I’m a firm believer in continuously learning, no matter how long I’ve been doing something, always worth a listen, or in this case watching and listening. Thanks for sharing.
You are very correct in observing that the bike will go where you are looking and it is so easy to forget just how important that is, and a skill you really really really, did I say really? MUST master is how not to look at an accident or somewhere you don't want to go especially following someone that's just slid off in front of you. It's called target fixation. You focus on something and there the bike will follow so you have to learn not to get distracted until you can safely pull over. It could be something real simple like looking at a ditch in the side of the road as you go round a bend to make sure you miss it, don't look at it. So many bikes end up in ditches because the rider was trying to look at it in order to avoid it. So please learn how to avoid target fixation and keep up the great learning process. Thanks for sharing and stay safe
Totally agree James. If I say 'don't think about green elephants!', it's what we do. Works in sports coaching too. Thanks for that comprehensive input.
Like yourself, I returned to motorcycling after a 30 odd year break, and have a BMW R1200RT (2014 model). I agree that this bike is way easier to ride at low speed than it ought to be. My wife and I did a trip to Bruges on it last year (video available on RU-vid), and are off to Germany this year. I think the two most important factors when riding are observation and staying in your comfort zone. Never feel pressured into riding faster than you want, and be aware of what other road users are doing (or, more importantly, what they may be about to do). When I got my first bike back in 1973 my Dad gave me the advice to "treat every other road user as a homicidal maniac... because one day you could meet one" - it has served me well!
Hi Sooty, welcome. Good advice indeed about the comfort zone. I'm curious, what did you find the greatest challenge about coming back to the bike? For me on the RT it's the slow speed manoeuvring (particularly slow sharp RH turns) without a doubt.
Initially I had a BMW F800GT for a year before buying the RT. A couple of problems I had were : 1/ I felt perched on top of the bike, rather that part of it (not an issue with the RT) 2/ Learning to trust the front end. I had major problems with this (more so with the GT than the RT). I think that it may be partly due to having been brought up on spoked wheels and tubed tyres (mainly Avon Roadrunners). The tubeless tyres fitted to most modern bikes do not isolate you from the irregularities in the road as much as the old tubed versions, and I think perhaps this extra feedback was making me feel that the front end was always going to step out. It took me a long time to come to terms with this one. The RT hasn't caused me any particular headaches; indeed, I actually find it easier to ride than the F800GT, particularly at very low speeds two-up. I do find that at very low speeds, like manoeuvring in walking-pace traffic, the transmission can be a little jerky (possibly a consequence of the shaft drive). Glad I'm not the only silly old sod getting back on a bike after a break of several decades.
Like you gents I've just bought a 2009 with a lot of miles BMW r1200rt after not riding for 38 years break, life happened, now I can ride, may be a newer one in a few years, I've got to re-learn to ride, I'm in south Tx and it's been raining like hell almost every day, I will ride in it if I have to but I have not ridden in the wet in tooo long and looking so forward to getting out in the dry. Enjoy your ride gents.
picked My bike up Sunday and road it home ,150 miles of open hwy, once I got out of las vegas,scary,but not as bad as riding in vegas for a day .I wouldn't do that for money right now,low speed corners and stopping smoothly is still a bit rough. I haven't ridden anything this size for at least 35yrs ,maybe 40. What a difference , bikes are much better now and if I get used to the boxer torque it will be great . Glad to see I am not the only one that's still crazy at this age .
Sounds like quite a ride! You'll love the bike and sounds like you have some great scenery to explore on it. Check out my boxed set of advanced training rides to help you get the best from it and yourself:-)
Hello. I just purchased a slightly used 2018 R1200RT yesterday. Rode it back to my house (500KM away). Excellent! I have ridden sport bikes like Ninjas, CBRs and VFRs. This bike is comfortable and amazing. All the bells and whistles are on it. However, like you, the low speed maneuvers i am working on. The first gear is tall. Getting used to that! I appreciate that also you mentioned that your a Christian!!!! That is the most important item we have in common!
