I have a waterproof case that is about the size of a deck of cards that fits under the seat. Either of these are available at a sporting goods store (check the camping section) or a marine store. These hold my registration, insurance card, Roadside assistance info, MOA info, and a spare $20. I never take them off the bike. Soem people use zip lock bags but they tend to get beat up and need replacing.

For me, it was a lot of trial and error on what to take whether I'm running errands, out for a day's riding, or on a trip. I try to be prepared for almost any scenario without lugging a huge load of crap.

[sudani]

I learn as I go, I guess. After experiencing a flat tire on my 3rd ride ever....I now carry a cycle pump and tire plug kit and learned how to plug a tire. I barely made it to the dealer to have it fixed on that ride.

I always have my phone on me...never in my tank bag. Won't do me any good if I'm seperated from the bike. Same goes for my ID, contact list, money, etc. Always on me. Actually, I keep everything I need in my jacket while riding.

Forget the makeup and girlie things you would normally carry in your purse....there's nothing glamorous about riding a bike. That's a figment of someone's imagination.

:wave

[cathdeac]

Atgatt...

[angiesands]

“We must not allow other people’s limited perceptions define us.” Virginia Satir
"The highways of life are full of flat squirrels who couldn't make up their minds..." Unknown

Susan,
LOVE these quotes!! They just about sum things up for me!

[sudani]

Susan,
LOVE these quotes!! They just about sum things up for me!

Angie,

Me, too!!

Just noticed that you are new here - Welcome!

[martinPH]

Dont forget to carry your Anonymous book.
Martin.

[angiesands]

Atgatt...

I must tell you all that I LOVE that everywhere I turn in the bmwmoa.com forums I find this philosophy of "All the gear all the time".

Being a new rider amongst family and friends who are non-riders, I am finding myself battling stereotypes of what everyone seems to think a motorcyclist is.

It's not a pretty picture frankly.

Educating my family and friends about the safety classes, practicing the skills, choosing the proper bike, wearing the proper gear, and so on has been a surprising facet to this journey I am on. And I make sure to tell them about the extremely helpful, welcoming and wise community that I have found here.

Thank you!!

[sudani]

Angie,

Being a new rider myself, I consider this my first full season of riding, I've picked many a brain on here. Ultimately, you have to pick and choose what works for you. Everyone has been very helpful. When I was adding farkles to my bike I would always ask if anyone had experience with this or that. The feedback was always worth noting and made all the difference in what I chose. There were even occasions where someone would have exactly what I was looking for and a deal was struck.

Couldn't ask for a better group of folks to be involved.

[manicmechanic]

Angie, over many rallies I have on occasion encountered "newbies". Engaging in conversation, I have taken them around and introduced them to various people I know. I have also taken some of them through the vendors at the rallies and showed them what there was that may be useful to them. The caveat at the time was that they were not going to buy anything yet, but go through and see everything, and then we'll discuss it. Then later that person would make up their own mind and hopefully make wiser purchases, not that I'm an expert because I'm not. All I offer is years of experience and observation. All I offer is help. You'll find that is common among many of the folks here. The best thing you can do for yourself is to ask questions, listen to the various answers, then make your best decision based on what you've heard.

Again, welcome to the family!

[ultracyclist]

Sue was right in that she said ride for a while and then figure out the farkles that you want based on your riding demands.

Try not to fall into the "I got to have this " syndrome early on as your check book will be rapidly be depleted.

However, I would like to add one point. Before you invest big $ in hard luggage, look into soft luggage (saddle bags, pillion bag, tank bag) that can be used on other bikes as well. You may just get the itch sooner than you think to get a different (meaning: BIGGER) bike and why not transfer the soft luggage and keep the overhead down? The soft stuff does not weigh as much either. Besides, the more space you have to fill, you will fill (re-read Sudani about carrying alot of stuff) -filled up spaces equals more weight.

Welcome to the club and post a pic of your ride.
Keep the rubber side down.

[Jeffhorn]

Congratulations! What a great first bike. Wish I still had mine as it was a great companion to my 1150RT. Take a MC course, buy a top case for shopping and you may never drive your car again!

[angiesands]

Hey - thanks to everyone for all the amazing input. I'm learning a ton from all of you. Thought I'd introduce my new bike. Not a very glamorous photo, but it'll have to do for now. We are still figuring out her name. Husband thinks it's Annabelle. Daughter thinks it's Rosie. I think it's damn heavy - had to lift her up yesterday by myself. Uff-da! Wasn't anything serious - just a little mishap getting her off the center stand... I had to lay her down or ruin my back forever.
19546

[manicmechanic]

Paging Skert to the white courtesy phone!

[sudani]

- just a little mishap getting her off the center stand... I had to lay her down or ruin my back forever.
[ATTACH]19546

I'm still trying to get it up on the centerstand! :banghead Voni, I have no choice!

Love the color of your bike, Angie...I'm thinking something bright next time for me.

