BMW Rookie to Rider and F850GS
Discussion
Hi all,
Hope everyone's well.
I've recently passed my motorcycle theory test and am looking to now complete my full license through Direct Access.
I'm seriously considering the BMW Rookie to Rider scheme; it looks like a good training course, there's a facility within 40mins of me and I'm considering a BMW F850 GS so all would tie together nicely.
I wonder if any of you have experience of the scheme and / or the F850 GS?
Any comments appreciated.
Thanks
Hope everyone's well.
I've recently passed my motorcycle theory test and am looking to now complete my full license through Direct Access.
I'm seriously considering the BMW Rookie to Rider scheme; it looks like a good training course, there's a facility within 40mins of me and I'm considering a BMW F850 GS so all would tie together nicely.
I wonder if any of you have experience of the scheme and / or the F850 GS?
Any comments appreciated.
Thanks
Not an 850, but went for the 750 as it was more road-oriented (although I have tried a couple of dry green lanes on it). I've been very happy with it and it suits the type of riding I enjoy -s
tty condition country roads - it's fantastic and seems to take big bumps at any speed (though I borrowed another one as a courtesy bike when mine was being serviced and it wasn't as good)
I wanted something with cornering ABS to provide a safety net for any newbie hamfistedness and this was one of the cheapest ways to get that. Torquey engine, though I wouldn't mind a bit more top end (which the 850 might provide) and the tech works pretty well. I bought some 2nd hand panniers, which were great for going on holiday or commuting with. Only downside really is that headlight is pap for twisty roads at night (fine on the straight, but utter blackness as you lean into a bend)
tty condition country roads - it's fantastic and seems to take big bumps at any speed (though I borrowed another one as a courtesy bike when mine was being serviced and it wasn't as good) I wanted something with cornering ABS to provide a safety net for any newbie hamfistedness and this was one of the cheapest ways to get that. Torquey engine, though I wouldn't mind a bit more top end (which the 850 might provide) and the tech works pretty well. I bought some 2nd hand panniers, which were great for going on holiday or commuting with. Only downside really is that headlight is pap for twisty roads at night (fine on the straight, but utter blackness as you lean into a bend)
I got my licence through DAS in 2015 not through the rookie to rider but through a highly recommended rider training centre around about 20-25 miles from where I lived. It wasn't in the city so ended up being much cheaper and I'd probably guess easier to pass too.
Thanks to Ewan and Charley I wanted a GS. So I was set on getting an F800GS. I went to place my order at the dealer and finally sat on one... it was WAY too tall, I'm 5' 11" and would have been on tip toes, not at all suitable for a newbie. I ended up getting an F800R I absolutely loved it! I ended up sticking 24000 miles on it in 2 years
such a forgiving (important for a new rider) and comfortable bike. Definitely underrated.
Thanks to Ewan and Charley I wanted a GS. So I was set on getting an F800GS. I went to place my order at the dealer and finally sat on one... it was WAY too tall, I'm 5' 11" and would have been on tip toes, not at all suitable for a newbie. I ended up getting an F800R I absolutely loved it! I ended up sticking 24000 miles on it in 2 years
such a forgiving (important for a new rider) and comfortable bike. Definitely underrated.KenJ said:
Hi all,
Hope everyone's well.
I've recently passed my motorcycle theory test and am looking to now complete my full license through Direct Access.
I'm seriously considering the BMW Rookie to Rider scheme; it looks like a good training course, there's a facility within 40mins of me and I'm considering a BMW F850 GS so all would tie together nicely.
I wonder if any of you have experience of the scheme and / or the F850 GS?
Any comments appreciated.
Thanks
So basically tying you in to debt through their selling portals. Hope everyone's well.
I've recently passed my motorcycle theory test and am looking to now complete my full license through Direct Access.
I'm seriously considering the BMW Rookie to Rider scheme; it looks like a good training course, there's a facility within 40mins of me and I'm considering a BMW F850 GS so all would tie together nicely.
I wonder if any of you have experience of the scheme and / or the F850 GS?
Any comments appreciated.
Thanks
The actual trainer no doubt will be a rider school that they have a deal with.
Why do you need a GS850?
I did two days, mod 1/mod 2 and changed what I wanted like the wind with every bike I threw a leg over whilst there that they let me take a spin on. Do you really NEED a brand new main dealer financed bike that no doubt needs expensive BMW service visits or a overpriced used main dealer bike?