Hi sister! Good to hear from you Debbie, yes we share our faith and love of motorcycling. I only dropped my RT twice, both times at 3mph when practicing slow riding, so my advice is dont! Itll just come naturally once you've ridden it for a while. It's a superb machine for the long distances. If you follow the series, inc my IAM boxed set, you can compare notes ...
I continue to watch your videos as I consider my back to bike opportunity. Its especially good when I recognise all those roads your are riding on. For many years that petrol station was close to where i lived. Done an afternoon back to bike course on a little Kawasaki 125, terrifying and exciting in equal measures. Only served to heighten my desire to get on with it. Will post more when I take the next step.
Hi Just found your channel. I have returned to motorcyling after thirty years. Watched many of your videos. I begin my IAM training July 04th. You inspired me to book. Keep the videos coming. Put each ride into God's hands and also do your bit. Ride safe. God bless Tony
Just came across your video while researching the RT range. I have considered this bike, and still considering it (or it's smaller sister the RS) I was a little worried about the slow speed stuff but your video has reassured me a little. Currently I'm on a Tracer 900 but the big BM is on my list to replace it in a year or two. Subscribed!
The RT is perfect if you intend to ride long distances, luggage and possibly pillion on board. Heavy though @265kg. Inertia, no matter how well engineered, still applies. Glad I owned one though!
Hi Back2TheBike - came across your channel the other day and have been catching up on your journey. Like you I have returned to the joy of motorcycling after a break of 32 years ( once a biker always a biker and so the urge was strong) having trained and passed my DAS in April 2017. From viewing and enjoying your videos I have concluded we think very similarly ( although perhaps not quite so OCD about some things and this is not a criticism but an observation based on your videos). Like you I have a healthy respect for vulnerability as a biker and I am very comforted to know I am not the only one trundling along in car parks practising slow speed manoeuvres ! I also ride a BMW bike and count myself very lucky to be able to do so considering the cost of purchasing and ownership but it is truly a wonderful piece of engineering. I wont ride now until spring other than a few outings to my local car park to keep my hand in over the winter but very much looking forward to my first Euro tour in June 2018 with a work colleague . Anyway thank you for posting the videos and as they say ride safe, especially if you are a winter biker.
Hi Gordon, thanks for watching. The B2TB project is for people like us who are making their way back into the saddle. It's purpose is not so much to offer instruction - I'm not qualified to do so - but share the rediscovery of the bike and everything that goes with it. Hope it helps!
Perhaps a bit late to comment, but its great to see someone coming back to biking after all that time. 37 years is an awfully long time to return to bikes, and it just goes to show that there is never really a time when you should say 'that's it, i'm not going to ride again.' I say 37 years is a long time because, i myself, have just returned to motorcycling after just ten years! The biggest problem i have encountered so far? My body! I have pains in my legs and hips after short rides. I cannot seem to be able to open my legs very far, either. Before i bought the bike, i also watched a few you tube tutorials, MotoJitsu, Roadcraft Nottingham, to name but a few, and i've also owned two previous Honda VFR's before buying this, my third one. Hopefully my body will return to something that i consider normal, if not, then i may be forced to give it up. I m only 47! Thanks for posting all your vids.
Thanks. Id suggest some light exercise and a stretching regime. Maybe pilates. I learned on my journey there are many challenges to be faced and the key is to diagnose and resolve.
@@Back2TheBike Thanks. I've started doing some stretching exercises, and I might have a sit on a few, more upright bikes, see how that feels. I like the thought of riding around on a BMW.