[Voni]

How about don't use the center stand except for mechanical things?

Works for me.

Voni
sMiling

[AKBeemer]

The 650 thumpers are amazingly difficult to get on the center stand, especially on the lowered bikes. My wife's is lowered and when I put it on the center stand I ask for help.

[sudani]

The 650 thumpers are amazingly difficult to get on the center stand, especially on the lowered bikes. My wife's is lowered and when I put it on the center stand I ask for help.

Good to know. Asking for help is the only way I can get it on the stand. Since it's an aftermarket centerstand, I thought maybe it was too tall. My bike isn't lowered but it still won't just pop-up for me. I've struggled without help and have yet to get it up on the stand.

Thanks!

[Newstar]

I have no experience with the newer 650's but I've found that I have trouble with the centerstand on my '05 only if the bags are on. If the bags (or at least the left one) is off the bike, I can ge the proper leverage. It also helps to use the heel of my boot rather than the ball of my foot.

As for taking it down, I do that from a seated position and rock it forward.

On my 1200 GS, I recently learned to walk it off by holding the handle bars and grabbing the bar on the frame. Then I simply walk it forward and it drops straight and easy. Is this an option on the newer 650's?

[angiesands]

What I have found is that, like lifting a bike, getting it onto the center stand requires a specific technique. If you don't have the right body posture and motion it will not work. It was incredible how much time I spent trying to lift my bike and then I modified my stance according to something I read online and it worked like a charm. The same thing for getting it onto the stand. If I stick my butt out, I'm not going to get leverage and it isn't going to pop up onto the stand. I still need to work on this, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that there's an easy way and a hard way to accomplish lifting the bike and getting it on the center stand.

BTW, the reason I keep it on the center stand is that I have little kids in the neighborhood (plus my own kids) and I feel that the bike is more stable on the center stand than on the kick stand. If a child should get an inkling to climb on the bike (which they know they shouldn't do... but kids will be kids) I feel that it's less likely to fall over.

Also, the reason I need to know how to lift my bike is that I will be riding alone quite a lot. I feel I need to be as self sufficient as possible.

Getting it off the center stand: sitting on the bike and rocking it forward is definitely easier, but my dealer told me not to do this. I can't remember the reason, but she said it wasn't a good idea. With that said, I will probably be using this technique since i really don't want to lay down my bike again.

Tracy, I just re-read your question about grabbing the handlebars and the frame and walking it off the stand. I think that is what Gina (my dealer) told me to do. I will ask her again and post her explanation.

Angie

[angiesands]

Paging Skert to the white courtesy phone!

Yep! That's exactly where I learned how to lift my bike.
http://www.ibmwr.org/otech/pickup.html

[nytrashman]

not sure if this has already been said but join the chain gang (F650.com) there is a ton of info there and the inmates are very helpful.

[Bullett]

Beautiful bike, Angie! Enjoy!

I sometimes have the center stand blues, too. I usually park the bike in gear on the side stand, unless I have a "need" to put it up.

I don't know how the center stand is on your bike. My F650 has a curved bottom that slides when you try to rock the bike off of the stand on smooth concrete. I've learned to put the toe of my boot in front of the stand to keep it from sliding.

[beemergirl]

Don't put it on the centerstand. Yea I know....technique. I can put my bikes on their centerstands but really, why bother? The centerstands are great for changing a tire or doing maintanence, but otherwise is there really a good reason to have the bike on the centerstand? SUre, I've heard the arguments about fluids being unevenly distributed.....but I figure if it's good enough for Kawa, Suzuki and Yamaha it's good enough for my bikes too.

Gotta make sure your sidestand is down before you take it off the centerstand. I learned that after my first service. Dang dealer always parks the bikes on the centerstand with the sidestand up. Hate that.

[Voni]

It's my motto that whoever puts my bike on the centerstand is the one who is responsible for taking it OFF the center stand.

Sidestand works for me!

Voni
sMiling

[Muriel]

I'm on my 3rd F650 (and about 140,000 miles), and starting with the '07, it became very difficult to get the bike on the centerstand. Of course with an F650, this is necessary in order to maintain your chain.

When on a trip, I ask for help. When at home I back the bike onto a 1/4" piece of plywood. With a near empty tank, I can just barely get the bike on the centerstand. The odd thing was, when I first got the bike (before the bags were installed), it was easy! The dealer offered to find someone to cut the centerstand a bit, but I'm just afraid the weld would let go.

I carry a small travel purse around my neck; besides the zipped "dollar area", it has two other zippered pockets and two other "slide-in" pockets. I keep my license, credit card, and a couple other items in the netted zipper pocket - this makes it easy to extract the credit card for gasoline purchases. My registration and insurance are tucked into the "dollar area". I do have separate "wallets" for membership cards, medical cards and the like. As someone else said, forget the other "girlie things". I do have a lipstick and a chapstick in a jacket pocket. A comb or brush? Fingers do pretty well!