Don't get me wrong I think the 850 is a great bike bit you don't know yet what style of bike you'd actually like yourself.
Don't go for a look. Stay flexible.
iidentifyaswoke said:
One thing I hate, it bikes with stupid seat heights. The F850GS has a stupid seat height. Might be ok if you are well over 6ft and have long legs.
Just given back my lease 850 GS and it’s a tall bike. I’m 6ft 2 and found it high, plus found it a pain to manoeuvre the bike as it’s heavy. After a poor CBT experience with a local company last April, I decided to search out a more ‘competent’ training organisation for my DAS. After quite a bit of research, I signed up for a 5-day DAS with BMW Rider Training in Royston.
In short, the entire experience was just brilliant (and I’m very hard to please….).
As you would expect, the training facility felt very ‘BMW’ (corporate branding, display bikes, nice coffee, you get the picture). The safety clothing supplied was BMW branded and very high-quality stuff and furthermore everything was spotlessly clean (if not new). In addition, they had more bikes than my local Motorrad dealer and they could swap seats for hight / comfort etc. making sure the fit was perfect even before commencing any training.
But in some respects, all the above is the easy part (with enough money, of course). What set this team apart for me was the quality of the instruction, it was simply exceptional. The instructors were all qualified and could instruct at levels way above DAS and that came through during the week. The entire week was very well structured and the training incrementally built day by day to get you to where you needed to be. But be clear, intensive 5 day courses are hard work, and you have a lot of pressure on passing the Mod 1 mid-week.
The other thing that stood out for me was the general attitude of the instructors. My Mod 2 test was around 11.00am on the fifth and final day. By about 13.00 both my training partner and I had secured Mod 2 passes and technically we were done for the week, but no, our instructor was eager to fully use the final afternoon to give us an introduction to advanced riding. He didn’t need to do that, but they are just so positive about training and the benefits it brings.
Overall, the course might be a few quid more expensive than others, but I doubt you will find better.
And finally. I’m 6’4 tall and although I can flat foot the F850GS with ease, it still felt too tall for me as a first bike. I decided to go with the F750GS and earn my stripes before progressing on to something else in the future.
Good luck and I hope you enjoy your DAS experience as much as I did…!
In short, the entire experience was just brilliant (and I’m very hard to please….).
As you would expect, the training facility felt very ‘BMW’ (corporate branding, display bikes, nice coffee, you get the picture). The safety clothing supplied was BMW branded and very high-quality stuff and furthermore everything was spotlessly clean (if not new). In addition, they had more bikes than my local Motorrad dealer and they could swap seats for hight / comfort etc. making sure the fit was perfect even before commencing any training.
But in some respects, all the above is the easy part (with enough money, of course). What set this team apart for me was the quality of the instruction, it was simply exceptional. The instructors were all qualified and could instruct at levels way above DAS and that came through during the week. The entire week was very well structured and the training incrementally built day by day to get you to where you needed to be. But be clear, intensive 5 day courses are hard work, and you have a lot of pressure on passing the Mod 1 mid-week.
The other thing that stood out for me was the general attitude of the instructors. My Mod 2 test was around 11.00am on the fifth and final day. By about 13.00 both my training partner and I had secured Mod 2 passes and technically we were done for the week, but no, our instructor was eager to fully use the final afternoon to give us an introduction to advanced riding. He didn’t need to do that, but they are just so positive about training and the benefits it brings.
Overall, the course might be a few quid more expensive than others, but I doubt you will find better.
And finally. I’m 6’4 tall and although I can flat foot the F850GS with ease, it still felt too tall for me as a first bike. I decided to go with the F750GS and earn my stripes before progressing on to something else in the future.
Good luck and I hope you enjoy your DAS experience as much as I did…!
Hugo Stiglitz said:
You're not wrong there on the BMW engine 
my R1200RT is trusty but if you asked for a characteristic? I'd struggle.
I think that post was referring to BMW parallel twins, rather than the boxer twins. I know, as I own one of the BMW parallel twins my R1200RT is trusty but if you asked for a characteristic? I'd struggle. 
I just love boring; often I use it to go to the supermarket to buy some tofu and a copy of the Guardian. I owned an F850GS for 3 years. Part exchanged last week for another KTM. Probably written about the F850 on here before.
Firstly it’s nothing like the older 800s. Totally different engine and bike so not comparable. I probably wouldn’t recommend an F850GS as a first ‘big’ bike, they’re very tall and carry the weight quite high.
