Congrats on taking your first steps to a lifetime of riding passion.

Those older Boxers are a blast to ride.

Below is my standard response for newer riders, to help build skills and confidence as you embark on an amazing adventure:

Advice to New Riders

Motorcycling can be a lifelong passion, but you have to be smart about it and remain ever vigilant.

The training mentioned below is mostly US-based, but there are similar courses around the world, and most of the books/videos will apply no matter which side of the road you happen to ride on.

My best advice for newer riders: understand that motorcycling is a skill, and focused training and proper practice can make you a better, smoother, safer rider.

Experienced riders understand the Fundamental Truth of riding: Motorcycles aren't automatically dangerous (despite what naysayers will repeat ad nauseam), but they are quite unforgiving of mistakes.

Every rider has to know their own skill level (regardless of the bike they're riding), but it's sometimes hard to know just where that skill level is. And even harder to learn how to raise that skill level without putting yourself and others at serious risk.

As a kid, you didn't just jump on a bicycle and head directly out into the busy street, did you? I imagine you were given a small starter bicycle, maybe with training wheels, and you rode around the driveway or backyard until you got better at balancing, steering, and stopping. Then the training wheels came off, and you graduated to bigger bicycles as your skills grew.

Motorcycling is much the same. Start small, build your skills and your confidence, then progress as your time, experience, and budget allows. Most of that has to be done on the bike, of course, but there are several good resources that you can use during the down time to help improve your understanding of motorcycle physics and best riding practices.

And when you are riding, your entire attention should be focused on the ride. No distractions, no stressing about work or family or relationships or life. And no riding impaired under any substance, legal, illegal, or otherwise. You have to focus 100% of your energy on the road. Remember, your #1 goal is to make it safely to your destination, no matter what the road throws at you.

Side note: When you're out on the road, legal Right of Way means nothing if it means that you get hit by some idiot who's not paying attention. Being legally right is for courtrooms afterwards, whereas simply recognizing and avoiding the dangerous situation before it happens is a much better way of staying safe.

It bears repeating that ATGATT should be your normal mode right from the beginning. This brings us to another Fundamental Truth about riding: Pavement hurts, but with the right gear, you can walk away relatively unscathed. Remember, it's much easier to repair/replace a broken motorcycle than a broken person...

But it's better not to crash, obviously, which is where skills training comes in.

Focused, professional training from a qualified instructor is always worth your time and effort. Having a skilled professional trainer watch you from outside and critique your style is invaluable in reaching that next skill level, and in building confidence.

Even after 4 decades and around 600,000 miles on two wheels, I still take regular training courses and track days, still read up on riding skills and accident avoidance, and still "practice" on every single ride. It's what keeps you safe out there.

On a side note, ABS is a great thing to have on a motorcycle. It just sits there unobtrusively, unless you need it during an emergency braking situation when it kicks in and can easily save your ass. Like ATGATT, it can be the difference that lets you walk or ride away from an incident.

The MSF offers their Basic Rider Course and Advanced Rider Course, which are well worth the small time and money commitments. Some riders might already be at that point, or beyond, so they'd be looking towards developing more advanced riding skills, as mentioned below.

Riders of any skill level can start with Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well, More Proficient Motorcycling: Mastering the Ride, & Street Rider's Guide: Street Strategies for Motorcyclists by David Hough. Then move on to Twist of the Wrist I & II by Keith Code and Smooth Riding - the Pridmore Way by Reg Pridmore.

Many of the ideas and techniques explained above can be practiced locally. Just find a large empty parking lot if you're in the city, or a lonely side road if you're out in the country, and try to recreate what the books are telling you.

And if you're interested in doing much longer rides, you should read Don Arthur's excellent Fatigue and Motorcycle Touring, which I re-read before every extended multi-day ride.

Then continue with the Twist of the Wrist I & II videos (can also be found on YouTube).

And don't forget some helpful websites, such as The Pace, The Pace 2.0, The Fine Art of Braking, and TrackDoD Novice Group Orientation.

That will set you up for a skills-based track day such as Ride Smart, where the point isn't to "win" or to "put a knee down" but rather to expand your riding skill set by practicing all the above ideas in a safe and controlled environment, with immediate feedback from qualified instructors.

You can also look at instructor-based training, such as Lee Parks Total Control program. And there are a few other places that offer one-on-one training as well.

Skills-based track days and private training can be found all over the country, if only you search for such things.

And when you're done perusing all of the above information, then sit down and watch On Any Sunday, On Any Sunday 2, and On Any Sunday, The Next Chapter

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That should keep you busy for a while.

And remember to enjoy the ride...

I bought this headlight on Amazon for $70.

Here’s a before pic.

Bonus GoPro shot.

I’m happy to answer any questions. The light was just plug-and-play, but I’ll answer any questions about the bike itself. It’s pretty awesome.

The fender is the next to go. Then maybe the handle bars/grips.

^(To future readers, since posts can stay on the front page of this sub for weeks, please feel free to ask questions, even when this post is old.)