Don't let anyone talk you into looking for another bike before you're ready. The F650 is economical, gets the best gas mileage, runs on regular, and you can pick it up! I've had mine up to 90 uphill passing a truck, and I wasn't out of throttle. It goes as fast as you need to go. And it's a near bullet proof as you're going to find. As more than one mechanic has said - "nothing" goes wrong with them. Well, as near "nothing" as you'll get :-)

Best,
Muriel

[xp8103]

Awesome looking ride! Don't feel bad about your "center stand transgression", it happens to ALL of us. My advice to my wife is to "be ready" when coming off. ALWAYS have the side stand down. Once you've done it a number of times, you'll become more comfortable with it. You're fortunate if you can rock your bike off the center stand while on it. Both my wife and I aren't much but about 5'6" so that's out for both of us. Coming off the cs just takes practice.

Our 1100 is harder to get on the center stand than the K which is fortunate because the K shouldn't be stored on the side stand for any length of time in the first place (thanks for THAT BMW!! :) )

If there is ANYTHING true about our bikes it's that they tend to the top heavy.

[angiesands]

The center stand thing for me is necessary for two practical reasons: 1) I have kids all over the neighborhood, plus my own kids, who may get the idea to crawl onto the bike even though they know they are not supposed to. I feel it's much more stable on the center stand - if the kids do get ornery and climb on it I feel more confident that the bike wouldn't tip over on them. 2) I have limited space in my garage. We are squeezing in two cars and the bike into a small 2 car garage. Having it on the center stand takes up less space.

I have figured out how to get it up on the stand and back down without injury or incident so I'm making progress!

Regarding carrying stuff, I really like Muriel's idea of using a small over the shoulder wallet purse. That's a perfect idea but I wonder how bulkier things would fit into it. I have to carry an inhaler and medication with me - maybe it would fit? I did order a small tank bag which will fit more stuff. I wish it would just GET HERE so I could try it out!

Also, wanted to update you - I ventured out beyond my neighborhood for the first time on Sunday. Some friends invited me to ride with them - we toured the countryside for about an hour or so. I now have almost 80 miles logged. HAHA! That probably makes a lot of you laugh hysterically! :) But ya gotta start somewhere!

I'm loving the bike - it's absolutely PERFECT for me. I can't imagine starting out on anything else. She'll be in my stable for a long time... on the center stand. :thumb:

[rtdirks]

I own a 1997 650ST and absolutely love the bike. Right now it is in for some minor repairs and I hope to have it back soon! I too have problems with the center stand and my husband is the one that normally puts it up for me. I can get it off the center stand without any problem, both on and off the bike. I think that part of the problem is that the bike is factory lowered and the center of gravity is right above the center stand. Ross' 650 Funduro is easier to put on the center stand than my bike. Maybe I will see you on these Iowa roads sometime! Terry

[angiesands]

Maybe I will see you on these Iowa roads sometime!

A fellow Iowan! Hello! Nice to hear from you, Terry.

[flymymbz]

Congrats on your beautiful bike!

Lots of good advice already given. I don't much care for the big plastic top cases, I really like the BMW soft tail bag.

http://www.ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=1409

I got lucky and found BOTH of them for sale on the Chain Gang site for 100$. I only use the monstrous 'add on' bag when I go grocery shopping or on a trip.

We have a set of the BMW System cases on one of our GS's, and while they look really nice, they dent easily. I use soft luggage on mine. Moto-Sport racks and Ortlieb dry bags.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e340/flymymbz/650ortside.jpg

And if I'm just going to work or on a day trip when I don't need to carry 5 tons of stuff, I have an Aerostich messenger bag style purse. In pink.

http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-letter-bag.html

I also have the larger dispatch bag if I do need to carry just a little bit.

And come visit the Chain Gang

www.f650.com

[rtdirks]

I was hoping to get my ride back tomorrow but the parts are not in yet, bummer, let's get together sometime.....Terry

[From MARS]

A lady friend just bought an '03 F650 GS. When she asked for my advise, I told her when she's on the road, think of herself as one of the front fenders on a car and put herself where she can best be seen. That'll help give her time to figure out what she needs/wants to add.

You have a great bike.:thumb There's one in my future.

Tom

[IAMOXIE]

A lady friend just bought an '03 F650 GS. When she asked for my advise, I told her when she's on the road, think of herself as one of the front fenders on a car and put herself where she can best be seen.

That's good advice, Tom. I find after a ride I'm pretty wiped out. I guess it takes a lot of energy for me to stay focused and drive defensively for any length of time! That added with beginner's nerves - it's hard work!

[From MARS]

Riding's just like dancing: the more you do it; the better you get at it. Dance with your bike often.
:wave

Tom

[henzilla]

It's my motto that whoever puts my bike on the centerstand is the one who is responsible for taking it OFF the center stand.

Sidestand works for me!

Voni
sMiling

works at our house as well:blush