Need some suggestions from the group

[Glassunion]

I'm getting back into riding after an almost 18 year hiatus with the exception of taking friend's bikes around the block from time to time. From the day after I turned 16 and had my license in hand, I rode everywhere. We lived in the Sacramento Valley of California, and the weather was almost perfect for riding all year.

I started out on an old '79 Honda CB250 in that wonderful electric blue that they had. It was a great starter bike. My only complaint was that she shook like crazy.

I traded up for a 74 BMW R90. This was a great bike. Nice amount of power, and she ran smooth. I wish, wish, wish, I still had this bike. I see them traded today up wards of $6,000. I bought her for $850 back in the early '90's.

So, my current course of action is to take all the MSF classes over again (it has been almost 18 years). The beauty of PA is the class costs are covered by motor vehicle. The $10 I pay for the provisional, the $5 for the license and the $5 for the renewals goes to pay for the classes. There is no fee paid directly to the foundation. They charge out of stater's a hefty fee for the classes.

I am a huge fan of the BMW bikes, I enjoy their smoothness, riding position, and best of all the MPG they can squeeze out of their bikes. I'm looking at the F 800 GT as a daily commuter and weekend touring bike. But my concern is that it may be too much bike to jump right back into. Should I consider a smaller, used bike before jumping back into riding? Or should I just go all out, get the bike and have the dealer install the power reducer (cuts the HP down to 45 from 90) until I get my experience and comfort levels back up.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

1. Get the bike you want, don't bother with the smaller bike

After a similar hiatus, I tried a few BMWs and got the R1200GS because it was on a good sale (prior model year). More motor than I need, but there's a fix for that: don't crank on the throttle.

I'm glad I didn't go with something smaller, glad I got the side and top boxes so I can carry work stuff, lunch, raingear when I go to work.

Just ride a few of the models, see what feels comfortable. I thought the riding position on the F800 was "too crouched", and I felt like I was riding at the top of a pushup.

The R1200GS is almost as comfortable as my other bike: a 73 R75/5.

Happy riding!

[Glassunion]

2. Thanks. My wife said the same.

"Get what you want" to quote her.

I'd love to have a 1200 or even 1600, but they are priced too high (even last year's demo). We way overpaid our taxes this year so we have a nice return coming which will make for a great down payment.

I actually like the seating position on the new 800 GT, they have made a slight adjustment from the old 800 ST, by moving the pegs down and a bit more forward. IMHO they still should have left it with an ST designation, it is more sport than a touring bike.

I will be getting the side and top boxes as well for the same reasons.

Thanks for the tip!

[charin]

3. Go for it

I started riding (at age 52!) on a 650 (Versys) and it worked out fine. I would just say get good gear before getting the bike.

[shedevil69taz]

4. I started out on a yamaha vstar 650

and once I was comfortable I went right up to the bike I actually wanted, and found that really I could have started out on my Street Glide right away. The key would have been to keep practicing and always keep the fundamentals on your mind.