Apologies if this has been covered elsewhere. After 37 years away from bikes, what made you decide to get such a massive machine? When I was looking to get a bike at the start of this year I did loads of research. Nearly everything I read or watched said if you're an inexperienced rider (that's me) or are coming back after a long break (that's you) going straight to a big 1200cc bike is not a great idea. It was actually a difficult process for me. Being 6ft2in, but not wanting to get a bike that a 63-year-old with chronic arthritis couldn't manoeuvre, or worst case scenario pick up off the floor, really narrowed my choices down. I settled for a Kawasaki Versys x300 in the end though after 6 months owning it I sometimes wish I had a bit more grunt. You are obviously a very logical, thoughtful person so you must have a good reason for your choice. I'm intrigued as to what that is though. In my, maybe misinformed, opinion something like a Versys 650 or similar would have allowed your confidence to grow faster and accelerate the learning process. More than enough power for the road and much more forgiving and agile. I see from the other comments that you are not the only one to make the same choices.
Like you Ian I did my research, taking at least 18 months to check everything out. Watch my first 5 films for the thinking, but in brief after waiting so long, I didn't want to invest a large sum of money in something would 'settle' for, then sell 12 months later because I'd outgrown it and lose more cash on the cost of transferring - it had to be my first choice. The key difference between your path and mine to be honest is my decision to commit to a structured programme of advanced training, to mitigate the risk, get the best from the machine, and learn to enjoy it to its full potential.
My first bike was a 1100cc cruiser riding a 1200cc Adventure bike now and looking to get the 1200RT.. There is ZERO issues with starting with a liter bike if you are responsible and not a complete idiot. You have to have respect for the machine, respect for yourself and not drive like an idiot just because the power is there.
Hello sir, New subscriber and fellow R1200 RT. Owner. Same story here born again rider. 38 years since drove a motorcycle untill just 2 weeks ago, still getting the hang off it, and cautious and nervous with it's weight and handling. Glad I found you mate ( sorry not aware off your name ) enjoying your videos shall watch several off them over the coming weeks very helpful. What part off the country are you based, the west midlands. 👍
When touring I always go for the highest octane petrol. A couple of tanks in the UK and continue abroad. Its done the bike no harm and I always get the high 60's mpg.
I like this video of you riding your new BMW. It's a year old but I just happened on it: winter in Canada is not conducive to riding, but great for watching RU-vid vids. Stay safe .
Just came across your channel.... catching up on videos.... nice looking bike. Slow riding is so important. We have long winter seasons over here, so come April, I spend a few sessions in the car park working on slowriding and u-turns. Riding a big Kawi Nomad, thieve sessions are superb for rider confidence. Great channels to watch, in my opinion.... seaflyfisher his masterclass series is awesome... advancedbiker and roadcraftnottingham... fabulous content on those channels. Greetings from an ex-Brit now living in BC.
Glasshousebc Hi and welcome. Agree with you about the car park, I use the local railway station park for mine. This is probably my single greatest need. Thanks for watching.
Hi, when you came back to the bike what did you start on(I’m thinking of doing the same I road a 600, for about 10 years then stopped due to work commitments) also looking at the BMW R1250RT .
MC Rider! Yes! I have his training ap. I plan to buy a (used) BMW R1200 GS this coming Tudeday. MC Rider said he also had a problem with right turns. It was in the video titled: What do you need to work on? Oct 27, 2017. He doesn't get to his own problem with right turns until 12:245, and he explains it starting at 13:45. Very informative.
Good news about your GS - why buy new when you get all the functionality for a fraction of the price? I do like MCRider's teaching style, and wondered about his App ... Thanks for watching :-)
Enjoying watching your vids so far after coming across your channel earlier today! By the looks of it, you not a million miles away from me so never know, we may cross paths one day.
Enjoyed watching your video's lately.. and like your final choice of bike.. thinking of doing the same myself.. Just watching your refuel/slow man. video.. and wondering what the flashing item on your wrist is?
Horses for courses though - you can take your Africa twin some places I can't take the RT. I think it all comes down to how you want to use it, what job it needs to do for you. Thanks for watching!
