chuck3
Member
Flat feet on the ground=confidence...Low center of gravity/light weight=same...Power-output not so important for beginner or inexperienced, but power delivery more so,gentle tractable power better...
For the beginner/inexperienced/vertically challenged rider looking for a BMW, in my humble opinion; (40yrs/motorcycling,30+yrs/BMW's):
1979-1984 R65; (50HP), (will pull 90MPH all day if needed), but is very easy to handle for novice. Seat height is still kinda high though, for anyone under about 5'4"...
2001-2005 F650CS; (50HP/ABS/heated grips), see above, plus this bike with low seat is good to about 5'2' or lower...
I ride a 2009 F800ST, and yes it does have a very sensitive/twitchy throttle! The new F models with the low chassis option do have benefits;lower seat height; maybe good down to 5'2" or even less, but the power available; (65-85HP), is just another variable for the novice rider to have to learn how to handle.
Just remember in Europe, they have stepped-licenses; nothing over 250cc/27HP for beginners. When you suggest to a new/novice rider a USA-spec BMW motorcycle, you're already doubling that power output...Everyone's natural ability is different,(MSF/training etc...helps), but wouldn't you want any of your loved-ones to have a safe rewarding, introduction to motorcycling?
For the beginner/inexperienced/vertically challenged rider looking for a BMW, in my humble opinion; (40yrs/motorcycling,30+yrs/BMW's):
1979-1984 R65; (50HP), (will pull 90MPH all day if needed), but is very easy to handle for novice. Seat height is still kinda high though, for anyone under about 5'4"...
2001-2005 F650CS; (50HP/ABS/heated grips), see above, plus this bike with low seat is good to about 5'2' or lower...
I ride a 2009 F800ST, and yes it does have a very sensitive/twitchy throttle! The new F models with the low chassis option do have benefits;lower seat height; maybe good down to 5'2" or even less, but the power available; (65-85HP), is just another variable for the novice rider to have to learn how to handle.
Just remember in Europe, they have stepped-licenses; nothing over 250cc/27HP for beginners. When you suggest to a new/novice rider a USA-spec BMW motorcycle, you're already doubling that power output...Everyone's natural ability is different,(MSF/training etc...helps), but wouldn't you want any of your loved-ones to have a safe rewarding, introduction to motorcycling?