Has she read "The Perfect Vehicle"? May I suggest reading the Foreward (not available in the preview): "But the rider has never known fear quite like the one when riding just ahead is the object of deep affection." It's very moving and might provide the ever-so-slight shift needed for a willing passenger to become a willing rider. I love my wife holding on to me (or me onto her) but there's real magic when I see her riding beside. It's a long-distance, very intimate, and very public dance.

Just trying to put one more rider on the road, and help loving partners find one more shared activity.

I know what u mean, mine definitely sticks up a bit above the lip of the plate, BUT... It really is no big deal once it's on there. Like, it's not falling off, and even those bolts end up making a nice little 45° to the kickstand, it looks pretty good in the end and for $18.00CN, (AKA 00.43¢ American), I can't really complain. Don't notice it at all, only thing I WISH was the case is that those bolts were black. Otherwise, solid product that helps for when I don't wanna use my centre stand.

I've got a 2013 F800R, and for those who want to know: Plate Link

ATOPLITE BMW moto LED Headlight High/Low Beam with Angel Eyes DRL Assembly Kit and Replacement Headlight For BMW F650GS/F700GS/F800GS F800ADV F800R https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074QVSVMT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2KvZCbR8ZQZ83

I’d also recommend this headlight if you feel like splurging a bit. Considerably brighter than the original and it makes the bike look a lot newer.

I just recently got this one for my R1150R with top and side cases and windscreen and I'm pretty happy with it.

I finally gave up on the adjustment for now and ordered this. Hopefully it will fit. The same item is available elsewhere as a "Harley shift lever puller" at about twice the price. :)

• Two RAM Balls mounted to the upper triple tree clamps
  
• Two RAM Arms (5") pointing out left & right
  
• iPhone XS Affixed to a MotoPowerPuck (wireless Qi Charger) held by aHondo Garage Perfect Squeeze mount
  
• InReach SE mounted toGarmin's USB Charger
  
• Sargent Seat Heated controller
  
• GoPro Remote mount(behind iPhone)
  
• Sena Remote control (far left affixed with rubber grippy material to the spacer left of grips)
  
• BurnsMoto Dual USB Hella DIN Port
  
• Grip Puppies
  
• Machineart Moto ADVance Handguards
  
• SW-Motech Mirror Extenders(I have wide shoulders)
  
• Touratech Collapsible Adventure Mirrors

Like others have said. RAM mount is the best but if you wanna go cheap I've been using one of these for years with an iPhone 7 Plus....
Aduro U-GRIP PLUS Universal Bike, Motorcycle, Handlebar, Roll Bar Mount for Smart Phones, Apple iPhone 6 / 6 Plus / 5 / 5S / 5C / 4 / 4S, Samsung Gala https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V54CLNO?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Yea its faster than some but slower than some cars. I have the gs for some commuting and light trail use. I got a cheap aftermarket windshild and it actualy looks great with the styling of the bike.

I have an older edition of this one. Not super detailed per se, but great photos and general info that gets kinda detailed.

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B06XHDYTGL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_toZAofWYNpKPX

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^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

It can be done with $80 - $100 in parts.

What to buy:

1. Buy this OBD2 dongle ($50)
   
2. If your 1200GS is older with a circular OBD2 port (vs. trapezoid), buy this adapter cable ($22)
   
3. Download the MotoScan app. Buy the Pro license AFTER verifying the app works in step 3 below (~$28)
   
   You will need an Android device - some suggest buying a cheap <$50 Android tablet, or find one to borrow.
   
   

   What to do:
   

   
   

4. Download the official app for the dongle. It doesn't work with motorcycles, but you need it to check and update the firmware.
   
5. Connect the dongle to a car and follow instructions to pair it to your Android phone using the official app. Check the firmware version is ≥4.3 or later and do a FW update if one is available.
   
6. Move the dongle to your motorcycle (using the adapter cable if required). Turn the bike on, and fire up the MotoScan app. Like the official app, select the OBDLink LX in settings, and make sure the app sees the dongle. Select Engine Electronics > Identification and verify that MotoScan is able to read ID info. Live Data might not work until you purchase a license; if the app can read ID info, then your setup is working.
   
7. Purchase the Pro license - now you can perform a service reset (under Instrument Cluster I think).

I wouldn't buy a overpriced manufacturer specific motorcycle dolley. I would look out for a general purpose dolley like this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B006ZB8SCK/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=all , and buy a separate front and rear stand that fits your bmw model if needed. All of this together should cost around 150$.

If you do have lots of money to throw around, then the linked product looks fine from a quality perspective.

Try this...
I use mine for anything over 2 hours of riding and it helps a lot. I want a custom seat eventually but it is low on the list of expenses right now...

https://www.amazon.ca/MadDog-Gear-Coleman-Comfort-Protector/dp/B006JMK7N8

I leave the clips in place when it is off so it is easy to pit on and off and the clips are not in the way when off

https://imgur.com/gallery/vfS1R

BEAMTECH H11 LED Headlight Bulb, 50W 6500K 8000Lumens Extremely Brigh H8 H9 CSP Chips Conversion Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XHDYTGL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_toZAofWYNpKPX