Well done for practicing, however you seem to be doing your turns all wrong. You don't turn into a corner, you turn away from it just before entering. Just a tiny blip on the bars the opposite way throws the balance of the bike into the corner, so you are leaning effortlessly. You then use the throttle to control the lean, while your body does very little but just goes with the bike. You don't lean off the bike, you lean with it. After a while, this will seem natural and actually fun, because you are using the bike's weight and engine to do all the work while you relax. It might seem scary at first, especially in the wet, but you have to trust the lean angles. Of course in very bad sub zero conditions this goes out the window
Accidents only happen because people ride / drive beyond their own capabilities. As your confidence grows so will your capabilities. Where ever the front wheel is pointed is the direction you will travel, but the most important thing too remember is that new tires should be treated with great care until they have been broken in, and that can take a number of miles; they will be slick, slippery with not much too no grip at all until the fresh new rubber has been roughed up and created road grip. I tip my hat to you, no lesson is a bad lesson if you can walk away from it with something. Like yourself I came back to riding after many many years of self imposed exile (married and had a family) and it is a much different kind of game / animal you are dealing with in the kinds of machines the have and the attitudes of those around you on and off the road. Your mental structure is good; as you are accepting where you are at both in competency and reality. Slowly slowly; an apple can only be eaten one bight at a time. May all your rides be happy ones and your rubber be down on the road with your head above your bike. God bless, cheers Les 🙈🙉🙊
I discovered your videos whilst hunting for information on the RT1200 RT , now im well sold on getting a BMW ;) ,,,,, what i want to ask is what is the thing on your right wrist i saw flashing whilst you were fueling up ???
Nowt wrong, your riding within your comfort zone that's good, keep your eyes up and if possible use a gear lower than you think you should, also look well ahead, miles=smiles! It gets easier.
Thanks for the advice John, sounds good to me. Keeping your eyes up sounds a bit like a batsman watching the ball, vital. Thanks for the encouragement !
I was with you on just putting 95 in but bike had a slight cough in 1st, several re mapping by BMW didn't seem to sort it....i put 97 in and must have cleared some deposit, so always 97 now. Most people put one tank of 97 to five tanks of 95.
Absolutely loving your vids. Beats Eastenders / Coronation St any time !! I would thoroughly recommend the IAM and the RoSPA. Go for Gold (Class 1) !! You will learn so much doing this training 👍 All the best and take care. Alan
Hi you have picked a fabulous bike I have been looking for about 3 months trying to decide what bike to get I’m 99 percent sure I will end up with the rt a friend of mine have one and keeps telling me how good they are he takes is to bmw Northampton where he brought his bike and still gets it serviced there ever though he lives in Shropshire he pays about 275 for a service which I think is fab anyway enjoy your bike I will be watching to see how you get on take care garry from Aylesbury
Wollastons seem very fair to me, although they couldn't get anywhere near the price I finally paid for my RT, which came from Hunts Manchester. They sell a lot of BM's and I'd certainly go back there again. The service and aftercare has been first class. Let me know what you do Garry!
I will let you know when I get my new bike probably be about March but i will check out hunts website if I can pick up a good deal I will get one now thanks garry
A quick glance threw this up, I doubt a BMW dealer could beat it ... www.usedbikeshuntsmotorcycles.co.uk/used-bikes/bmw-r1200rt-1200-rt-manchester-201704064154699
Hello, Sir. I wonder if your video was edited. The reason I ask is because I was surprised at how little time you spent practicing your turns. For a 23 minute video, I expected some 20 minutes of that to be actual practice. I mean, I've watched several videos on youtube where instructions are given on how to practice certain skills, and those videos spend way more time doing the drills than your whole training session. I'm not trying to be disrespectful, just wondering. Anyway, I enjoy your videos, Sir. Keep them coming. Ride safe!
Fair point, but I thought it would be too boring to put it all on video. I did two sessions (found a school car park a bit later) of slow riding on the ride, spending 10 mins on each. Baby steps! I appreciate the feedback CapnWolf :-)
Good to hear you did practice more than what was shown in the video. I understand how that might seem boring to some. To some of us, though, it would have been quite interesting, a learning experience. Baby steps, indeed! =) Thanks for your reply! Looking forward to the next videos!
