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82 GS850 will be my first bike... opinions?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Eadams
  • Start date Start date
E

Eadams

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Is this a good first learner bike? I have driven 4-wheelers, bicycles, etc but I have yet to be on a motorcycle.:cool:
 
You are going to get a flood of responses saying that is this THEE most durable, comfortable, all around GS ever made.

quick answer...it's a great choice, first bike or not! Search the forums, I think there is about a gszillion posts favoring the 850G.

have fun!
 
Its a bit big and heavy for a first bike, maybe. It has linear throttle response and steady stable handling.

It should work ok for you.
 
What do you weigh? How tall are you?

This bike is a great starter bike. It will haul... but not accidentally. It is a little heavy, which I why I asked about your size. It is my first bike, and I think it's great.
 
230-240lbs 6ft even


What do you weigh? How tall are you?

This bike is a great starter bike. It will haul... but not accidentally. It is a little heavy, which I why I asked about your size. It is my first bike, and I think it's great.
 
In my opinion, it's a little bit on the large side of the spectrum to learn on for a first timer.

don't get me wrong, people have first learned to ride on bikes of 1000cc and up, some have managed to do it rather sucessfully, but I think for most new riders a lighter and smaller bike is probably the best route to take.

but if you are intent on learning on that bike, or any bike for that matter, please be mindful at all times it can hurt you! damaged parts can be replaced, you can't...

In regards to a GS850, I can't ever see owning one.
 
Good choice!

Good choice!

My first bike was an Kawasaki EX500. It was a tough bike to get through the very cramped driving test layout, I went through it over and over for 6 months after I failed the first test. I passed with the Kawasaki, but after I got my GS1100G I went back to the layout and tried it. IT WAS A PIECE OF CAKE!
It's kinda dumb to choose a light weight as your first bike, if you really want a big bike. You did good!
 
my 82 850L is my first bike cant really go wrong i love mine. lots of power, smooth, handles nice, rides great looks great.

should be a fine choice even if it is a bit heavy, it will still stretch out your arms when your twisting it hard:dancing:
 
My first road bike too (though I raced moto-X for years).
6'1" - 190lbs.
If you plan on carrying it on your back, it's a bit heavy.

Is it a good starter bike? Depends on the color :)
 
Mine is my third bike. I had a Honda CB900C before it. I like the Suzuki much better. The Honda was quicker, but the parts are hard to find and the few available from Honda will make your eyes pop when you see the price. Suzuki still has quite a few parts available and the prices are reasonable.
Once you get all the little bugs worked out you will love it. This website is the greatest thing since the six pack. The guys here have a wealth of knowledge you won't find anywhere else.
Good luck and enjoy! :D
 
I think its a matter of comfort.....you're a big guy so a 850 is probably suitable. My first bike was a 82 CB650SC Nighthawk.......it weighed a ton, I was 15, and maybe 125 lbs soaked! Too much bike if you ask me back then.........

I owned a CBR400RR Japanese edition while stationed in Sasebo shortly after joining the Navy.......I weighed 185 and that bike was perfect!!!!

When I moved to Hawaii I traded it for a ZXR750 that fit me well, power, size, etc......should never have sold it!

Now I'm building this 550EF........I think it would be a GREAT starter bike for someone who has never ridden before.

My buddy's TL1000 can't handle me in the corners..........its a matter of how you ride and how comfortable you are on your bike.....sit on it A LOT!! Practice at slow speeds A LOT!! slow speed turns/maneuvers are the hard ones........

have fun, ride safe, be smart, drive defensively!
 
Good choice for first.For your size its perfect.I am 5foot 10 and 250lbs
and my 79 is my first bike.And the seat is like sitting on a Lazyboy recliner.
Like the other guys said, take your time.Driver under the speed limit until you get very comfortable with it.
 
Since I own a simular model and it is my first street bike in many years I can tell you it has been the greatest fun I've had in an upright posstion in years:dancing:
The dinizens of these forums know all that can be known about these bikes and the universe, and of course I know the rest. Ask any question and you will get your fair share of right answers, a smatering of smart *ss answers and some stuff that just leave you:confused:.
Enjoy your new metal pit above ground into which you will pour money.
bill
 
I just rebuilt my motor and received my tank and side pieces today I'm so excited to finally have her back together few small ends to button up.Brads Bike picture.jpg
 
Posted thread date: May 30, 2009.

How did you come across this thread Bamzride85? That's a shiney Green bike you posted.

So...is the GS850 a good starter bike? She is heavy but the original poster seems capable of handling that 500+ lb bike.



Ed
 
My first road bike too (though I raced moto-X for years).
6'1" - 190lbs.
If you plan on carrying it on your back, it's a bit heavy.

Is it a good starter bike? Depends on the color :)

I like this fellow's reply. Haha ☺
 
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