On the plus side mine was brilliant. They’re comfy, great on the broken A and B roads we have in the U.K as well as being a great motorway bike. It’s not fast but it is ‘brisk’ enough, with plenty of torque. 21 inch front wheel doesn’t matter at all, handling is excellent and the wide bars encourage throwing it into a corner and using the low down shove to pull you out. Excellent touring machine too, comfy for a pillion and luggage. Up and down quickshifter is great, very well designed provided you don’t use it 1-2. Wheels are great quality and even the suspension is ok(ish) for a standard bike.
Downside are few. ‘Road’ mode is basically broken. You need the ‘Dynamic’ to enable a normal, usable throttle response. The engine is quite mechanically noisy, not an issue but it can be a bit clattery. Engine is made by Loncin so you get the occasional ‘how’s your Chinese bike?’ but didn’t bother me.
Firstly it’s nothing like the older 800s. Totally different engine and bike so not comparable. I probably wouldn’t recommend an F850GS as a first ‘big’ bike, they’re very tall and carry the weight quite high.
On the plus side mine was brilliant. They’re comfy, great on the broken A and B roads we have in the U.K as well as being a great motorway bike. It’s not fast but it is ‘brisk’ enough, with plenty of torque. 21 inch front wheel doesn’t matter at all, handling is excellent and the wide bars encourage throwing it into a corner and using the low down shove to pull you out. Excellent touring machine too, comfy for a pillion and luggage. Up and down quickshifter is great, very well designed provided you don’t use it 1-2. Wheels are great quality and even the suspension is ok(ish) for a standard bike.
Downside are few. ‘Road’ mode is basically broken. You need the ‘Dynamic’ to enable a normal, usable throttle response. The engine is quite mechanically noisy, not an issue but it can be a bit clattery. Engine is made by Loncin so you get the occasional ‘how’s your Chinese bike?’ but didn’t bother me.
Hi all,
Thanks for all the responses so far, it's much appreciated.
Regarding the Rookie to Rider, I've done some more research and the training centres used get excellent reviews (incl. from one or two on here). Furthermore, you don't have to sign up to finance with the BMW dealer, it can be a cash transaction so at least I wouldn't be tied in on a lease or PCP. I appreciate it would be more expensive than other DA courses, but it does seem the level of training is to a very high standard.
Thanks for all the advice about the 850GS. On the face of it, it does seem like a good bike, if a little tall. I'm over 6ft and sat on one in the showroom and could get both my feet flat on the floor, however, I totally appreciate this isn't similar to riding out on the road.
I think someone asked what I wanted to use the bike for, basically a mixture of a few things. I want something comfortable which is able to soak up whatever British, potholed roads can throw at it. I also don't want something overly fast, i.e. not a sports bike. I want something I can 'grow' into and which I won't get bored with after a year or two. Also, once I get more proficient at riding, I'd like to do some off-road tours, maybe even some abroad, so want a bike which could handle off-road terrain as well as on-road. I live near to the Peak District, so some (gentle) green laning might be quite fun too.
Once again, thanks all for the replies, advice and comments / feedback
Thanks for all the responses so far, it's much appreciated.
Regarding the Rookie to Rider, I've done some more research and the training centres used get excellent reviews (incl. from one or two on here). Furthermore, you don't have to sign up to finance with the BMW dealer, it can be a cash transaction so at least I wouldn't be tied in on a lease or PCP. I appreciate it would be more expensive than other DA courses, but it does seem the level of training is to a very high standard.
Thanks for all the advice about the 850GS. On the face of it, it does seem like a good bike, if a little tall. I'm over 6ft and sat on one in the showroom and could get both my feet flat on the floor, however, I totally appreciate this isn't similar to riding out on the road.
I think someone asked what I wanted to use the bike for, basically a mixture of a few things. I want something comfortable which is able to soak up whatever British, potholed roads can throw at it. I also don't want something overly fast, i.e. not a sports bike. I want something I can 'grow' into and which I won't get bored with after a year or two. Also, once I get more proficient at riding, I'd like to do some off-road tours, maybe even some abroad, so want a bike which could handle off-road terrain as well as on-road. I live near to the Peak District, so some (gentle) green laning might be quite fun too.
Once again, thanks all for the replies, advice and comments / feedback
I did Rookie to Rider with BMW in Royston. Can’t recommend it highly enough. Their own training pad, new bikes and gear, top instructors. And little things like hiring the Mod 1 area for an hour so you can practice Mod 1 on the very same facility you’ll do the actual test on.