H David and welcome to B2TB. Yes I do, although not when above 5mph when it's light as a feather. I was initially very tempted by the VStrom, a lovely bike and probably the more logical choice, but thought I'm only going to do this once so let's go for it ! I've now passed my IAM test and am feeling relatively confident but still have some catching up to do.
SAM PRIZE when you have zero confidence, you are always unsure and it requires rechecking over and over and over. These European drama queens aren’t fun to watch doing anything. Always complaining, always exaggerating. Especially motorcyclist- everything is a close call, even ten feet away and just none stop nonsense.
Hi Paul, Neil here, and welcome back on board. I suggest you take it easy, short rides to begin with. Focus on a few specific things only, then home safe. Get the feel of the bike, then sign up for IAM ASAP. Also subscribe to the Seaflyfisher channel and start at Masterclass #1.
No. If you go to my video list you'll see the whole story. Briefly, a back to the bike training day with Honda, 5 test rides taking it very easy, then bought the RT. Gave it a few months to learn the basic feel then signed up the IAM.
A familiar story. I last rode in the late 80s and now that the children are (mostly) grown up, I just purchased an R1200RT. Mine is an older model, price played a part since I still have a couple of college educations left to pay. I'm doing a similar training program. For now I am mostly riding around the neighborhood and low speed manoeuvres in the parking lot of the community pool. I looked at the R1200 because most of my friends who ride that I talked to are BMW riders, currently a GSA and a K1200. I found a good deal and managed my RT a couple of weeks ago. I have taken a trip or two further out through town, but still keeping it relaxed. Other than the drive from the dealership which was a dual carriageway ride of 20 miles at 80MPH, I've managed a more relaxed 25-30 around town while I work riding reps. I was surprised though, the ride home was far more relaxed than I expected. I'll catch up on your other videos over the coming weeks.
Hi Clifford. My experience was identical. The key is to build up slowly, get some advanced rider training, and get to know the bike in short, repeatable drills. Thanks for tuning in!
It's the remote for my Ghost S helmet camera, very nifty too. I baffled by all the flashing lights though, purple, red, green and yellow. More stuff to learn !
If you want to improve I would run a self commentary as you are riding. I.E look ahead and say aloud what hazards or potential hazards you can see and then adjust your position speed gearing appropriately. And this is not negative criticism but focus less on talking TO the camera about general things when riding and focus on what you can see and hear and then talk yourself into better position etc. Saying it aloud makes you focus more on what you what to achieve.
Thanks for the tip, and I agree 100% with your advice. My mentor told me off for chatting when I should be concentrating, and now (about 12 months later and having passed my IAM exam) I regularly commentate the ride.
@@Back2TheBike congrats on passing the IAM. Being able to analyse and critique your own rides is vital to continually improve....No matter how experienced a rider is. All part of the fun, and when your on an R1200RT even better!
@@kingbourbon8618 Absolutely. I got a F1rst (see the film in the IAM boxed set), but felt still had (and still have) a lot to learn, making it habitual. The F1rst demo'd I can ride to a decent standard for an hour, but the challenge for 2019 is to make it the way I ride every day. I've been greatly helped by SeaFlyFisher, ex pro, who Masterclass videos are the best on YT IMHO.
Hey Thanks..After 35 years since my last Bike, I too picked up an R1200RT ( 2005) and am in Training / Reacquainting mode now as you were...So I have Watched several of your videos over the past 2 months, and have also found MCRider, and Motojutsu ( IG@Motojuitsuclub) helpful...Also a few others. KEITH CODE and Ienatsch Training Material in various RU-vid Channels...Thank you again ..IG@sunshine rich
planning to buy the rt myself, waiting for the promotions that goes with the auto-motor salon in Brussels January. Really looking forward to it and i guess first time i'll be sitting on it and driving it, i won't be relax either ;)