You leave with a bike licence but more importantly the focus on safety stays with you.
The guys I did mine with had ordered GS 310s and all changed their minds and switched their orders to bigger bikes.
You leave with a bike licence but more importantly the focus on safety stays with you.
The guys I did mine with had ordered GS 310s and all changed their minds and switched their orders to bigger bikes.
KenJ said:
Hi all,
Thanks for all the responses so far, it's much appreciated.
Regarding the Rookie to Rider, I've done some more research and the training centres used get excellent reviews (incl. from one or two on here). Furthermore, you don't have to sign up to finance with the BMW dealer, it can be a cash transaction so at least I wouldn't be tied in on a lease or PCP. I appreciate it would be more expensive than other DA courses, but it does seem the level of training is to a very high standard.
Thanks for all the advice about the 850GS. On the face of it, it does seem like a good bike, if a little tall. I'm over 6ft and sat on one in the showroom and could get both my feet flat on the floor, however, I totally appreciate this isn't similar to riding out on the road.
I think someone asked what I wanted to use the bike for, basically a mixture of a few things. I want something comfortable which is able to soak up whatever British, potholed roads can throw at it. I also don't want something overly fast, i.e. not a sports bike. I want something I can 'grow' into and which I won't get bored with after a year or two. Also, once I get more proficient at riding, I'd like to do some off-road tours, maybe even some abroad, so want a bike which could handle off-road terrain as well as on-road. I live near to the Peak District, so some (gentle) green laning might be quite fun too.
Once again, thanks all for the replies, advice and comments / feedback
If you think the process suits you then go for it. One of the most important things I can see that's not mentioned here is it will create a relationship between you and your local dealer, who will know that you're a rookie, as well as a paying customer, and be there to answer questions, silly, basic or otherwise. PH is good, but sometimes it's good to speak to someone face to face. Thanks for all the responses so far, it's much appreciated.
Regarding the Rookie to Rider, I've done some more research and the training centres used get excellent reviews (incl. from one or two on here). Furthermore, you don't have to sign up to finance with the BMW dealer, it can be a cash transaction so at least I wouldn't be tied in on a lease or PCP. I appreciate it would be more expensive than other DA courses, but it does seem the level of training is to a very high standard.
Thanks for all the advice about the 850GS. On the face of it, it does seem like a good bike, if a little tall. I'm over 6ft and sat on one in the showroom and could get both my feet flat on the floor, however, I totally appreciate this isn't similar to riding out on the road.
I think someone asked what I wanted to use the bike for, basically a mixture of a few things. I want something comfortable which is able to soak up whatever British, potholed roads can throw at it. I also don't want something overly fast, i.e. not a sports bike. I want something I can 'grow' into and which I won't get bored with after a year or two. Also, once I get more proficient at riding, I'd like to do some off-road tours, maybe even some abroad, so want a bike which could handle off-road terrain as well as on-road. I live near to the Peak District, so some (gentle) green laning might be quite fun too.
Once again, thanks all for the replies, advice and comments / feedback
F850GS would do the job you have in mind, I predict you "growing" into it's bigger brother later though!
I watched the Nottingham Roadcraft YouTube review of the Honda CB750 Hornet yesterday.
They plugged themselves as Honda approved Trainers. Train with them and you get a £500 voucher off a Honda motorcycle bringing the Hornet without options down to £6500.
I think training with any Honda approved Trainer will get the £500 off a new Honda voucher.
They plugged themselves as Honda approved Trainers. Train with them and you get a £500 voucher off a Honda motorcycle bringing the Hornet without options down to £6500.
I think training with any Honda approved Trainer will get the £500 off a new Honda voucher.
Edited by carinaman on Thursday 2nd March 12:26
carinaman said:
They plugged themselves as Honda approved Trainers. Train with them and you get a £500 voucher off a Honda motorcycle bringing the Hornet without options down to £6500.
I think training with any Honda approved Trainer will get the £500 off a new Honda voucher.
BMW Rider Training also give you a voucher for £500 off the smaller G 310 bikes or £1000 off anything bigger (F750GS) upwards once you pass the final Mod 2.I think training with any Honda approved Trainer will get the £500 off a new Honda voucher.
Edited by carinaman on Thursday 2nd March 12:26
Granted the discount is off the retail price but I doubt you would get a discount that big on the 750/850's.
If you actually intend to buy a new BMW bike, it makes the BMW Rider Training DAS a bit of a no brainer IMO.
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